Thinking about updating your small kitchen but worried about the cost? You’re not alone. Most homeowners want a beautiful, functional kitchen without emptying their savings account. The good news is that small kitchen remodels are more affordable than full-scale renovations, and with smart planning, you can get the kitchen you want while staying on budget.
In this guide, we’ll break down exactly what you can expect to pay for a small kitchen remodel in 2025, where your money goes, and proven ways to save without cutting corners.
What Counts as a Small Kitchen?
Before diving into costs, let’s define what we mean by “small.” A small kitchen typically measures between 70 and 100 square feet. Think of a standard 10×10 foot space—that’s about the size of a small bedroom. These compact kitchens are common in apartments, condos, starter homes, and older houses built when kitchens weren’t the heart of the home.
Average Small Kitchen Remodel Cost in 2025
Small kitchen remodels typically cost between $9,000 and $25,000, with most homeowners spending around $12,750 to $16,000. Where you land in that range depends on your choices for materials, how much work you do yourself, and whether you’re doing a simple refresh or a complete overhaul.
Let’s break this down into three budget tiers:
Budget-Friendly Remodel ($9,000-$15,000)
This level gets you a fresh, updated look without major changes. You’ll keep your existing layout, which saves big on plumbing and electrical work. Here’s what fits in this budget:
- Paint cabinets instead of replacing them
- Install laminate countertops
- Add vinyl or laminate flooring
- Update hardware and fixtures
- Refresh with new paint and lighting
- Keep existing appliances or buy budget models
This tier works great if your kitchen layout already functions well and you mainly want a cosmetic update. Many homeowners are surprised how much difference these changes make.
Mid-Range Remodel ($15,000-$25,000)
This sweet spot budget lets you make more substantial upgrades while still being cost-conscious. You might include:
- Semi-custom cabinets or cabinet refacing
- Quartz or solid surface countertops
- Better quality vinyl plank or tile flooring
- One or two new mid-range appliances
- Upgraded lighting fixtures
- Tile backsplash
- New sink and faucet
At this level, you’re getting quality materials that will last for years without the premium price tag of luxury finishes.
High-End Small Kitchen Remodel ($25,000+)
Want the best of everything in your small space? This budget includes:
- Custom cabinets with specialty features
- Natural stone countertops (granite or marble)
- Hardwood or high-end tile flooring
- All new stainless steel appliances
- Designer fixtures and hardware
- Custom backsplash work
- Possible layout changes
Even luxury remodels cost less in small kitchens simply because you’re buying fewer materials than you would for a large space.
Small Kitchen Remodel Cost Breakdown by Component
Understanding where your money goes helps you make smart choices. Here’s how a typical small kitchen remodel budget breaks down:
Cabinets: Your Biggest Expense
Cabinets typically eat up 30% to 40% of your total budget, making them the single most expensive part of your remodel. For a small kitchen, expect to pay:
- Stock cabinets: $2,000-$5,000
- Semi-custom cabinets: $5,000-$12,000
- Custom cabinets: $12,000-$20,000
The good news about small kitchens? You need fewer cabinets than bigger spaces, which keeps costs lower. If your current cabinets are structurally sound, consider refacing them instead. You’ll save thousands while still getting a completely new look.
Countertops: Material Matters
Your countertop choice dramatically affects your budget. Here’s what different materials cost per square foot installed:
- Laminate: $20-$50
- Tile: $10-$80
- Solid surface: $50-$100
- Quartz: $70-$150
- Granite: $60-$150
- Butcher block: $50-$100
A small kitchen typically needs 25-35 square feet of countertop, so even premium materials won’t break the bank like they would in a larger space.
Flooring Options
Kitchen flooring runs $3-$15 per square foot for most materials, including installation. In a 100-square-foot kitchen, that’s $300-$1,500 total. Popular choices include:
- Vinyl plank: Most affordable and waterproof
- Ceramic tile: Durable and water-resistant
- Hardwood: Beautiful but needs proper sealing
- Luxury vinyl tile (LVT): Great mid-range option
Appliances and Fixtures
How much you spend here depends on whether you’re replacing everything or just updating a few pieces:
- Budget appliances: $300-$800 each
- Mid-range appliances: $800-$2,000 each
- High-end appliances: $2,000-$5,000+ each
For fixtures (sink, faucet, lighting), budget $500-$2,000 depending on quality and style.
Labor Costs
Professional installation typically represents 20-35% of your total project cost. In a small kitchen, that means $2,000-$8,000 in labor charges. This covers:
- Demolition and disposal
- Installation of cabinets and countertops
- Plumbing work
- Electrical updates
- Flooring installation
- Painting and finishing work
Working with experienced professionals like T And J Remodeling ensures the job gets done right the first time, actually saving you money in the long run.
