How Much Does a Kitchenette Cost to Install? [2024 Data]
Normal range: $9,750 - $19,500
The average cost of adding a kitchenette is $15,750. However, prices can range between $7,500 to $30,000 depending on its size and features.
The average cost to add a kitchenette is $15,750, including installing electrical systems, plumbing, cabinetry, walls and floors, and appliances. Your kitchenette project may cost between $9,750 and $19,500, depending on the size, the quality of the materials and appliances, and whether electrical or plumbing connections are already in place.
If you want to move a family member into your finished basement or transform a backyard studio into a short-term rental property, adding a kitchenette is a smart move that also increases the value of your home. Consult a kitchen remodeler for pricing based on your project specifications, but start by using our guide to estimate the cost.
- Average
- $15,750
- Low end
- $7,500
- high end
- $30,000
Cost Breakdown of a Standard Kitchenette
The cost of a kitchenette varies from $150 to $300 or more per square foot. If you already have plumbing and electrical lines and outlets nearby, you'll save significantly on this figure. However, if you want a high-end kitchenette with extra features and luxury appliances, expect to pay substantially more.
According to the New York City building code, the space used must be 80 square feet or less to be classified as a kitchenette. While there's no minimum size for a kitchenette, they're rarely under 50 square feet because there must be enough room to prepare food and store cookware.
Based on these minimum and maximum sizes, here's what you can expect to pay to install a kitchenette.
Size
| Kitchenette Size in Square Feet | Cost Range | Average Cost |
|---|---|---|
| 50 | $7,500–$15,000 | $11,300 |
| 60 | $9,000–$18,000 | $13,500 |
| 70 | $10,500–$21,000 | $15,800 |
| 80 | $12,000–$24,000 | $18,000 |
Countertops
Countertops vary in price based on the type of countertop material. The table below shows how much you can expect to pay per square foot, including installation for some of the most popular countertop materials.
| Material | Cost Range per Square Foot | Average Cost per Square Foot |
|---|---|---|
| Granite | $25–$170 | $97 |
| Soapstone | $30–$100 | $65 |
| Marble | $25–$220 | $122 |
| Quartzite | $50–$200 | $100 |
| Slate | $30–$90 | $60 |
| Limestone | $20–$100 | $60 |
| Travertine | $21–$65 | $43 |
| Engineered Stone Quartz | $25–$100 | $62 |
| Corian | $30–$105 | $67 |
| Acrylic | $23–$60 | $41 |
| Laminate | $40–$80 | $60 |
| Ceramic | $11–$58 | $35 |
| Concrete | $60–$130 | $95 |
| Wood | $28–$68 | $48 |
| Butcher Block | $25–$65 | $45 |
| Stainless Steel | $70–$130 | $100 |
| Copper | $100–$175 | $137 |
Cabinetry
The cost to install kitchen cabinetry ranges from $100 to $1,500 per linear foot, depending on the type and style of cabinet. This estimate also includes the price of cabinet installation. High-end hardwoods, rare reclaimed woods, and custom, handcrafted units sit at the top end of this range. The labor for custom units costs at least three times more than the labor associated with stock units.
Backsplash
When choosing a stylish kitchen backsplash, you’ll need to consider the costs of different materials. For tile backsplashes, you'll pay $25 to $36 per square foot, including materials and installation. Standard ceramic tile backsplashes cost the least, at an average of $25 per square foot. Stone and glass both fall in the middle, with a typical cost of $30 and $32, respectively. Stainless steel tile backsplashes are the most expensive, at an average price of $36 per square foot.
Flooring
The flooring installation price for your kitchenette ranges from $3 to $22 per square foot.
| Flooring Type | Cost per Square Foot | Average Cost per Square Foot |
|---|---|---|
| Wood | $5.50–$21 | $13 |
| Laminate | $3.20–$9 | $6 |
| Vinyl and Linoleum | $3–$12 | $7 |
| Tile | $4.50–$22 | $13 |
| Wood Tile | $3–$13.50 | $8 |
| Carpeting | $4.50–$14 | $9 |
Labor
You’ll likely need to hire several types of professionals to complete your kitchenette installation. Aside from hiring a local kitchen remodeler, consider the cost of hiring these pros to complete your project:
Electrician: $50–$100 per hour
Plumber: $45–$200 per hour
Handyperson: $60–$140 per hour
Flooring Installer: $3–$7 per square foot
Tiler: $4–$25 per square foot
Construction Manager: 5%–15% of the project total
Prep
If you plan to add a kitchenette to your basement or in an area with hard-to-reach plumbing, your contractor might need to run pipes underground. If so, you’ll pay additional labor fees and costs. For example, concrete removal costs between $540 and $1,680, and pouring a concrete slab will cost an additional $3,600 to $7,200.
