The Average Cost of a Kitchen Remodel in Philadelphia

Are you sick of looking at ancient appliances, dated cabinetry, or tile and backsplash choices that land you smack in the middle of another decade? You are probably considering remodeling your kitchen. But what does a kitchen remodel cost in Philadelphia?

It’s a good question. And the answer depends largely on how big your kitchen is, how much work you need or want done, and what kind of new fixtures and appliances you choose. No two jobs are alike.

According to the Remodeling 2018 Cost vs. Value Report, a midrange minor kitchen remodel in the Philadelphia area may cost around $23,940, while a midrange major kitchen remodel could cost around $70,511. If you plan to go the upscale route, a major kitchen remodel could cost around $135,560.

Of course, what your kitchen remodel will cost depends on your specific situation. Your kitchen redo might be a total gut job, or maybe you want to keep some appliances or the cabinets. To find out more about what your kitchen remodel cost in Philadelphia and its suburbs would be, get in touch with us today to get the conversation started.

Below, we’ve put together a list of some aspects of a kitchen remodel, so you can begin to think about the options and materials involved.

1) Labor

You probably think of those gorgeous granite countertops and high-end stainless steel appliances as being the costliest aspects of a kitchen remodel. But labor will likely be where you’ll spend the largest chunk of money. Plan for 60 percent of your kitchen remodel cost in Philadelphia to be for labor.

If your kitchen is older, as many in the Philadelphia area are, you’ll likely need some new plumbing and electrical work. Also know that knocking down walls to create a more open kitchen design can increase your costs if you need to install a beam to carry the load.

Curious whether an open-concept kitchen is right for you? Read up on the open-concept kitchen, and whether it fits your lifestyle.

You’ll also want to plan for the unexpected. Your design/build team will need to bring things up to code for safety and compliance reasons. There may even be a leaky pipe or old termite damage that you want repaired while the walls are opened.

2) Cabinets

There are cheap cabinets out there, and there are more expensive ones. Consider your options when it comes to cabinetry, and remember if you have sticker shock that quality makes a real difference. You don’t want to choose cheap cabinets, only to have them fall apart prematurely. Avoid particle board boxes and choose solid plywood. Look for dovetail joints on drawer boxes and not glue and staples. Look for quality hardware including heavy duty full extension drawer slides and soft-close hinges.

At the low end, plan to spend $5,000 to $10,000 for basic stock cabinets for a small to medium kitchen. At the other end of the spectrum, custom cabinets are great for unique spaces, and can give your kitchen a high-end look. Depending on the quantity of cabinets, wood species, type of hardware, and other factors, expect to spend from $20,000 to $30,000. Going with full custom cabinetry in a larger space can cost even more than that!

3) Appliances

No matter what your style, or cooking ability, there are appliances out there to meet your needs, budget, and style. If you love to spend time in the kitchen cooking and baking, consider going all-out on restaurant-quality kitchen appliances.

While stainless steel is always a popular choice for appliances, the latest trend is for color to be making a comeback. Budget $8,000 and up for appliances. But don’t choose something just to be trendy, unless you plan to sell immediately. It’s better to choose something you will enjoy for years and not get tired of.

If you want a whole slew of information on appliances, head over to our blog on the seven best kitchen appliances for your kitchen remodel.

4) Countertops

Possibly one of the most exciting aspects of a kitchen remodel is choosing your countertops. A range of options exist these days, to match whatever style and look you’re going for. Some popular kitchen countertop choices include:

–       Quartz

–       Granite

–       Laminate

–       Concrete

–       Wood

–       Marble

–       Glass

–       Soapstone

Some choices require more care than others, so consider how you and your family use your kitchen, and what upkeep you’re willing to do, when making your selection. Countertops can cost anywhere from $4,000 up, depending on the material you choose and how much countertop footage you need.

5) Flooring

From hardwood flooring to tiles designed to look like wood, kitchen-flooring options run the gamut. Think about whether you prefer the look of tile, wood, or even linoleum. Flooring prices vary by material, but you should expect to spend from $3,000 up for an average sized kitchen.

6) Lighting

Lighting is often one of the forgotten elements of a kitchen remodel. But a well-planned project includes thought into the types of lighting available, and not only what will look nice, but what will function best for your space.

–       Track lighting

–       Recessed lighting

–       Pendants

–       Chandeliers

–       Task lighting

You can spend a few hundred to a few thousand dollars on lighting, depending on your needs and tastes. It’s best to have a lighting designer involved who is familiar with the myriad of options available. Ask your design / build team to provide one.

As we mentioned before, what your kitchen remodel will cost depends on your home, tastes, and budget. Looking to start the conversation? Then, look us up. Once you do, download Prepare for an in-home consultation with Cottage Industries.