You’re standing in your kitchen, looking at outdated cabinets and worn countertops. The layout feels cramped. The appliances struggle to keep up with your family’s needs. A remodel sounds perfect, but one question stops you cold: What will a kitchen remodeling cost?
NJ kitchen remodeling cost varies dramatically based on dozens of factors. According to Angi’s latest 2025 data, the national average sits at $26,969, with most homeowners spending between $14,587 and $41,529. This guide breaks down real numbers from actual kitchen remodeling projects and the latest industry data.
A Historical Perspective in New Jersey
New Jersey’s housing stock tells a unique story that directly impacts renovation costs today. Nearly 40% of homes in the state were built before 1970, with many neighborhoods in towns like Montclair, Maplewood, and Princeton featuring houses dating back to the early 1900s. These older homes present specific challenges during kitchen remodels.
The state’s proximity to New York City has always influenced design trends and material costs. What’s popular in Manhattan showrooms appears in New Jersey kitchens within months, giving homeowners access to cutting-edge products but also driving premium pricing that reflects regional demand. Each era brings specific considerations that affect your final kitchen remodeling cost.
NJ Kitchen Remodeling Cost Basics
Expect to add 15% to 25% on top of those national figures. New Jersey falls within the Northeast region, where costs typically range from $10,800 to $40,400 nationally. Factor in our state’s premium labor rates and higher material costs.
Three main factors determine your final kitchen remodeling cost:
- The scope and complexity of your project
- The quality level of the materials you select
- Labor rates in your specific area
The return on investment for kitchen remodels typically ranges from 70% to 80%, making this one of the better home improvement investments you can make.
Breaking Down NJ Kitchen Remodeling Cost by Project Scope
The scope of your project determines where you’ll land on the cost spectrum. Understanding the three main remodeling categories helps you set realistic expectations and plan accordingly. Each level offers different benefits and addresses specific renovation goals.
Minor Kitchen Remodels
A minor remodel typically costs $10,000 to $20,000. This level includes painting walls, refinishing or refacing existing cabinets, replacing them with stock options, upgrading flooring and countertops, and installing a new sink and faucet. The existing layout stays exactly as it is, which keeps costs manageable by avoiding plumbing and electrical relocations.
A Small kitchen remodeling cost in NJ for spaces around 75 square feet ranges from approximately $6,500 to $22,000. Adding the New Jersey premium to the national average brings smaller kitchens into this range.
Major Kitchen Remodels
Major remodels run $20,000 to $65,000 and typically include new appliances, flooring, countertops, custom cabinetry, new lighting fixtures, an updated sink and faucet, and possibly adding an island. The layout might see minor adjustments, but major plumbing and electrical moves are usually avoided.
Complete Kitchen Remodeling Cost
Complete remodels start at $65,000 and climb to $130,000 or higher. These projects change the kitchen footprint, move plumbing and electrical systems, incorporate luxury materials, install custom cabinets, add high-end appliances, and include features like under-cabinet lighting.
What Impacts Your Kitchen Renovation Job Cost
Several key elements drive your final price tag. Knowing where your money goes helps you make informed decisions about where to invest and where to save. These are the major cost factors in every kitchen remodel.
Kitchen Cabinets
Cabinets consume roughly 40% of your total budget, making them the single largest expense. Most homeowners spend approximately $8,400 on cabinets in a typical $30,000 kitchen remodel. Stock cabinets start around $100 to $300 per linear foot for ready-made units, while custom cabinets run $500 to $1,200 per linear foot with premium materials built to your exact specifications.
Kitchen Countertops
Average installation costs fall between $1,800 and $4,400 for most kitchens. Laminate provides budget-friendly options, while mid-range choices like quartz offer excellent durability. Natural stone options like granite vary based on rarity and origin. Most kitchens require 40 to 60 square feet of countertop space to function properly.
Backsplash
Installation typically ranges from $500 to $1,500 for a standard kitchen. Most materials and installation combined cost $15 to $40 per square foot. The average backsplash covers 30 to 40 square feet between countertops and upper cabinets, creating a protective and decorative element.
