When it comes to remodeling your kitchen, one of the most common questions we get is: What’s it going to cost?
The short answer is: it depends. Every kitchen is unique—its layout, the materials you choose, the scope of the work, and even where you live all play a role. But to give you real, tangible insight, we’re breaking down a recent kitchen remodel project in Newport, Rhode Island, where the total investment came to just under $100,000.
In this blog, we’ll walk you through how that money was spent, what trade-offs were made, and how you can apply the same thinking to your own project.
Starting With a Plan
This project started with a thoughtful design process. Our client had a clear vision and a firm budget, and together we worked to strike a balance between beauty and function.
Key design decisions included:
● Adding a full-height pantry cabinet to improve storage
● Modifying the island to increase seating and prep space
● Contrasting a bold green finish on the island with clean white cabinetry
● Choosing a mix of drawer bases and standard cabinets to balance cost and function
While the overall layout of the kitchen remained largely unchanged, small strategic changes made a significant impact.
Breaking Down the Costs
Here’s a general breakdown of how the $95,000 budget was allocated:
Pre-Construction: $10,000 Includes design, permits, demolition, project management, and coordination of all trade partners.
Plumbing: $6,280 Covers gas line relocation, installation of the sink, disposal, dishwasher, and ice maker, as well as both rough and finish plumbing.
Electrical: $7,8400 This kitchen required seven dedicated circuits, undercabinet lighting, two new chandeliers, outlet relocations, and compliance with Rhode Island’s electrical code.
Cabinetry: $20,750 (+ $630 hardware) Premium Fabuwood cabinetry with a combination of standard and drawer base units, optimized for both budget and functionality.
Flooring: $5,500 Refinishing of hardwood floors throughout the kitchen, living, and dining area, including an additional room upstairs.
Countertops: $7,500 Quartz countertops, budgeted with room for minor adjustments and a slight credit issued post-installation.
Painting and Finishing Touches: $5,500 Fresh paint throughout, especially the ceiling, transformed the space and brightened the entire area.
Backsplash: $3,600 (plus $1,000 materials) A modern tile backsplash added a clean finish and cohesive look to the space.
Cabinet Installation: $6,875 This included unpacking, leveling, adjusting, and finalizing every cabinet detail, down to trim, panels, and crown molding.
Appliance Installation: $1,250 Unpacking and installation of all appliances.
Smart Budgeting Tips
Some thoughtful trade-offs helped keep the budget in check without sacrificing overall function or style:
● Standard base cabinets were used in place of some drawer bases to save cost
● Pullout organizers were removed from the final design due to their price tag
● A microwave-over-range setup saved money and space without compromising ventilation
● Open shelving and taller uppers provided visual interest and practical storage
We also incorporated upgrades where they mattered—like a dual fuel range, filtered drinking water system, and undercabinet LED lighting that added both beauty and utility.
Budgeting for Your Own Kitchen Remodel
While every project is different, here’s a general guide to kitchen remodeling costs in 2025:
Cosmetic Upgrades ($30,000–$70,000): New cabinet faces, backsplash, countertops, and finishes, often without structural changes.
Standard Kitchen Remodels ($65,000–$125,000): Full tear-out and replacement including cabinetry, appliances, fixtures, and trade labor.
Luxury Kitchens ($100,000+): Custom layouts, structural changes, high-end appliances, and detailed design work.
Planning Ahead
If you’re thinking about remodeling your kitchen, whether it’s soon or just on the horizon, we’d love to have a conversation with you. Our goal is to help you make informed decisions, even if we’re not the contractor you end up hiring.
Visit www.remodelingright.com to learn more or schedule a consultation.
We also encourage you to check out our Kitchen Lookbook for style inspiration, cabinet options, and finish ideas. It’s a great place to start visualizing your future space.
