Home Services
Kitchen & Bath Remodels
Kitchens and bathrooms drive the most resale value and the most cost overruns. Understand realistic budgets, where the money actually goes, and how to vet a remodeler.
Kitchen and bathroom remodels consistently top the list of homeowner regrets — not because the work was bad, but because budgets blew up. Knowing what a midrange vs. high-end remodel really costs in your region is the single best defense against scope creep and change-order surprises.
Regional cost comparison
Figures are widely cited industry averages compiled from contractor surveys, trade publications, and consumer-reporting databases. Your real quote will vary by home size, materials, accessibility, permits, and local labor rates.
| Service | Northeast | South | Midwest | West | National avg |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Minor kitchen refresh (paint, hardware, counters) | $12,000–$22,000 | $9,000–$17,000 | $10,000–$18,000 | $13,000–$24,000 | $10,000–$20,000 |
| Midrange kitchen remodel (200 sq ft) | $45,000–$78,000 | $32,000–$58,000 | $35,000–$62,000 | $48,000–$85,000 | $38,000–$70,000 |
| High-end kitchen remodel (custom cabinets, stone) | $95,000–$175,000 | $72,000–$140,000 | $78,000–$150,000 | $110,000–$200,000 | $85,000–$170,000 |
| Midrange full bath remodel (5x8) | $18,000–$32,000 | $13,000–$24,000 | $14,000–$26,000 | $19,000–$34,000 | $15,000–$28,000 |
| Primary bath remodel (custom shower, double vanity) | $38,000–$72,000 | $28,000–$55,000 | $30,000–$60,000 | $42,000–$80,000 | $32,000–$65,000 |
When to hire a pro
- Moving plumbing, gas, or load-bearing walls
- Full cabinet replacement and countertop fabrication
- Tile shower pan and waterproofing work
- Electrical service upgrades or new circuits
- Any permitted structural or layout change
When DIY is OK
- Painting cabinets and walls
- Swapping faucets, hardware, and light fixtures
- Installing a new toilet on existing rough-in
- Peel-and-stick backsplash on a powder room
- Refinishing a vanity top with epoxy kits
Kitchen & Bath Remodels guides
Kitchen Remodel Cost Breakdown: Where the Money Actually Goes
Cabinets, counters, labor, appliances — a line-item look at a $50K midrange remodel and where to flex the budget.
Read guideBathroom Remodel Cost by Scope: From Refresh to Full Gut
What a cosmetic refresh, a midrange remodel, and a full gut-and-rebuild each actually cost — and which delivers the best return.
Read guideKitchen Cabinet Buying Guide: Stock, Semi-Custom, and Custom
What each tier actually delivers, lead times, and how to read a cabinet spec sheet.
Coming soonCountertop Materials Compared by Cost and Durability
Quartz, granite, butcher block, soapstone, and ultra-compact surfaces — installed pricing and real-world wear.
Coming soonWalk-In Shower vs. Tub Replacement: Costs and Resale Impact
When converting a tub to a shower helps resale — and when it quietly hurts.
Coming soonHow to Vet a Remodeler: License, Insurance, and Reviews
The 8 verification steps that separate professional remodelers from the ones who disappear mid-project.
Coming soonKitchen and Bath Permit Guide: What Triggers a Pulled Permit
Why skipping permits can derail a future sale — and what your remodeler should be filing.
Coming soon