If you’ve ever tried Googling “kitchen remodel costs,” you’ve probably seen everything from $10,000 to over $150K, and walked away more confused than when you started. Between glossy TV shows and national averages that don’t match your reality, it’s hard to know what’s real for you in eastern Iowa.
Budget | Cabinets & Countertops | Full Gut Rehab | Home Value | Refacing
We get it. Remodeling your kitchen is one of the most exciting ways to upgrade your home and is often the update homeowners look forward to most. But it’s also one of the biggest investments you’ll make. That’s why we’re cutting through the noise.
This StraightTALK guide lays out realistic pricing for kitchen remodels of different sizes and scopes in eastern Iowa, and we’ve even thrown in a few smart budgeting tips.
What is a realistic budget for a kitchen remodel?
A realistic budget for a kitchen remodel in eastern Iowa typically starts around $35,000. That number can go up depending on your selections, whether you make layout changes, and the square footage of your kitchen. If you’re upgrading from builder-grade finishes to custom cabinetry and quartz countertops, you could easily be in the $50,000 to $75,000 or more range.
It’s important to know what’s included in your remodeling estimate, and what’s not.
One big item that often gets left out is appliances. Most contractors do not include appliances in their quotes, so you’ll want to budget for them separately. Depending on your preferences, appliances can add $5,000 to $ 15,000 or more to your total kitchen remodel cost if you’re planning to replace them.
Other elements like hardware, lighting, sinks, and faucets are typically included in the estimate or quote, but don’t assume; always ask your contractor to confirm. A good contractor will walk you through each item so there are no surprises.
How much does a small kitchen remodel cost?
For smaller spaces that don’t require major layout or infrastructure changes, kitchen remodel costs typically range from $35,000 to $50,000. This includes new cabinets, countertops, backsplash, flooring, sink, and lighting.
But remember: “small” doesn’t mean low-cost if you want high-quality materials and craftsmanship that will last. The cost per square foot can actually be higher in smaller spaces due to fixed costs like plumbing and electrical that don’t scale down easily. Your selections still matter.
For example, you may have a galley-style kitchen where you keep the layout, choose Mantra Select cabinets and quartz countertops, and still come in around $35,000 to $40,000, especially if you replace appliances.
StraightTALK Remodeling Tip
If your budget demands keeping costs down, stick with your existing layout as much as possible, reuse appliances if they still have life, and focus your upgrades on functional storage and updated materials.
How much does a mid-range kitchen remodel cost?
Mid-size kitchens that maintain the existing layout but feature upgraded finishes often fall in the $45,000 to $65,000 range.
Expect this to include semi-custom or custom cabinets, quartz or granite countertops, a new sink and faucet, and upgraded lighting and flooring. This tier may also include minor layout tweaks, and removing soffits, but not significant structural work.
For example, you may remodel a mid-size kitchen using StarMark semi-custom cabinets, luxury vinyl plank (LVP) flooring, and a tile backsplash, keeping the layout intact and wrapping up near $50,000.
StraightTALK Remodeling Tip
Be honest about your budget from day one. The right remodeling contractor and designer will help you prioritize what matters most and find solutions that fit your needs without cutting corners.
FAQ: What is the most expensive part of a kitchen remodel?
StraightTALK Answer: Cabinetry is typically the most significant single expense in a kitchen remodel. Depending on your selections and kitchen size, cabinets can account for 25–40% of your total kitchen remodel cost. This includes not just the boxes and doors, but also finishes, hardware, and internal storage features. Opting for custom or semi-custom cabinets increases costs, especially if you’re adding built-in organization systems or specialty finishes, but these customizations are often the features we hear about most from past customers – they’re the choices that make the biggest positive impact on a homeowner’s daily life.
How should I prioritize when I’m remodeling on a budget?
If your dream kitchen remodel is clashing with a not-so-dream budget, you’re not the only one. The good news is you can still make big improvements without doing everything at once.
Prioritizing based on function is key.
Start with the pieces that impact daily use: cabinetry and layout. These improve how your kitchen works and feels day to day. If your cabinets aren’t meeting your storage needs or are poorly laid out, replacing them should be your first priority.
Next, look at what can wait. A backsplash or upgraded flooring can often be added later without disrupting the core function of your kitchen.
Other Ways to Make Your Budget Work
Even with careful prioritization, your vision and current savings don’t always line up. That’s where financing options can help. Spreading out the kitchen remodel cost over time lets you tackle more of your wish list now without compromising quality or making short-term sacrifices. And with the right financing terms, you can lock in today’s material prices, rather than paying higher material prices in the future.
Depending on your credit and the contractor you work with, you may have access to financing programs with flexible terms or low-interest promotional periods. Talk to your contractor about their financing options and check out all of your financing options in our StraightTALK guide.