Flooring
Total flooring installation runs $1,000 to $5,000, depending on material choice and kitchen size. Budget-friendly options like vinyl plank offer durability at lower costs. Mid-range ceramic tile provides classic appeal. Hardwood adds warmth but requires more maintenance. Water-resistant materials make the most practical sense for kitchen environments where spills happen regularly.
Additional Elements
- Appliances range widely based on quality, with most homeowners spending $5,000 to $8,000 for a complete set of mid-range options
- Installation adds $125 to $300 per appliance
- Plumbing updates average around $7,500 when replacing pipes or moving fixtures
- Sink and faucet installation combined typically costs around $680
- Electrical work for new outlets, lighting, and panel upgrades ranges from several hundred to several thousand dollars, depending on the scope
- Under-cabinet lighting adds $230 to $300 for installation
- Gas line relocation costs $375 to $750 when necessary
- Painting walls runs approximately $900 for an average-sized kitchen
- Custom storage or pantry solutions range from $1,100 to $2,900
- Labor represents about 25% of your total project cost, with general contractor fees adding 10% to 20% for project management
- Permit to remodel kitchen in NJ costs $460 to $2,770, depending on your municipality and the extent of changes
Ways to Manage Your Kitchen Remodeling Cost
You don’t need to sacrifice quality to stay within budget. Careful planning and strategic choices can save thousands without compromising results. These proven approaches help you get more value from every dollar spent.
Reface Instead of Replace
Cabinet refacing costs 30% to 50% less than new cabinets. The existing boxes remain in place while new doors, drawer fronts, hardware, and veneer create a fresh appearance. This approach works when your layout functions well and the cabinet boxes are structurally sound. Refacing can save $5,000 to $15,000 on an average project while delivering visual impact.
Keep the Existing Layout
Moving plumbing and electrical systems adds substantial costs to your budget. Working within your current footprint keeps kitchen remodels in NJ significantly cheaper. You avoid opening walls, running new utilities, and extensive patching and finishing. The savings often allow you to upgrade materials elsewhere. Sometimes, layout changes justify the expense when poor workflow frustrates daily cooking or inadequate counter space limits meal preparation.
Mix Material Grades Strategically
Splurge on visible elements like countertops and backsplashes that you see and touch every day. Choose mid-range cabinets that deliver quality without custom pricing. Select budget-friendly flooring that offers good durability at a lower cost. Shopping directly with suppliers can save 20% to 40% off retail prices.
Time Your Project Wisely
Contractors stay busiest from spring through fall. Winter brings slower periods when they actively seek work. You might negotiate better rates during off-peak months and get faster scheduling. Order materials early to avoid delays. Cabinet lead times run 8 to 16 weeks, while appliances take 4 to 12 weeks.
Working with Professional Kitchen Remodelers in NJ
Your contractor choice affects both costs and satisfaction. Interview at least three contractors. Check licenses through the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs. Verify insurance coverage for liability and workers’ compensation.
Request references from recent similar projects. Visit completed jobs when possible. Look for clean work, attention to detail, and proper finishing. Talk to past clients about communication, problem-solving, and whether the contractor stayed on budget and schedule.
Get detailed written estimates breaking down labor and materials separately. Estimates should include allowances for items you’ll select later. Payment schedules should tie to completion milestones, not arbitrary dates. Never pay the full amount up front.
Avoid choosing the lowest bid automatically. The cheapest option often signals cut corners or inexperienced crews. The middle bid frequently offers the best value, balancing fair pricing with quality workmanship.
Your Next Steps
We’ve helped hundreds of New Jersey homeowners figure out what makes sense for their homes and their budgets. Sometimes that means a full kitchen remodel or gut renovation. Other times it means working smarter with what’s already there. Every project is different because every family uses their kitchen differently.
At Mudosi Kitchen and Bath, we walk you through the entire process without the pressure or confusion. We give you straight construction services answers about costs, timelines, and what’s actually worth doing. No surprises, no inflated numbers, just honest guidance from people who’ve been doing this for years. Give us a call or stop by our office in Parsippany. We’ll sit down, look at what you’re working with, and figure out the best path forward together.
