How Much Does a Kitchen Remodel Cost in 2026?

"How much will this cost?" is the first question every homeowner asks when considering a kitchen remodel. It is also the hardest to answer without knowing your specific situation. The range is enormous — from $15,000 for a surface-level refresh to $75,000 or more for a high-end renovation with structural changes.

This guide provides honest, detailed pricing based on what we actually see in our projects across DuPage County. No vague national averages. No inflated numbers designed to scare you into calling. Just straightforward information to help you plan.

Kitchen Remodel Cost by Scope

The single biggest factor in your kitchen remodel cost is the scope of work. Here is how projects typically break down in the Wheaton and greater DuPage County area:

Most of our projects fall in the mid-range category. This is where homeowners see the most significant transformation relative to their investment — a completely new kitchen without the complexity and cost of structural work.

What Drives the Cost?

Understanding where your money goes helps you make smarter decisions about where to invest and where to save. Here is a typical cost breakdown for a mid-range kitchen remodel:

• Cabinets: 30–40% of total budget. This is the largest single expense. The range is wide because cabinet quality varies significantly. Stock cabinets from a big-box store cost less than semi-custom lines like Fabuwood or J&K, but the difference in construction quality, finish durability, and hardware is substantial. We carry multiple lines specifically so we can match your budget without compromising on quality where it matters.
• Countertops: 10–15%. Quartz (Cambria, Vicostone, MSI) and granite are the most popular choices. Quartz typically runs $50 to $120 per square foot installed, depending on the brand and pattern. Granite is comparable. Laminate is significantly less expensive but also significantly less durable.
• Flooring: 5–10%. Luxury vinyl plank (LVP) is the most popular kitchen flooring choice we see today — it is waterproof, durable, and available in convincing wood-look patterns. Hardwood and tile are also common. Material and installation typically run $5 to $15 per square foot.
• Labor and installation: 20–30%. This covers demolition, cabinet installation, countertop templating and fitting, flooring installation, plumbing connections, and electrical work. Quality labor costs more, but it is the difference between cabinets that are perfectly level and gaps you will notice every day.
• Design: 5–10%. Professional design consultation, 3D rendering, space planning, and material coordination. At Finemark, design is integrated into our process — your designer stays with your project from the first conversation to the final walkthrough.
• Permits and other: 5–10%. Building permits (required for most remodels in DuPage County), disposal fees, unexpected structural issues, and finishing details like backsplash, paint, and lighting.

DuPage County Considerations

Kitchen remodel costs are not the same everywhere, and DuPage County has several factors that influence pricing:

Labor rates. Skilled tradespeople in the western suburbs command competitive rates. The cost of living in communities like Wheaton, Naperville, Glen Ellyn, and Elmhurst is reflected in labor costs. However, you are also getting access to experienced crews who have worked in hundreds of homes similar to yours — and that experience reduces mistakes, change orders, and wasted time.

Permit costs. DuPage County municipalities require building permits for most kitchen remodels. Permit fees vary by village but typically range from $200 to $1,000 depending on the scope of work. Your contractor should handle the permit process on your behalf.

Home styles. The DuPage County housing stock includes everything from 1940s colonials in Glen Ellyn to newer construction in Naperville. Older homes often require additional work — updated electrical, plumbing modifications, or structural adjustments — that can add $3,000 to $10,000 to a project. Newer homes may have more straightforward installations but sometimes use builder-grade materials that need wholesale replacement.

Material availability. Working with a local showroom like Finemark means you can see and compare materials in person before committing. Our Wheaton showroom carries full-size displays and real countertop slabs — not just samples — so you know exactly what you are getting before placing an order.

How to Budget Wisely

After four decades of kitchen remodels, here is what we tell every client about budgeting:

• Set your budget before you start shopping. It is much easier to make good decisions when you have a clear number in mind. Share your budget with your designer honestly — we can work within almost any realistic range and will tell you upfront if your expectations and budget are misaligned.
• Invest in cabinets and countertops first. These are the elements you will see and use every single day for the next 10 to 20 years. Saving money on cabinet construction quality often costs more in the long run through premature wear, hinge failures, and finish degradation.
• Keep a 10–15% contingency. Every remodel has surprises, especially in older homes. A contingency fund means unexpected issues (water damage behind walls, outdated wiring) do not derail your entire project.
• Do not skip the design phase. A well-planned kitchen costs the same to build as a poorly planned one — but the result is dramatically different. Professional design catches problems on paper instead of during installation, when changes are expensive.
• Get a detailed, itemized estimate. Vague quotes with lump-sum pricing make it impossible to compare contractors or understand where your money is going. Every Finemark estimate breaks down materials, labor, and timeline so you know exactly what to expect.

ROI: What You'll Get Back

A kitchen remodel is one of the highest-return home improvement projects you can undertake. National data consistently shows that mid-range kitchen remodels recoup 60 to 80 percent of their cost at resale.

In competitive DuPage County markets like Wheaton and Naperville, the return can be even more meaningful. Buyers in these communities expect updated kitchens, and a home with a dated kitchen will sit on the market longer and sell for less than comparable homes with modern finishes.

But ROI is not just about resale. A kitchen remodel improves your daily quality of life from the day it is completed. Better storage, more counter space, improved lighting, and materials that are easier to maintain — these benefits compound over every year you live in your home. If you plan to stay for five or more years, the daily enjoyment often matters more than the eventual resale number.

The key is to remodel thoughtfully. Over-improving for your neighborhood (spending $100,000 on a kitchen in a $350,000 home) reduces your percentage return. Under-improving (choosing the cheapest materials to save money) can look dated within a few years. The sweet spot is a mid-range remodel with quality materials that match the expectations of your community — and that is exactly what Finemark helps you plan.

Frequently Asked Questions

Next Steps

A kitchen remodel is a significant investment, and you deserve clear, honest information to plan it well. If you are ready to move forward — or just want to understand what your specific project might cost — we are here to help.

Visit our Wheaton showroom at 238 E Geneva Rd to see full-size kitchen displays and real materials. Or schedule a free design consultation to discuss your project with an experienced designer. We will give you a detailed, itemized estimate with no obligation and no pressure.

Call (630) 733-7700 or book online to get started.