The Most Common Budget Shock in Kitchen Remodeling

If you’re planning a kitchen remodel, you’ve probably asked this question already:

What actually costs the most in a kitchen remodel?

Most homeowners assume it’s countertops or appliances. Others think it’s flooring or lighting. But after working with hundreds of Utah homeowners, the real answer surprises a lot of people.

The most expensive part of a kitchen remodel is almost always cabinetry—followed closely by layout changes that require structural, plumbing, or electrical work.

These two categories alone often make up 50–70% of the total kitchen remodel budget.

Let’s break this down clearly, accurately, and realistically so you can plan without surprises.

Cabinetry: The Largest Single Cost in a Kitchen Remodel

Why do cabinets cost more than anything else

Cabinets aren’t just boxes on the wall. They determine:

• The kitchen’s layout
• Storage capacity
• Visual style
• Functionality
• Long-term durability

In most Utah kitchen remodels, cabinets account for 25–40% of the total budget, making them the single most expensive line item.

Typical cabinet costs in Utah, pending the actual size of the Kitchen

• Stock cabinets: $7,000–$14,000
• Semi-custom cabinets (most common): $12,000–$25,000
• Custom cabinets: $22,000–$50,000+

Larger Utah homes naturally push cabinet costs higher due to:

• More linear footage
• Taller ceilings
• Pantry or Full Height Cabinets
• Island cabinetry with Finished back panels and sides.

Why do cabinets cost more than countertops?

Countertops sit on top of cabinets. Cabinets fill the entire room. That’s why even Quartzite rarely beats cabinetry in total cost.

Layout Changes and Structural Work (The Biggest Budget Swing)

If cabinetry is the biggest single expense, layout changes are the biggest variable.

Any remodel that includes:

• Removing walls
• Opening the kitchen to a Dining Room or Family room
• Replacing a peninsula with an island
• Moving the sink, or other appliances like the stove, or refrigerator

…moves from cosmetic remodel to structural remodel.

Typical Utah costs for layout changes

• Minor layout adjustments: $5,000–$8,000
• Load-bearing wall removal: $10,000–$25,000
• Structural beams + engineering: $1,000–$3,000

This is why two kitchens with similar finishes can have wildly different budgets.

Flooring and Lighting & Plumbing Fixtures, Backsplash

These items can add up—but rarely dominate the budget. If the remodel includes replacing flooring in areas other than just the Kitchen, it can affect the budget dramatically.  Especially if you need to remove tile flooring or multiple layers of flooring.   Fixtures can also affect the price pending selections.  There are kitchen faucets that cost $200 and then some that cost $1,000 +. Sinks can range from $150.00 to over $1,000.  The same applies to light fixtures.

Typical Utah costs

• Flooring: $3,000–$10,000
• Lighting: $1,500–$5,000
• Plumbing Fixtures: $800 – $3,000
• Backsplash & trim: $1,000–$2,000

They enhance the kitchen but don’t usually define the total cost.

Plumbing and Electrical Upgrades

Modern kitchens demand far more power and plumbing capacity than older designs.

Why do these costs add up

Utah building code often requires:

• New dedicated circuits for added or new appliance locations
• GFCI and AFCI outlet upgrades
• Islands with a sink, appliances or new outlets
• Proper hood vent ducting to exterior
• Plumbing relocation for sinks, dishwashers and ice makers.

Typical cost ranges

• Electrical upgrades: $3,000–$8,000
• Plumbing changes: $2,000–$7,000
• Combined impact: $5,000–$15,000

These upgrades are required for safety, performance, and inspections—not optional extras.

Countertops: Expensive, But Not the Most Expensive

Countertops get a lot of attention, but they rarely top the budget.

Typical Utah countertop costs

• Laminate: $2,000–$4,000
• Quartz or Granite: $5,000–$12,000
• Quartzite: $7,000–$15,000
• Porcelain slabs: $8,000–$20,000

They’re important—but still secondary to cabinets and layout work.

Appliances (This can be higher on the list, Especially If You Go Premium)

Typically this is lower on the list.  However, Appliances can be a major expense if you upgrade to professional-grade models.

Typical appliance budgets

• Standard appliance package: $3,000–$6,000
• Mid-range upgrades: $7,000–$15,000
• Professional-grade appliances: $15,000–$40,000+

Appliances don’t drive remodeling costs unless homeowners intentionally choose premium brands. These brands can add up and challenge the top spot as the most expensive cost of remodeling a kitchen.

The Real Cost Hierarchy (Utah Kitchens)

Here’s how kitchen remodel costs typically rank from highest to lowest:

• Cabinetry
• Layout changes / structural work
• Flooring & Finishes Plumbing & electrical upgrades
• Plumbing & Electrical upgrades
• Countertops
• Appliances

Understanding this hierarchy is the key to budgeting realistically.

Why Utah Kitchens Often Cost More Than Expected

Utah homes—especially those built between 1980–2015 often include:

• Poor original layouts
• Builder-grade materials
• Undersized electrical systems
• Limited lighting
• Structural walls in inconvenient locations
• Lowered Ceilings with Hidden Plumbing and Electrical.

Fixing these issues costs money—but dramatically improves function and value.

How to Control Costs Without Sacrificing Results

1. Fix the layout first

A great layout with mid-range finishes beats a bad layout with luxury finishes.

2. Choose semi-custom cabinets

They offer flexibility without custom pricing and most can rarely tell the difference when looking at the finished product.

3. Keep plumbing close to existing locations

Moving drains across the room gets expensive fast.

4. Don’t oversize the island

Oversized islands increase cabinetry, electrical, and plumbing costs but more importantly cramp space.

5. Re-Use Existing Appliances

Re-purpose existing appliances.  Many homeowners have already upgraded their fridge. If any of the appliances are newer, plan to re-use those in the remodel.

6. Budget for reality

Include permits, inspections, and contingency (12–18%).

Final Answer: What Costs the Most in a Kitchen Remodel?

Cabinetry typically costs the most in a kitchen remodel, followed closely by layout changes that require structural, plumbing, and electrical work.

Everything else matters, but these two categories determine whether your remodel lands at $25,000 or $90,000.

FAQ

Q1: Are cabinets more expensive than countertops?

Yes. Cabinets almost always cost more than countertops in total.

Q2: Does moving a sink increase kitchen remodel cost?

Yes. Moving plumbing significantly increases labor and inspection costs.

Q3: What’s the biggest mistake homeowners make?

Spending too much on finishes before fixing the layout.

Q4: Can I remodel a kitchen without replacing cabinets?

Yes, but only if the layout and cabinet condition are still functional.

Q5: How much should I budget overall? Most Utah kitchen remodels land between $30,000–$70,000 for a well-designed result.