StraightTALK Remodeling Tip
Share your entire wish list with your contractor, along with your actual budget. They can help you break your project into phases or identify trade-offs that make sense.
How much should it cost to replace kitchen cabinets and countertops?
The cost of cabinets and countertops usually accounts for the largest portion of your kitchen remodel budget. Several factors can make a big difference in your final kitchen remodel cost, including:
- Level of customization: Stock cabinets are more affordable, while semi-custom or fully custom options increase costs but offer greater flexibility in layout and features.
- Material quality: Solid wood, plywood boxes, and soft-close hardware cost more than MDF or particle board, but they also last longer and function better.
- Hardware and internal features: Upgrades like roll-out trays, corner pull-outs, and soft-close hinges add both function and cost.
- Countertop material: Laminate is the most budget-friendly, while quartz, granite, and solid surface counters come with higher price tags and greater durability.
At Hometown Restyling, we work with two cabinet lines that help illustrate the cost difference clearly:
Mantra (Select Cabinet Line)
Our Select cabinet line from Mantra offers clean designs, solid construction, and good quality. A kitchen remodel using Mantra cabinets typically starts around $35,000. These are ideal for homeowners who want reliable, functional upgrades without going the overly customized route.
StarMark (Signature Cabinet Line)
Our Signature cabinet line from StarMark offers greater customization, finish options, and built-in features, including soft-close drawers and roll-out trays. With StarMark, expect starting costs closer to $45,000. These cabinets are ideal for homeowners who want to tailor their kitchen to fit both style and functionality.
Once you change out your cabinets (especially lower cabinets), you almost always need to replace your countertops. It’s extremely rare to reuse a countertop after cabinet replacement because they rarely fit correctly.
StraightTALK Remodeling Tip
The functionality of your cabinets can make or break your kitchen. If your current cabinets don’t support your cooking, storage, or daily routines, that’s your sign that it’s time to upgrade.
How much will a full gut kitchen rehab cost?
A complete gut kitchen remodel involves taking at least part of the space down to the studs and rebuilding with electrical, plumbing, drywall, flooring, and more. It’s a bigger investment and a bigger kitchen transformation.
For a full gut job in eastern Iowa, expect a starting range of $70,000 to $100,000+, depending on your selections and the extent of the layout or structural changes. This level of remodel typically includes:
- Custom or semi-custom cabinetry
- Quartz, granite, or solid surface countertops
- Tile or solid quartz backsplash
- New flooring
- Updated lighting and fixtures
- New or moved plumbing and electrical work
Remember: appliances are still not included in this base estimate.
According to the 2025 Cost vs. Value Report, a mid-range major kitchen remodel averages around $83,000, while an upscale major kitchen remodel averages $164,000, highlighting the wide range of pricing when a full renovation with structural changes is planned.
What pushes your kitchen remodel cost to the top of the range?
Even if you start with a modest plan, certain choices and upgrades can quickly push your kitchen remodel to the higher end of the price range, especially when layout, infrastructure, or luxury materials are involved.
1. Moving Walls or Changing Layout
Knocking out a wall to open the kitchen to a dining room or living area adds demo, framing, drywall, flooring patchwork, and potentially structural reinforcement.
For example, you may want to remove a wall between the kitchen and dining room, but discover it requires installing a new support beam and rerouting the electrical wiring, adding to the overall cost of your project.
2. Major Plumbing Relocation
Moving sinks or dishwashers to new locations can trigger plumbing upgrades and add cost, especially if it involves going through concrete or floor joists.
3. Upgraded Electrical Work
Older homes often need panel upgrades or new circuits to support today’s appliance and lighting demands. Adding recessed or under-cabinet lighting also increases costs, but it looks great and can make your kitchen feel cozy.
4. High-End Material Selections
Choosing luxury finishes like waterfall countertops or premium flooring will naturally push you to the higher end of the budget.
5. Custom Storage Features
Things like built-in pantries, appliance garages, drawer organizers, and pull-out trays are great for function. They come at a cost, but that cost is often worth it for the functional upgrades you most want that make day-to-day life easier.
FAQ: How can I save money on a kitchen remodel in Cedar Rapids?
StraightTALK Answer: There are smart ways to save without cutting corners. First, keep your existing layout. Moving plumbing or electrical fixtures far can increase kitchen remodel costs. Reuse existing appliances if they’re still in good working condition. Select value-engineered materials, like LVP flooring, and consider standard cabinet lines like Mantra instead of fully custom options. Most importantly, work with a local contractor who understands how to maximize your budget and can help you prioritize where to invest.
Should I remodel my kitchen all at once, or in phases?
