Kitchen remodel budgets vary more than almost any other home improvement category. A cosmetic refresh in a 1970s galley kitchen and a full structural rebuild of the same space can differ by $30,000 or more. This article breaks down where the money actually goes, based on projects Craftwork Renovations has completed in the Portland metro area since 2014.

The Three Cost Tiers

Most kitchen remodels fall into one of three tiers. A cosmetic update, which includes new cabinet doors, hardware, countertops, and paint, typically runs $8,000 to $14,000. A mid-range remodel with new semi-custom cabinetry, new appliances, and tile backsplash runs $18,000 to $32,000. A full gut-and-rebuild with custom cabinetry, structural changes, and high-end fixtures can reach $45,000 to $65,000 or more. The tier you land in depends mostly on whether you are changing the layout and what grade of cabinetry you choose.

Where the Money Goes

Cabinetry is typically the largest single line item, accounting for 30 to 40 percent of a mid-range kitchen budget. Countertops are second, with quartz slabs from Portland Stone & Tile running $65 to $110 per square foot installed. Labor, including demolition, installation, and finishing, usually represents 25 to 35 percent of the total. Appliances, plumbing fixtures, and electrical work make up the remainder. Permit fees through the City of Portland Bureau of Development Services add $400 to $900 depending on project scope.

What Drives the Price Up

Layout changes are the biggest cost driver. Moving a sink requires rerouting drain lines. Moving a wall may require a structural engineer's assessment and a new beam. These are not reasons to avoid the changes, but they need to be priced honestly. Unexpected subfloor damage, discovered during demolition, is another common cost addition. We document any surprises with photos and discuss options before proceeding. Custom cabinetry, as opposed to semi-custom or stock, adds $4,000 to $12,000 depending on the kitchen size.

How to Get an Accurate Estimate

The most useful thing you can do before calling a contractor is to have a rough sense of what you want to keep and what you want to change. If you know you want to keep the existing layout but replace everything else, that narrows the scope considerably. Bring photos of kitchens you like, even from magazines or design sites. When we do an on-site estimate, we measure the space, assess the existing plumbing and electrical, and give you a written breakdown within 48 hours. There is no charge for the estimate on projects over $1,000.

A kitchen remodel is one of the more complex home improvement projects, but it does not have to be opaque. If you have questions about what a specific scope might cost, reach out and we will give you a straight answer.