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New Kitchen Estimate Calculator
Estimate the total cost to build a brand new kitchen from scratch — including cabinets, countertops, flooring, appliances, plumbing, electrical, labor, permits, and design fees.
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Who Should Use This
Homeowners building a kitchen in a new construction, addition, or converting a non-kitchen space. Also for anyone replacing a kitchen down to the studs.
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Purpose
Get an accurate cost range for building a complete kitchen from scratch, broken down by every major category so you can budget confidently.
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Example
A 150 sq ft standard kitchen with semi-custom cabinets, quartz countertops, tile flooring, and mid-range appliances costs approximately $42,000 – $60,000.
Kitchen Details
New supply lines & drains
New circuits, outlets & panel work
Recessed, pendant & under-cabinet lights
Tile or stone backsplash installation
Tall pantry storage unit
Kitchen island with overhang for stools
Pro Tip: Building a new kitchen from scratch costs 30–50% more than remodeling an existing one because you are paying for all-new plumbing, electrical, and structural work. Budget an extra 10–15% contingency for unexpected issues behind walls.
How To Use
Estimate Your New Kitchen in 4 Steps
Get an accurate cost estimate for building a kitchen from the ground up
1
Enter Kitchen Size
Input your kitchen square footage. Measure the total floor area including where cabinets and appliances will go.
2
Choose Quality & Layout
Select your overall quality tier and kitchen layout. These are the biggest drivers of total cost.
3
Pick Materials
Choose cabinet type, countertop material, flooring, and appliance package. Mix and match to fit your budget.
4
Add Extras
Toggle on add-ons like lighting, backsplash, pantry, or island seating. Click calculate to see your total estimate.
What Does It Cost to Build a New Kitchen?
Building a new kitchen from scratch is fundamentally different from a kitchen renovation. Instead of upgrading existing components, you are starting from bare walls (or framing) and installing every system and finish from the ground up.
The total cost depends on three primary factors: kitchen size, quality of materials, and layout complexity. A simple 100 sq ft galley kitchen with builder-grade finishes might cost $12,000–$20,000, while a 250 sq ft open-concept luxury kitchen can exceed $200,000.
This calculator accounts for every major cost category so you can build a realistic budget before breaking ground.
Key Cost Drivers
- Cabinets (25–35% of budget): Stock cabinets start at $75/linear ft; custom can exceed $1,200/linear ft
- Countertops (10–15%): Laminate at $15–$40/sq ft vs. marble at $75–$200/sq ft
- Appliances (10–15%): Basic packages start at $2,000; commercial-grade can exceed $25,000
- Labor (20–35%): Installation, plumbing, and electrical work are the hidden cost drivers
- Layout complexity: An island or open concept adds 15–30% over a galley kitchen
- Permits & design fees: Often overlooked, these add $2,500–$18,000 to the total
Key Insights
What You Need to Know
Essential facts for planning your new kitchen build
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Get 3+ Quotes
Contractor pricing varies 20–40% for the same scope of work. Always get at least three detailed written quotes before committing to a contractor.
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Budget 15% Contingency
New kitchen builds frequently uncover unexpected issues — subfloor damage, outdated wiring, or plumbing that does not meet code. A 15% contingency protects your budget.
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Order Cabinets Early
Custom cabinets have 6–12 week lead times. Semi-custom cabinets take 3–6 weeks. Order these first since they set the timeline for the entire project.
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Plan Electrical First
A new kitchen needs dedicated 20-amp circuits for appliances, GFCI outlets near water, and often a 240V line for an electric range. Plan this before drywall goes up.
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Plumbing Sets Layout
Sink and dishwasher placement is constrained by drain locations. Moving plumbing is expensive ($1,000–$5,000+), so plan your layout around existing or new rough-in locations.
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The Work Triangle Matters
The distance between sink, stove, and refrigerator (the work triangle) should total 12–26 feet. A well-planned triangle improves efficiency and can reduce costs.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about building a new kitchen from scratch
Building a new kitchen from scratch costs $15,000–$180,000+ depending on size, quality, and layout. Budget kitchens run $100–$200 per square foot. Standard kitchens cost $200–$400 per square foot. Premium kitchens range from $400–$700 per square foot. Luxury kitchens can exceed $700–$1,200+ per square foot.
A 150 sq ft standard kitchen typically costs $30,000–$60,000 all-in.
Cabinets and labor are typically the two largest expenses:
- Cabinets: 25–35% of total budget ($3,000–$40,000+)
- Labor: 20–35% of total ($4,000–$50,000+)
- Countertops: 10–15% ($1,500–$20,000+)
- Appliances: 10–15% ($2,000–$25,000+)
Building a new kitchen typically takes 6–16 weeks:
- Simple galley: 6–8 weeks
- Standard L/U-shaped: 8–12 weeks
- Premium with custom cabinets: 12–16 weeks
Custom cabinet lead times (6–12 weeks) are often the longest wait in the project.
Yes. Building a new kitchen typically requires multiple permits:
- Plumbing permit: For new water supply and drain lines
- Electrical permit: For new circuits and outlets
- General building permit: For structural work
Permit costs range from $500–$3,000 depending on your municipality. Working without permits can result in fines and complications when selling your home.
A galley kitchen is the most cost-effective layout. It requires the least cabinetry, shortest plumbing runs, and minimal countertop material.
L-shaped kitchens offer a good balance of cost and functionality. U-shaped and island layouts cost 15–30% more due to additional cabinets, countertops, and potentially extra plumbing and electrical for the island.
Hiring a kitchen designer costs $2,000–$15,000 but can save money by avoiding costly mistakes, optimizing layout efficiency, and coordinating trades.
DIY design works for simple galley or L-shaped kitchens with stock cabinets. For kitchens over $30,000, custom cabinets, or complex layouts with islands, a professional designer typically pays for itself through better space planning and vendor coordination.
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