Expect the cost of galley kitchen remodeling to fall between $8,100 and $31,600 for 100 square feet or an average of $16,200, depending on materials and design style.
Imagine brewing coffee, making dinner, and entertaining guests in a beautiful new kitchen that fits your needs and style. If you are daydreaming about renovating and wondering how much a galley kitchen remodel costs, our guide breaks down what you can expect to spend. Typically, it will cost between $16,200 for a simple remodel of a small galley kitchen and up to $31,600 or more for a high-end remodel or large galley kitchen renovation. Your total project cost depends on the extent of the remodel, the size of your kitchen, and whether you do some of the work yourself.
The cost of your galley kitchen renovation depends heavily on what you decide to renovate, the finishes you choose, and who you hire to complete the work. Here are the main components of a kitchen remodel and how much they cost.
On average, a galley kitchen remodel costs $150 per square foot but can range from $75 to $250 or more per square foot. The price depends on the materials, appliances, finishes you choose, and whether you change the layout of your kitchen.
The average size of a galley kitchen is about 100 square feet compared to a single-story home's average kitchen size of about 160 square feet. So, if you have a smaller kitchen, you may spend less on a remodel; if you have a large kitchen, expect to spend more. A small kitchen remodel costs $12,750 on average.
The materials you choose make a big impact on your kitchen remodel cost. If you opt for higher-end items, it will be more expensive. For example, quartz countertops cost between $1,500-$12,000 for the average kitchen, whereas laminate countertops average between $800-$1,650. Keep that in mind when budgeting for your galley kitchen remodel.
Here are the common aspects to consider:
Flooring: $300-$2,200
Windows: $75–$1,500 each
Countertops: $800–$12,000
Cabinets: $100 and $1,200 per linear foot
Tile backsplash: $15–$40 per square foot
Lights: $30–$1,000 per fixture
Pot filler: $150–$3,000
Sink: $220–$650
Labor costs depend on the type of work and how many hours it takes for a contractor to finish the remodeling project. While you can do some kitchen remodeling yourself, such as demo or painting, you’ll want to hire out specialty jobs like plumbing and electrical work.
It’s often best to hire a kitchen remodeling contractor who can manage your kitchen renovation project and hire subcontractors to handle specialty work. You may also want to hire an architect or interior designer to help you plan your new kitchen design and layout. Here are the average labor costs you can expect to pay:
| Contractor | Cost |
|---|---|
| General contractor | 10%–20% of your total budget |
| Kitchen designer | $50–$200 per hour |
| Plumber | $45–$200 per hour |
| Electrician | $50–$100 per hour |
| Flooring installer | $3–$22 per square foot |
| Interior painter | $20–$50 per hour |
New appliances range in size, style, and quality. What you select for your galley kitchen remodel plays a huge role in your costs. You’ll also need to factor in the cost of labor to install it, unless you install it yourself. The average costs for major appliances are:
Refrigerator with freezer: $900–$8,000
Dishwasher: $250–$3,500
Stove and oven: $350–$15,000
Range hood: $100–$2,500
Microwave: $50–$2,000
If you're replacing appliances during your kitchen remodel, you can call a local junk removal company to take the old ones off your hands. Some appliance companies will also offer removal services if you buy a new model. Never try to dissemble your old appliances and dispose of them yourself, because they may contain dangerous materials.
Changing your galley kitchen design increases the cost, especially if you move your gas line or your plumbing fixtures, such as your sink. If you want to open up your space by taking out a wall or a partial wall, you’ll need to account for the labor and materials.
The cost of layout changes is specific to your project. Get quotes from at least three local general contractors to get an idea of the cost for your remodel.
Tackling an entire kitchen remodel yourself is only advised if you’re an experienced DIYer or have similar contracting experience. In most cases, you’ll still want to hire out specialty aspects, such as moving your plumbing fixtures or installing recessed lighting.
For kitchen remodeling, you’ll need tools depending on the task. In the end, hiring a contractor often saves you time, helps you stay on budget, and ensures your new kitchen investment is high-quality and well-built. Mistakes in kitchen renovations can be pricey, requiring you to hire a kitchen remodel pro in the end to fix the issue.
The cost of hiring a local kitchen remodeling pro depends on what tasks you need to do. Usually, a kitchen remodel contractor or general contractor helps manage the project and charges anywhere from 10% to 20% of the total project cost.
There are some foolproof DIY projects you can tackle on your own, though. These include painting, laying flooring, or installing a backsplash.
A smaller budget doesn’t mean sacrificing the kitchen of your dreams. When planning your kitchen renovation, here are some ways to reduce costs:
Choose less expensive options for things such as countertops, flooring, and cabinets. For instance, pick standard kitchen cabinets over custom ones.
Shop around for supplies, appliances, and materials to save on costs.
Do some of the work yourself, such as painting or laying vinyl plank flooring.
Update and remodel what’s important to you instead of tackling every piece of your kitchen.
Cabinets tend to be the most expensive part of a kitchen renovation, accounting for approximately 30% or more of the total project. Flooring and countertop materials can also be more costly parts of your project, depending on the finishes you choose.
A kitchen remodel takes six to 10 weeks on average. Still, it can take longer based on contractors’ schedules, availability of materials and appliances, the size of your kitchen, and the extent of your remodel. You’ll also want to budget for approximately four weeks to plan and design your new kitchen—a critical aspect of any remodel.
Whether you can install a kitchen island in a galley kitchen depends on the size of the kitchen itself. Most often, galley kitchens aren't wide enough for an island because these types of kitchens are commonly in smaller homes. However, in rare instances where a galley kitchen is particularly wide, it may be possible to install an island.