Smart Ways to Save Money on Your Small Kitchen Remodel
After completing hundreds of kitchen remodeling projects, we’ve learned where homeowners can cut costs without sacrificing quality:
Reface Instead of Replace
Cabinet refacing costs 30-50% less than full replacement. If your cabinet boxes are in good shape, new doors, drawer fronts, and hardware can transform your kitchen. You’ll save $3,000-$8,000 compared to buying new cabinets.
Keep the Layout
Moving plumbing and electrical is expensive. If your current layout works reasonably well, keep it. You’ll avoid $1,500-$5,000 in additional costs and potentially weeks of extra work.
Mix High and Low
Splurge on what matters most to you and save on the rest. Many homeowners choose premium countertops but go with stock cabinets. Or they invest in great appliances but pick affordable flooring. This strategy lets you get some luxury features without a luxury price tag.
DIY What You Can
Handle the tasks you’re comfortable with—painting, installing hardware, or demolition. Leave electrical, plumbing, and countertop installation to professionals. Even doing 20-30% of the work yourself can save $1,000-$3,000.
Shop Sales and Clearance
Big-box stores regularly discount discontinued styles and floor models. If you’re flexible on exact colors or styles, you can score premium materials at budget prices.
Common Mistakes That Blow Your Budget
We see these budget-busters repeatedly:
Underestimating the true cost. Add 10-20% to your budget for unexpected issues. Old homes especially hide surprises behind walls.
Changing plans mid-project. Every change order costs extra—in materials, labor, and time. Finalize all decisions before work starts.
Choosing the cheapest everything. Rock-bottom prices often mean rock-bottom quality. You’ll spend more replacing cheap materials in a few years than you would have spent on mid-grade options now.
Forgetting about permits. Most remodels need permits for electrical and plumbing work. Budget $100-$500 and avoid costly fines.
Skipping the professionals. Unless you’re experienced, hiring licensed contractors saves money. They work faster, avoid mistakes, and guarantee their work. Whether you’re looking for home remodeling contractors in Brookfield or remodeling services in New Berlin, working with local experts makes all the difference.
Getting the Best Value for Your Investment
A kitchen remodel is one of the best ways to increase your home’s value. While you might not recoup 100% of your costs immediately, you’ll enjoy the space every day and make your home more attractive to future buyers.
To maximize value:
- Choose neutral colors that appeal to most people
- Invest in quality cabinets—they’re the kitchen’s foundation
- Update lighting for a modern look
- Make sure everything functions properly
- Keep records of all work for future buyers
Small kitchens actually offer an advantage: you get a completely updated, beautiful space without the massive investment required for large kitchens.
Conclusion
Remodeling your small kitchen doesn’t have to drain your savings. With costs ranging from $9,000 to $25,000, most homeowners find a comfortable budget level that delivers the kitchen they want.
Remember these key points:
- Cabinets take the biggest chunk of your budget
- You can save thousands by keeping your existing layout
- Mixing budget and premium materials gives you the best value
- Professional installation pays for itself in quality and speed
- Small kitchens cost less to update than large ones
Ready to start your small kitchen transformation? Get multiple quotes from qualified contractors, clarify exactly what you want before work begins, and be realistic about what you can do yourself versus what needs a professional touch.
Your dream kitchen is more affordable than you think, especially when you have the right information and the right team on your side.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to remodel a 10×10 kitchen?
A 10×10 kitchen (100 square feet) typically costs $12,000-$20,000 for a mid-range remodel. This includes new cabinets, countertops, flooring, and updated fixtures while keeping the existing layout.
What is the most expensive part of a kitchen remodel?
Cabinets are almost always the biggest expense, typically consuming 30-40% of your total budget. After cabinets, labor costs and countertops are the next largest expenses.
Can I remodel a small kitchen for $10,000?
Yes, you can remodel a small kitchen for $10,000 if you make smart choices like refacing cabinets instead of replacing them, choosing laminate countertops, doing some DIY work, and keeping your existing layout.
How long does a small kitchen remodel take?
Most small kitchen remodels take 3-6 weeks from start to finish. Simple cosmetic updates might only take 1-2 weeks, while more extensive renovations with layout changes can stretch to 8 weeks.
Is it cheaper to reface or replace kitchen cabinets?
Refacing cabinets costs about 30-50% less than replacing them entirely. If your cabinet boxes are structurally sound, refacing with new doors, drawer fronts, and hardware gives you a fresh look while saving thousands of dollars.
