With some great ideas and an appropriate budget, you can give your small kitchen a complete transformation.
Whether you want to maximize the space or modernize the whole room, there are various affordable solutions for a small kitchen remodel.
From replacing the countertops to updating the hardware, with a $10,000 budget, you can make your kitchen look brand new.
To get started on your small kitchen renovation, contact your local remodel pros for FREE ESTIMATES!
How Much Does An Inexpensive Small Kitchen Remodel Cost?
Compared to an average-sized kitchen of 100 square feet, a small kitchen usually has 60 to 70 square feet. This makes remodeling a small kitchen a lot less expensive.
The average price of renovating a kitchen of this size is $9,000 to $13,535.
If we were to break down the cost of materials and labor per square footage, the price would amount to $142.
The installation and labor will take up 18% to 20% of the total budget.
If you’re planning to redo your kitchen from the ground up and do high-end renovating jobs, the total price can increase to a total of $23,750 to $33,250.
On the other hand, if you only want to touch up your small kitchen with some easy DIY jobs, you can expect to pay $2,850 to $4,750 in total.
Did you know? Remodeling an average-sized kitchen of 100 square feet would cost around $25,000, and the price can even rise to $60,000. You obviously won’t need such a large budget for a small kitchen. That’s because this project requires less construction, materials, and time.
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Kitchen Remodel Cost Breakdown
Whether you spend $3,000 or $13,000 on renovating your small kitchen depends on how much work you’re planning to do.
For example, if you want to replace the plumbing system, the lighting, and the flooring, expect to pay more than $10,000.
However, if you just want to repaint the walls and replace the cabinets, the total price will obviously be greatly reduced.
Before you start making plans for this home renovation project, the first thing you need to do is set a budget. This guide will help you figure out exactly what percentage of the budget each part of the job will take.
| Budget for a Small Kitchen Remodel | |
|---|---|
| Remodeling | Average Price |
| 1 square foot | $142 |
| 60 to 70 square feet | $9,000 to $13,535 |
| 100 square feet | $25,000 to $60,000 |
| High-end jobs | $23,750 to $33,250 |
| Low-end jobs | $2,850 to $4,750 |
| Countertops | $1,410 to $3,990 |
| Backsplash | $418 to $760 |
| Cabinets | $4,156 to $5,225 |
| Sink and faucet | $646 up to $1,710 |
| Lighting | $400 to $2,100 |
Here are seven different small kitchen remodeling ideas that you can do on a budget and how much you can expect to pay for them:
- Replace Your Outdated Countertops for a High Impact Effect
Kitchen countertops are used every day for preparing meals and cooking. If there are any scratches on them or if they look outdated, replacing them would add a high-impact effect to the kitchen’s appearance.
There are various countertop materials that can transform the kitchen and make it look brand new.
Granite, marble, and quartz are the most popular, and they’re quite durable. Ceramic tiles and laminates are also good options, and they allow for DIY installation.
Replacing the countertops should take about 11% of the kitchen remodeling budget. This project should cost from $42.75 to $190 per linear foot.
Depending on the size of your small kitchen and how much counter space you have, replacing the countertops will cost $1,410 to $3,990 in total.
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- Delight Your Kitchen With a New Backsplash
A new backsplash can make your kitchen cozy and increase its visual appeal. Not to mention it’s easy to install and clean.
Backsplashes are made from tiles, and they come in various colors, sizes, and patterns. Make sure the new backsplash matches the color scheme of the new kitchen and that it goes with the overall vibe.
This kitchen remodeling idea is great for those who are on a budget since it only costs $2-$19 per square foot.
Depending on how much backsplash you’re planning to install, the total cost can vary from $418 to $760 on average.
- Remodeling Kitchen Cabinets on a Budget
One of the most important parts of a small kitchen remodeling project is the kitchen cabinets. Not only do they influence how the entire kitchen will look, but they also must be functional and durable
New kitchen cabinets can make your kitchen not only look cozy and warm, but modern and glamorous as well.
Beige and white are always solid options, but more and more people are choosing colored cabinets in dark green, deep blue, and even black.
If you want to have new cabinets installed in your small kitchen, it will cost you $119 to $190 per linear foot.
For a small kitchen of under 70 square feet, this project will be $4,156 to $5,225, so you should set aside about one-third of your budget for new cabinets.
Remember, this price accounts for both wall cabinets and base cabinets.
- Update the Hardware
Updating the hardware in your small kitchen is a quick and easy project that can make all the difference.
Replacing all the knobs, pulls, and handles in your kitchen with new, sturdy, and shiny hardware won’t take much out of your budget.
