First, people always ask, “What does it cost to remodel a small kitchen?” Like it’s got one answer. It doesn’t. That’s the truth. It depends on what you’re doing, how you’re doing it, and who’s doing it. But I’ll give you numbers, real ones, not those national average fluff articles.
If you’re in Waukesha County or nearby, and you want a small kitchen done right, you’re looking at anywhere from $18,000 to $35,000 on average. It could be less. It could be more. Depends.
Why the Cost Jumps Around So Much
Here’s what moves the needle:
- Cabinets: Big ticket. Box store cabinets are cheaper. Custom-built, soft-close, full-extension drawers that run more. You want good cabinets? Expect to spend $6K–$15K of your budget here.
- Countertops: Laminate vs. quartz vs. granite. You pick. $800 for laminate or $4,000+ for stone. Your call.
- Flooring: Tile, LVP, hardwood, these all change the total. Tear-out adds cost, too.
- Electrical & Plumbing: If you’re moving stuff around (like the sink or stove), budget more. That’s where costs sneak up.
- Appliances: Are you reusing what you’ve got? Cool, save money. Buying new? That can add $3K–$10K, depending on brand and number.
- Permits & Codes: Yes, you need permits. Yes, you need someone who knows code. Skip this, and your “cheap” remodel gets really expensive later.
When to Do It
If you’re already dealing with cracked tile, water damage behind the sink, broken drawers, or bad layout, don’t wait. The longer you wait, the worse it gets. Mold, rot, and unsafe wiring. I’ve seen it all. Fixing problems during a remodel is always cheaper than an emergency later.
Fall and winter are good times. Less wait time for contractors, and we’re not jammed up with exterior work.
How It’s Done (Real Talk)
Here’s what we do when we take on a small kitchen remodel:
- Demo: Tear everything out. Sometimes we find old rot or bad wiring. That’s extra, but you want it found now, not after you’ve paid for cabinets.
- Layout Changes: If you’re keeping the same layout, great. You save money. If you want to move plumbing and electrical, we’ll reroute, but that’s where it costs more.
- Cabinets & Countertops: Measured, ordered, and installed correctly. No gaps. No weird filler pieces that don’t match.
- Flooring, Paint, Trim: We finish clean. Not rushed. No shortcuts with caulk and paint.
- Final Walkthrough: We don’t leave until it’s right. We’re not the guys who vanish after “mostly done.”
Common Mistakes That Cost You
- Chasing deals: Don’t go for the cheapest. If your guy can do the job for half the price of everyone else, he’s either skipping steps, using junk materials, or not paying his crew right. You’ll pay for it eventually.
- Trying to DIY the hard parts: Sure, paint your walls. But don’t mess with gas lines or electrical unless you’re licensed.
- Not planning for surprises: There’s always something hiding behind the walls. Plan on 10–15% extra in your budget. Not because we want more because stuff happens.
- Picking trendy over practical: Open shelves look nice on Instagram. In real life? Dust magnets. Be smart with your choices.
What Happens If You Cut Corners
This is where it gets real. I’ve seen customers hire someone cheap, then call us to fix the mess. We’ve had to rip out brand-new cabinets because they weren’t level. I’ve seen drywall soaked behind sinks because someone skipped waterproofing. Once you put in a bad kitchen, fixing it later is harder and costs more than doing it right the first time.
Final Word
Small kitchen remodels aren’t small decisions. They cost real money, and they change how you live in your home. If you want a remodel that lasts—and looks good in five years, not just five minutes, you’ve got to do it right. That’s what we do. We don’t sugarcoat it. T & J Remodeling just built it right, start to finish. So call us at +1 262-352-9525 and get a free estimates that work for you.
