Update Small Kitchen

Ideas, costs, tips and plans - the information you need for a successful Small Kitchen Makeover project

December 2021

Homeowners have many important questions about their Small Kitchen Makeover Project. How much will it cost? How long will it take? What problem areas do I need to watch out for? Can I recover my Small Kitchen Makeover investment when I sell? Can I do some of the work myself? What can I do to make sure that the work is done right?

Costs, materials and best practices for the example Small Kitchen Makeover project will help you answer these questions. Use this information to develop a budget, bid requirements, hiring contracts and a project plan.

Small Kitchen Makeover - Project Overview

The approximate costs and value of a typical Small Kitchen Makeover project are summarized below. Use higher estimates for larger metropolitan areas and the lower estimates where home prices are below the national average. Adjust costs for substitutions or refinements in the last section. For size differences of up to 25%, scale total costs in direct proportion to the size of your project. Use the adjusted costs as a basis for setting a material budget and for comparing contractor bids (if you choose to have a professional perform the work).

Project descriptionReplace cabinets, flooring, countertops, plumbing fixtures, lighting and appliances. Use above average, quality grade materials, fabrication and finishing detail.
Project size120 square foot kitchen
Material and labor cost$24,174 - $28,203
Material cost$12,204 - $14,238
Do-it-yourself assessmentThe typical Small Kitchen Makeover project involves tasks that are best performed by experienced professionals. Good quality Small Kitchen Makeover requires considerable experience, skill and attention to detail. Do it yourself mistakes are noticeable, may be difficulty to remedy and may actually reduce the market value of the project and your home.
First year Return on Investment - ROIResults vary widely and can be affected by the range of home prices in your neighborhood, the overall condition of your home and sensible design choices. A high quality Small Kitchen Makeover project in an appropriate neighborhood can return 93% or more of its initial cost.
First year Return on Investment - ROIActual returns vary widely and are affected by the range of home prices in your neighborhood, the overall condition of your home and sensible design choices. A good quality Small Kitchen Makeover project in the right neighborhoods can return 61% - 72% of its initial cost.
Green ratingSmall Kitchen Makeover projects can employ renewable resources and environmentally friendly materials. Existing components can often be recycled or reused. Efficient lighting, insulation and appliances can create a substantial reduction in energy utilization.

Small Kitchen Makeover - Project Plan and Details

The following list includes major work tasks commonly performed during Small Kitchen Makeover. Use this list to understand the timing and sequence of different steps in the Small Kitchen Makeover project. Click any Task name for a complete written specifications, FAQs and quality checklist for the task - this essential information will help you control Small Kitchen Makeover project cost and quality.

Do you expect to spend more than $250 on your Small Kitchen Makeover project? If so, it is important create and manage a detailed plan for all project activities.

TaskService ProviderTimeDifficultyBasic Cost Range
Produce Kitchen Remodeling PlansKitchen Designer5 to 15 d$771 - $1,288
Prepare Kitchen Remodeling BudgetGeneral Contractor3 to 5 d$578 - $966 per project
Install Can LightingElectrician1 to 3 d$211 - $361
Repair DrywallDrywall Contractor1 to 2 d$156 - $263
Install Kitchen CabinetsFinish Carpenter1 to 2 d$337 - $610
Install Trim MoldingFinish Carpenter1 to 2 d$5.40 - $9.41 per linear foot
Paint KitchenPainting Contractor1 to 3 d$5.74 - $9.79 per square foot
Install Tile CountertopTile Installer6 d$14.31 - $25.21 per square foot
Install Laminate FlooringFlooring Contractor1 d$8.68 - $14.90 per square foot
Install Wall OvenAppliance Service and Repair Technician1 d$1,282 - $2,350
Install Vent HoodAppliance Service and Repair Technician1 d$371 - $656
Install Under Cabinet LightingElectrician1 to 2 d$353 - $597
Install Kitchen SinkPlumber1 d$350 - $590
Install Waste DisposalPlumber1 d$370 - $656
Install Closet OrganizersFinish Carpenter1 d$84 - $145 per square foot
Install RangeAppliance Service and Repair Technician1 d$721 - $1,317

Small Kitchen Makeover - Proven Ideas and Project Tips

Review these tips, design suggestions, options and lessons learned before finalizing your Small Kitchen Makeover project plan.

  • To maximize return on the Small Kitchen Makeover project, limit cost to no more than 16% of home's total, post project value
  • Match appliances and fixtures to electrical circuit, hot water and gas capacities
  • Use recessed storage organizers to consolidate minimize storage space
  • To reduce Small Kitchen Makeover costs, do not install flooring under base cabinets or permanent appliances
  • Perform major Small Kitchen Makeover work with permits to help protect value at resale time
  • Use bright lighting to make a small room appear larger
  • Raise the ceiling to increase the volume and feel of spaciousness in a small room
  • Use narrow depth, ceiling height cabinets to maximize storage space in a small room

Hiring Local Professionals

How to hire a trustworthy pro contractor for your project

Our FREE hiring guide helps you hire wisely, get quality craftsmanship and understand fair pricing for your specific project.



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