What’s more, you can do this part of the remodeling yourself.
You can choose between different finishes for the hardware. For example, matte black, rose gold, satin brass, marble white, and even gold would enhance your kitchen’s overall look.
Updating the hardware will only require 3% of your budget.
Another wonderful small kitchen renovation idea is to update the sink and the faucet. This installation project can cost from $646 up to $1,710.
However, if you want to change the location of the drain, expect to pay much more.
- Replace the Flooring
There’s nothing that can refresh the kitchen’s look like new floors. And since there’s always someone in the kitchen, the floors can get worn out rather quickly.
The cost of floor replacement depends on the material you choose. For example, laminate floors are extremely affordable, priced at 90 cent per square foot.
But if you would rather install tiles or hardwood, expect to pay $11.50 for one square foot.
If you have a small kitchen of 60 square feet, you won’t need much more than $1,000 to install new floors.
Pro Tip: Even though tiles are more expensive, they’re the best option for a kitchen since they’re so easy to maintain. Some of the most popular types of kitchen tiles are ceramic tiles, porcelain tiles, and natural stone tiles.
In all, flooring accounts for 7% of your kitchen remodel budget.
- Keep Current Layout and Plumbing Where It Is
The more features you want to change, the more it will cost you. If you want to renovate your small kitchen and you’re on a tight budget, it’s best to keep the current layout and plumbing as it is.
Altering the plumbing system, electricity, and lighting would take away most of your budget. Not only that, adding these remodeling projects to an existing plan can increase or even double the expenses.
High-end kitchen renovation projects can cost between $23,750 and $33,250.
Instead of making major changes, try to make the best of the existing kitchen layout. There are many other projects you can focus on, like replacing smaller appliances, painting the walls a new color, adding shelves, and similar minor but noticeable changes.
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- Use Our Expert Design Services Instead of Hiring a Designer
Last but not least, you should use our expert design services instead of hiring another design company.
Unlike other interior design companies, we will remodel your small kitchen according to your budget and preferences.
What’s more, our design team will help you determine exactly what kind of remodeling projects your kitchen needs to look brand new.
Kitchen Remodel Under $10,000
If you have a budget of $10,000 for your small kitchen remodel project, you have lots of options and varieties to work with.
Remember that installing new cabinets costs you $119 to $190 per linear foot.
If you have a $10,000 budget, you’ll be able to install new cabinets. But you’ll only have half the budget left for other projects.
Also, keep in mind that the installation and labor fees will take up 18% to 20% of your total budget, so you’ll have to sacrifice something or simply do some jobs by yourself to stay within this price range.
If you don’t need to buy new kitchen appliances, cutting these purchases out will give you more money to work with. You’ll be able to use that money for the plumbing and the electricity.
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Can You Remodel A Kitchen For $5,000?
It’s possible to remodel sections of your kitchen for $5,000, but not the entire room.
Since replacing the floors only accounts for 7% of the budget (while painting makes up 5%), you can definitely set some money aside for these projects.
Additionally, you can choose cheaper materials for the floor, which will help you save some money.
Focus your budget on one major aspect, whether it’s new cabinets, updated countertops, or replacing laminate with tiles.
You can also paint the kitchen walls and add a new backsplash for under $1,000.
Definitively try to avoid making major alternations to the kitchen’s layout.
Kitchen Remodel For $3,000
Remodeling the entire kitchen for $3,000 might not be feasible, but there are many DIY projects you can do to update your small kitchen.
For instance, you can paint the walls and cabinets by yourself.
Another option is to spray paint the kitchen cabinets.
You can also replace the kitchen hardware by yourself and do so for an affordable price.
Even though you may not have the budget for new cabinets, you do have the option to replace the cabinet doors, which can be a welcome facelift.
How Can I Renovate My Kitchen Cheaply?
There are many home renovation projects you can do without breaking the bank.
For example, if you don’t have the budget for new kitchen cabinets, you can paint over the old ones. Just make sure to clean and prime them properly, or the paint job won’t look good.
Another good and budget-friendly idea is to replace the cabinet doors.
If you like the idea of using tiles for the floor, but they’re too expensive, opt for vinyl. It’s easy to install, and it usually costs a few dollars per square foot.
If you don’t have a lot of dishes, you can swap wall cabinets for shelves or something similar.
Instead of changing the entire sink, you can just replace the tap with a newer model.
There are lots of other smaller kitchen accessories and items you can add to spruce up the place.
What Is The Most Expensive Part Of A Kitchen Remodel?
A few kitchen remodeling projects cost significantly more than others. The first one is replacing cabinets.