Permits
If you are making any structural changes to your kitchen, such as moving a load-bearing wall, you may pay up to $1,000 for a permit. Whether you need any permits and how much they'll cost depends on where you live, and the project’s scope and location in (or out of) your home.
Individual Cost Factors When Adding a Kitchenette
When adding a kitchenette, you’ll also need to consider the additional costs for appliances, plumbing, electrical, and more. Here is what you can expect to pay for these upgrades:
Appliances
Because space is limited, a kitchenette usually includes only a handful of appliances. The price range for these appliances varies considerably. Here are some of the most common appliances and their price ranges (including the cost of installation):
Microwave: $60–$1,440
Toaster Oven: $25–$800
Mini Refrigerator: $100–$300
Dishwasher: $250–$3,500
Electric Cooktop: $360–$1,800
Under-Cabinet Lighting: $230–$300
Plumbing
Installing new plumbing runs anywhere from $400 to $2,000. Other plumbing costs may include:
Plumbing pipework installation: $2–$10 per linear foot
Sink installation: $100–$1,600
Hiring a plumber for other tasks: $45–$200
Electrical
New electrical wiring costs $8 to $12 per linear foot, and adding new outlets costs $100 to $185 each. If there are already electrical lines running close to where you're adding your kitchenette, the kitchenette build-out will be faster, simpler, and cost you less. If new wiring runs a significant distance, such as for an accessory dwelling unit (ADU), you can expect to pay between $6 and $8 per linear foot to install grounding wires. You may also need to install a new electrical panel, which will run between $520 and $2,100. Not only will the cost of installation increase, you may also need to replace affected drywall.
Hanging new drywall costs $1.50 to $3 per square foot, including installation. For any other electrical work, such as wiring in new appliances, hiring an electrician costs $50 to $100 per hour.
Building a Kitchenette Yourself vs. Hiring a Pro
Anything involving electricity or plumbing requires a licensed professional, especially if the work in question requires a permit. Because installing a kitchenette involves significant plumbing and electrical work, plus a fair amount of construction work for the cabinetry and countertops, it's worth outsourcing the project to a professional kitchen remodeler.
Handy homeowners can save some money by DIYing certain aspects of the project. For instance, you can do some finishing work yourself, such as laying flooring, adding a tile backsplash, and installing cabinets or countertops. Doing so can save as much as $45 to $200 per hour in labor fees.
However, hiring a kitchen remodeler will ensure that all parts of your kitchenette installation run smoothly and that the job is done correctly from the get-go. If you make a mistake during a DIY installation, you'll have to hire a professional to fix your mistakes, so it's best to lean on the pros from the start.
Tips to Reduce the Cost Of Adding a Kitchenette to Your Home
Although adding a kitchenette to your home can become cost-prohibitive, there are ways you can save, including:
Opt for less cabinetry
Select pre-made cabinets instead of custom cabinetry
Go for less countertop space
Choose less expensive countertop materials
Eliminate the number of appliances
Choose less expensive appliances
Don’t add costly upgrades, such as a wine fridge
Forego a backsplash or stencil your own
Get at least three quotes from local kitchen remodelers
Frequently Asked Questions
Generally, a food preparation space under 80 square feet is classified as a kitchenette. To be classified as a full-size kitchen, the space should be greater than 80 square feet. Another significant difference is the cost. While a kitchenette averages $9,750 and $19,500, a full kitchen remodel will cost $14,615 to $41,420.
A kitchenette provides a practical and functional yet compact space for food preparation. Kitchenettes are popular choices in studio apartments, as well as in basements, annexes, or converted outbuildings. You’ll also find that kitchenettes mainly include a refrigerator, sink, and microwave. Anything else, such as a hot plate, stove, toaster oven, wine fridge, or pizza maker, is extra.
Usually, a kitchenette does not have a stove. But if you have the space, you could add a small stove. If you choose to install a stove, you’ll also need to add an exhaust fan. You can expect to pay an average price of $750 to install an exhaust fan. That’s why you'll commonly see kitchenettes with countertop hotplates instead.
Any kind of kitchen remodel increases your home’s value, including a kitchenette. Kitchenettes provide additional space to cook, store snacks and drinks, and entertain, and you’re also creating another living area. Adding a kitchenette guarantees a great return on investment when you plan to sell your home, and it can be a major selling point to future buyers.
Yes, you can add a kitchenette to a basement. However, you’ll have to consider the costs associated with basement kitchenettes. If you’re starting from scratch in an unfinished basement, you’ll need to account for brand-new plumbing, electrical, flooring, and more in addition to the cost of the kitchenette. If you’re putting a kitchenette in an already finished basement equipped with plumbing and electrical, you’ll save considerable money.