Estimating a Kitchen Remodel's Return on
Investment
The recession may technically be over, but when it comes to
housing values, the numbers still have been sliding down. As a result, so has the return in investment on
remodeling projects. However, a kitchen remodel continues to be the interior home improvement project
that increases your home's value the most. According to the 2010-11 Cost vs. Value Report*, a minor kitchen remodel
ties for the number 4 spot on the top 10 list of home improvment projects in terms of return on
investment. Most of the remaining projects in the list are exterior replacements like an entry door or garage
door, which tend to be less expensive projects than kitchens and also fall into the "must-do" rather than
"nice-to-do" category.
The numbers reported below are national averages; in general, the Pacific states region outperformed the rest of
the nation despite slightly higher costs. For example, on the West Coast, a minor kitchen remodel averages a cost
of $23,603, with a return of 84.1 percent. In the East North Central (Great Lakes) region, however, the same
project costs $22,239, with a return of just 63.7 perecent.
Minor Kitchen Remodel, Mid-Range
The 2010-11 report puts the
national average price of a mid-range minor kitchen remodel at $21,695,
averaging a return of 72.8 percent (down several point's from last
year’s 78.3 percent) a year later. What is a minor kitchen remodel? According to Remodeling, it’s a 200-square-foot kitchen with 30 linear feet of cabinetry and
countertops. The cabinets get refaced with new raised-panel wood doors, drawers and hardware, but the boxes stay.
Laminate countertops and vinyl flooring are removed and replaced with the same material, but in updated colors and
patterns. You also get a new, energy-efficient wall oven and cooktop, a new mid-priced sink and faucet, wall
covering, and a new paint job on your trim.
Major Kitchen Remodel, Mid-Range
A major kitchen remodel at a
mid-range price will run an average of $58,367, according to the
report. A year later, you can expect to recoup 68.7 percent
(down from 72.1 percent) of that. This 200-square-foot kitchen features a 3-by-5-foot island, 30 linear feet
of semi-custom wood cabinets, laminate countertops, and a double-bowl stainless-steel sink with single-lever
faucet. Add new energy-efficient appliances: wall oven, cooktop, ventilation system, built-in microwave,
dishwasher, garbage disposal, and custom lighting. Finish up with new vinyl flooring and paint for the walls, trim
and ceiling.
Major Kitchen Remodel, Upscale
Price tag: $113,464, according to the report, with an ROI of 59.7 percent (down from 63.2 percent). It's an easy bill to run up in a
200-square-foot kitchen with 30 linear feet of custom cherry cabinets with interior accessories, natural stone
countertops, and an imported ceramic or glass tile backsplash. Appliances include a built-in refrigerator, cooktop,
36-inch commercial-grade range and vent hood, built-in warming drawer, trash compactor and built-in
microwave/convection oven. Then add a high-end undermount sink; designer faucets; built-in water filtration system;
general, task and under-cabinet lighting; cork flooring; and cherry trim.
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