This is a common question, especially for homeowners trying to stretch a tight budget. The answer depends on your goals, the condition of your kitchen, and your tolerance for disruption.
Remodeling in phases might seem more affordable up front, but it can cost more in the long run. For example, installing top cabinets now and lower cabinets and countertops later means extra labor, more material waste, and potential style clashes.
The better approach: if you need to split your project, group work that makes sense together, like doing all cabinets and countertops as one phase, and flooring or backsplash later. Just know that spacing out your remodel may prolong the disruption.
StraightTALK Remodeling Tip
Talk to your contractor about phased planning. They can help design your project in a way that makes future work easier and avoids redoing work you’ve already paid for.
Will my kitchen remodel increase my home’s value?
Your kitchen remodel will most likely increase your home’s value. While kitchen remodels consistently rank among the top projects for resale value, you’re unlikely to get a dollar-for-dollar return.
According to the 2025 Cost vs. Value Report, a mid-range major kitchen remodel returns an average of 51% of the kitchen remodel cost at resale. A minor kitchen remodel (focused more on cosmetic updates) performs better, with an average return of 113%.
That said, the value isn’t just in dollars. If you’re planning to stay in your home for years, then the impact of a remodel on your home’s value means little. The much more important return on investment is in the daily improvement and pleasure the new spaces bring to your life.
StraightTALK Remodeling Tip
Focus first on what improves your daily life: better storage, layout changes, improved lighting. Those upgrades pay off whether you stay or sell.
FAQ: Are kitchen remodels tax-deductible?
StraightTALK Answer: In most cases, kitchen remodels are considered personal home improvements and are not directly tax-deductible. However, if you’re remodeling for a medical necessity, you can claim part of the kitchen remodel cost. Also, the money you invest in your remodel can increase your home’s adjusted cost basis, which could reduce capital gains tax when you sell. It’s always best to consult a tax professional for specific guidance.
Can I just upgrade my cabinet doors and hardware, not my whole kitchen?
It is possible to update the cabinet doors and hardware only—but we don’t often recommend it.
If your cabinet boxes are high quality, your layout works, and you’re simply looking for a visual refresh, refacing (replacing doors and drawer fronts) could be an option. But in our experience, there are several reasons that make it rarely worth just refacing:
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Older cabinet boxes are often lower quality and not worth saving.
Many older cabinets have endured decades of wear and tear. Refacing these doesn’t solve underlying quality issues.
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If you want to add storage features or change the layout, refacing doesn’t help.
Pull-out trays, corner storage, and drawer organizers all require new cabinetry. If you’re craving better organization, you’ll likely need a full replacement.
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Refacing is still costly and doesn’t fix functionality problems.
Refacing can still cost half as much as a complete cabinet replacement, yet it doesn’t address layout inefficiencies or improve internal features.
For example, you may plan to reface only to discover the cabinet boxes are warped or too shallow to support the storage upgrades you need. That can quickly turn into a full cabinet replacement anyway.
Also, if you’re changing lower cabinets, you’ll need to replace the countertop. And once you’re replacing counters, you’re already halfway into a full remodel.
StraightTALK Wrap Up
Planning a kitchen remodel is a big decision and a big investment in your home. But it should be an exciting time for any homeowner. The key is working with a contractor who will be honest about the numbers, work with you early in the process to understand all of your goals and budget, and guide you through each step.
FAQ: How long does a kitchen remodel take in Iowa homes?
StraightTALK Answer: The construction phase of a kitchen remodel typically takes 6 to 12 weeks, depending on the project’s size and scope. This doesn’t include design, material selection, or permitting, which can add a few more weeks to the timeline. If you’re doing a full gut remodel with infrastructure changes, expect to be on the longer end of that range. A good contractor will give you a clear schedule and help manage expectations throughout the process.
At Hometown Restyling, we’ve been helping homeowners in Cedar Rapids and across eastern Iowa build better kitchens for nearly 40 years. Whether you’re just exploring ideas or ready to start your project, we’re here to offer real guidance and practical solutions.
Want more help choosing the right cabinets? Check out our deep-dive guide to choosing the right kitchen cabinets; it’s packed with insights on style, durability, and pricing.
The pricing information in this article is provided for general guidance and educational purposes only. These figures are not intended to serve as formal quotes or estimates for any individual kitchen remodel. Actual project costs can vary significantly based on your kitchen’s size, layout, existing conditions, material selections, and scope of work.
To get an accurate estimate for your home, we recommend scheduling a consultation with a qualified local contractor who can assess your space and help you plan a remodel that fits your goals and budget.
*Disclaimer: The information in this article is intended for general guidance and educational purposes only. It should not be considered financial, tax, or legal advice. Always consult a qualified financial advisor or tax professional before making decisions about your remodel investment.