As we said before, you should set aside one-third of your budget for new cabinets.
This project costs $4,156 to $5,225 for small kitchens with five or six wall cabinets and base cabinets.
If you want to equip your kitchen with new appliances, this can also cost a few thousand dollars.
If you plan to buy a new fridge, oven, stove, microwave, and dishwasher, you will have to set aside an additional $10,000 to $20,000.
However, if you want to buy smaller appliances, like a coffee maker, toaster, blender, and similar, you, of course, won’t have to spend a fortune.
Did you know? The labor and installation cost can also make up 18% to %20 of the budget, but the total price depends on the design company you hire.
How Can I Update My Kitchen Without Renovation?
It’s possible to make improvements to your small kitchen without any major renovation.
If you don’t have the budget for new countertops, you can buy self-adhesive vinyl paper sheets. Very few people will be able to tell the difference.
There are other simple tasks you can do to update your kitchen.
For example, you can reorganize your cabinet space.
If you have an open-space kitchen, you can add a counter-height table on one side. This is also a cheaper alternative to a kitchen island, which you probably don’t have room for.
Other ways you can update the kitchen without remodeling include painting the kitchen cabinets, adding a kitchen runner, installing under-cabinet lighting, replacing the hardware, adding shelves on bare walls, and so on.
How Can I Make My Kitchen Look Expensive?
If you want your small kitchen to have that contemporary, glamorous look, you should focus on replacing the countertops and the cabinets, as they are the most important design elements in a kitchen.
For example, you can replace your damaged countertops with marble or quartz countertops. They would go wonderfully with white or beige cabinets.
Replace flimsy or broken hardware with new, sturdier knobs, hinges, etc.
In addition, replace your old appliances with stainless steel models. Another kitchen element that can make it look more expensive is a good-looking sink and faucet.
Brushed brass and matte black hardware are quite trendy right now.
What Is the First Thing To Do When Updating A Kitchen?
Before you get to pick out new cabinets and color combinations, you’ll have to plan the entire remodeling project and how it will enroll.
But even before that, you need to decide whether you want to renovate the kitchen or remodel it.
Renovating refers to upgrading, repainting, and replacing. On the other hand, remodeling means completely transforming the room’s layout by taking everything apart.
Pro Tip: If you’re not sure whether you want to remodel or renovate your kitchen, talk to an interior designer. They’ll be able to tell you the best solution that will pay off.
Once you determine what you want your new small kitchen to look like, the next step is to come up with a budget. You can also talk to your interior designer about what to expect in terms of labor and installation expenses.
What Is the Cost Of A Small Kitchen Condo Remodel?
A condo small kitchen remodel cost is roughly the same as a normal home’s small kitchen remodel cost.
It depends on the size of your kitchen and how much you plan to change.
However, a factor that might cause a shift in the price is your location. If you live in the middle of the city in a metropolitan area, the cost of kitchen remodeling could grow exponentially.
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Should I Hire A Professional For My Small Kitchen Remodel, Or Do It Myself?
Once again, whether you choose to hire a professional for the small kitchen remodel depends on what you plan to change.
There are many DIY kitchen improvement jobs you don’t need a professional for.
For instance, you always have the option to paint the walls or the kitchen cabinets by yourself. You don’t need to be a handyman to know how to replace knobs and handles on kitchen drawers.
That being said, if you want to do some of the complicated remodeling tasks, a professional might be required.
You should avoid handling electricity and plumbing by yourself.
While you may be able to lay out the flooring by yourself, it’s better to let a professional handle it. Not only will they do a better job than you, but they’ll also do it faster.
What Are Some Ways To Make A Small Kitchen Appear Larger?
Just like you can make a modest kitchen look more expensive, you can make a small kitchen appear larger.
Did you know? The easiest way to achieve this is with color. The color you choose for the walls and furniture can influence the room’s mood. If you want the room to look bigger, white naturally opens up a space.
Another way to make a small kitchen appear larger is with reflective surfaces. For example, you can use shiny floors, glossy finishes, glass tiles, and stainless-steel appliances.
Bulky cabinets take up almost half of the space in a kitchen, so consider replacing wall cabinets with open shelves.
Make Your Kitchen Look Amazing Without Spending A Fortune
There are many remodeling ideas and DIY projects that can make your small kitchen look new, expensive, and even bigger than it actually is.
For a small kitchen of 60 to 70 square feet, be prepared to set aside $9,000 to $13,535. With this budget, you’ll be able to replace the kitchen cabinets, add new lighting, choose a different paint color, replace the countertops, and much more.
