Aug 12, 2025
The cost of a kitchen remodel depends on the extent of the changes you’re planning to make. If you’re looking to do a smaller upgrade, like replacing counters or appliances, the price might be lower. But if you’re changing the layout or moving electrical or plumbing lines, it can quickly get expensive.
You may already have your ideal kitchen in mind. Maybe it’s where your family eats together every day. It’s where your parties naturally tend to gather. It’s the room where most of your conversations take place. You might want it to feel bigger and brighter in order to be more inviting and a comfortable place to relax.
Whatever improvements you’re planning, the cost of your remodel is likely to be a deciding factor. The first step in planning your kitchen remodel is to know what you want to achieve and then estimate the overall cost. Once you know if you can afford it, you can decide how to pay for it. If you find that you’ll need a kitchen remodel loan, you’ll want to explore your financing options.
The typical cost of remodeling a kitchen can range from less than $10,000 to well over $100,000. The overall expense can depend, for example, on the size of the project and how many appliances you want or need to replace.1
There are effective ways to help control the cost of a kitchen remodel without sacrificing quality or style.
Instead of getting brand-new cabinets, you can just update the ones you already have. This means adding new cabinet doors, applying a new veneer or paint, or swapping out the hardware. It usually costs a lot less. On average, refacing costs about $2,100 compared with roughly $6,400 for replacements.2
Not moving electrical, plumbing, or gas lines can help you save money. Major structural changes may require licensed professionals. The labor involved with those upgrades can be expensive.
You may find attractive options that cost less. If you want to save money on countertops, for example, think about using materials such as ceramic tile, laminate, or quartz. For flooring, hardwood is popular, but it can be pricey—as much as $45 per square foot. The cost will depend on the material and labor.3 Options that may be a better fit for tighter budgets include vinyl, bamboo, or cork.
If you’re comfortable doing some of the work yourself, you can save on costs. But remember, plumbing, electrical, and gas work require licensed professionals in many locations. Can you replace a backsplash or apply a fresh coat of paint? These are activities that some homeowners could safely handle themselves to help balance their budgets.
There are several ways to cover the cost of your kitchen remodel. The right solution depends on how much money you have, the size of the project, and when you plan to get started. You may find that one payment option, or a combination of several, best fits your budget.
If your savings are large enough, you might use some of those funds to pay for the remodel. It’s important, though, to avoid dipping into your retirement or emergency savings funds. These accounts are meant to protect your long-term financial security and provide a safety net in case of unexpected expenses. If you can delay your project, consider setting a savings goal and figuring out what you can set aside each month.
Using credit cards may be an attractive alternative. They may be immediately available, and they allow you to spread out payments over time. Keep in mind, though, that if you’re paying with a credit card, you’re adding to your revolving debt. This can lead to an increase in the amount of interest you pay, so if you can’t pay the bill in full, your carefully budgeted project could end up costing you more than you intended.
If you need to borrow a large amount of money for your kitchen remodel costs, borrowing against the value of your home may be a good option. With a home equity loan you borrow a fixed amount against the equity in your home. Or you might consider a home equity line of credit (HELOC). This is a revolving line of credit based on the value of your equity in your home. Since these are types of secured loans, the interest rates charged may be lower than on other types of loans.
For many kitchen remodels, a convenient option may be a personal loan. A personal loan can be used for nearly any expense. Since many personal loans have a fixed interest rate and a set regular monthly payment, they can be easier to build into your budget.
With Discover® Personal Loans, you can borrow between $2,500 and $40,000. You choose how long you’d like to repay your loan—from 36 up to 84 months . Funds can be sent as soon as the next business day after your acceptance . And 87% of surveyed customers told us their Discover personal loan was simpler than their other financial options .*
No matter how you choose to pay, remodeling your kitchen can help make your home more comfortable and enjoyable. It might even add significant value if you ever decide to sell. With some smart planning and careful budgeting, you can create a kitchen you’ll embrace for years to come.
Want to learn more about paying for your dream kitchen?
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The information provided herein is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be construed as professional advice. Nothing contained in this article shall give rise to, or be construed to give rise to, any obligation or liability whatsoever on the part of Discover Bank or its affiliates.
* ABOUT SURVEY
All figures are from an online survey conducted in September 2024. A total of 736 Discover personal loan customers were interviewed about their most recent Discover personal loan with 546 of them using the funds to consolidate debt. All results @ a 95% confidence level. Respondents opened their personal loan between January and July 2024 for the purpose of consolidating debt. Agree includes respondents who ‘Somewhat Agree’ and ‘Strongly Agree.’
