How Much Does a New Kitchen Installation Cost? [2024 Data]

Kitchen Installation Cost Breakdown

These are the main factors to consider when budgeting for your kitchen installation cost.

Types

The type of kitchen you’re building significantly impacts your project cost, with a regular home kitchen typically being the most expensive. Building an outdoor kitchen costs anywhere from $6,100 to $25,000, while a simple kitchenette in a supplementary living space generally costs around $45,600.

Size

The size of your kitchen plays a significant role in determining the installation cost. A new kitchen typically costs $100 to $300 per square foot, and a remodeled kitchen ranges from $75 to $250 per square foot. Larger kitchens with more cabinetry, countertops, and appliances will naturally require more materials and labor, impacting the final price. 

Materials

The choice of materials greatly influences the cost of a kitchen installation. High-end or custom materials will cost significantly more than low-cost and non-custom items. For example, quartz countertops cost less than granite in most cases, and solid wood cabinetry will be more costly than wood veneer or laminate.

Labor

Plan to budget around 25% of your project cost to cover labor for your kitchen contractor. Rather than charging an hourly rate, a local kitchen remodeling contractor will typically charge a percentage of the total project cost.

Prep

If you’re building a new kitchen from the ground up, you’ll also need to budget for essential prep services like running electrical lines, setting up plumbing, and running gas lines if you’re adding a gas-powered stove. Depending on the setup, if these utilities are already installed and ready to go, you can save roughly $500 to $2,000 or more. 

Kitchen Installation Cost by Project

Here are a few individual projects to consider with your kitchen installation cost:

• Kitchen cabinet costs: $2,000–$10,600

• Countertop installation costs: $1,900–$4,400

• Sink installation cost: $220–$650

• Kitchen faucet cost: $160–$370

• Garbage disposal installation cost: $100–$1,500

• Tile backsplash cost: $500–$1,700

• Tile flooring costs: $400–$6,500

• Appliance costs: $350–$8,000

• Light fixture costs: $160–$950

Additional Costs to Consider

Photo: eurobanks / Adobe Stock

Be sure to consider these additional expenses when planning out your kitchen installation cost.

Appliances

Home appliances cost anywhere from $2,200 to $26,500, depending on size, brand, and age. Basic kitchen appliances include a stove, microwave, refrigerator, and dishwasher. Purchasing high-end appliances or various tabletop appliances can increase significantly.

Lighting

Kitchen lighting expenses vary based on your kitchen lighting ideas, type of lights, number of lights, and whether you DIY the installation. Installing overhead lighting can cost anywhere from $100 to $500 or more. For added task lighting and a modern look, you can also consider budgeting for the cost of under-cabinet lighting, which costs $230 to $300 per light.

Plumbing Fixtures

Don’t forget to budget for essential plumbing fixtures to keep your kitchen running smoothly.  Installing a sink costs between $220 and $650 on average. You might also want to budget for the cost of a garbage disposal, which costs between $150 to $950.

Finishing Touches

Once the basic foundation of your kitchen is built, you can start designing a backsplash pattern, picking out kitchen paint colors, and making the space your own. Budgets vary for this aspect of the project, so it’s best to map out what you want and prioritize costs accordingly. Decorative touches are the best area to DIY and save, since you’ll only be working on aesthetic changes rather than structures or utilities.

Cost to Build a Kitchen Yourself

The average DIY kitchen installation costs roughly $46,000 to $94,000 or more, depending on the size and scope of the build. Keep in mind that many aspects of building a kitchen, such as installing countertops and cabinetry, are very challenging and potentially hazardous to undertake without the proper skills and experience. That’s why this type of project requires hiring a local kitchen contractor who can manage the build from start to finish, including making material selections, other pro recommendations, and staying within budget.

DIY vs. Hiring a Pro

If you DIY your new kitchen installation, you’ll save roughly 25% off your total project cost, averaging between $16,000 and $32,000. However, a lot can go wrong when attempting to DIY this project—for example, improperly installed cabinetry can fall and cause costly damages, and countertops can crack if they’re not leveled and attached correctly. Always hire a professional kitchen contractor rather than DIYing to ensure everything is safe and secure.

Cost of Common Kitchen Add-Ons

Below are some common add-ons that you may want to factor into your budget:

• Cost to build a pantry: $1,100–$2,900

• Kitchen island cost: $3,000–$5,000

• Kitchen designer cost: $4,300–$29,000

• Soft-close drawers cost: $40–$100 each

How You Can Save Money When Building a Kitchen

Follow these tips to cut costs when budgeting for this big-ticket project.

• Determine a budget before starting the project and stick to it. Avoid unnecessary splurges and prioritize based on function and need.

• Choose factory stock cabinets with standard kitchen cabinet dimensions over custom builds.

• Check out thrift stores and architectural salvage yards for unique, affordable finds.

• Plan an efficient layout to minimize plumbing and electrical changes.

• Obtain multiple quotes from contractors and suppliers to find the best deals and negotiate prices.

• Opt for energy-efficient appliances and lighting to save on utility bills in the long run.

Ginny Bartolone contributed to this piece.