Kitchen Remodeling Costs: A Guide for Philadelphia Homeowners
Philly’s famous for its cheesesteaks, but what about your kitchen? Is it time for an upgrade? This comprehensive guide breaks down the factors that influence kitchen remodeling costs in Philadelphia, so you can create a space that’s as delicious as a Philly cheesesteak. From materials and appliances to labor and design, we’ll cover everything you need to know to estimate your project’s budget. Let’s get cooking!
How much should you budget for your kitchen remodel? Here’s how to make a rough prediction of kitchen remodeling costs in Philadelphia. The main variables are:
- Size of your kitchen, typically determined by square footage, and other factors like the number of linear feet of cabinets and countertops you need.
- Finish level — from budget to luxury, of all the materials, fixtures and finishes for your renovation.
- Scope — Are you just replacing fixtures and finishes? Are you changing the floor plan, including moving walls and utilities? Are you adding a new kitchen, or moving your kitchen to a different part of the house?
- Services — Do you just need construction work? Do you need professional design or architecture services?
We’ll discuss these variables below, but for now let’s start with an example.
For a full renovation (without layout changes) of a medium-sized kitchen, with basic general contracting services, here’s what you can expect starting costs for your project to look like in Philadelphia:
- Budget kitchen renovation costs: Starting at $26,900
- Mid-grade kitchen renovation costs: Starting at $77,500
- High-end kitchen renovation costs: Starting at $158,000
*Cost Vs Value 2024 data from our general contractors and remodeling by JLC
We want you to be completely prepared for the cost of your home remodeling project, so our pricing estimates are inclusive of all materials, labor, overhead, and a standard general contractor’s margin.
At Sweeten, we’re experts at all things general contractors — we pre-screen them for our network, carefully select the best ones for your remodeling project, and work closely with hundreds of general contractors every day. So, we’ve tapped our internal expertise to bring you this guide.
When you’re ready to get started on your kitchen or home remodel, work with Sweeten to renovate with the best contractors in Philadelphia.
Size: How dimensions affect your kitchen remodeling costs in Philadelphia
Size matters, but it’s not the whole story. While a larger kitchen generally means higher costs, it’s the specific elements within the space that drive up the price. High-end fixtures, premium appliances, and extensive cabinetry can significantly increase the budget, regardless of the overall square footage. So, when considering your kitchen remodel, focus on the quality and quantity of materials rather than simply the size of the room.
Extra Small Kitchens
Extra small kitchens, often referred to as “kitchenettes,” are compact spaces designed for minimal food preparation. Typically less than 60 square feet, they often feature under-counter or narrow refrigerators and small stoves or cooktops. These kitchens are best suited for single individuals or those who rarely cook elaborate meals.
Small Kitchens
Small kitchens typically have a narrow galley or efficient corner layout. Measuring around 60 to 90 square feet, these kitchens are ideal for one cook. Common appliances include a narrow upright refrigerator, a four-burner range, and a microwave.
Medium Kitchens
Medium kitchens often have an L-shaped or U-shaped layout and may include an island or peninsula. These kitchens, measuring approximately 90 to 120 square feet, are comfortable for one or two cooks. Typical appliances include an upright refrigerator, a four-burner range, a dishwasher, and a microwave.
Large Kitchens
Large kitchens are full-sized kitchens with ample cabinet space, often featuring an island or peninsula and a pantry. Measuring 120 to 200 square feet, these kitchens are suitable for two cooks and can comfortably accommodate guests. Typical appliances include a wide upright refrigerator, a six-burner range or cooktop with a separate oven, a dishwasher, a microwave, and possibly even a wine refrigerator.
Extra Large Kitchens
Extra large kitchens are spacious, full-sized kitchens with a pantry or larder and ample room for dining or socializing. These kitchens, typically exceeding 200 square feet, are ideal for cooking with family or friends. Common appliances include a wide upright refrigerator, a six-burner range or cooktop, multiple ovens, multiple dishwashers, a microwave, and a wine refrigerator.
Note, estimates don’t typically include appliances because appliance costs vary from budget to mid-grade to high-end/luxury. Most GCs are happy to provide an allowance or cost for a specific model upon request. There is a wide range of kitchen appliance packages available based on your budget, whether it’s under $5,000, $5,000-$10,000, or $10,000+.
Finish level: How kitchen design affects remodeling costs in Philadelphia
Finish level refers to the general quality and price level of fixtures, materials, and finishes. These include countertop materials, cabinetry materials and fabrication, flooring choices, and the brands and models of sinks, faucets, and appliances you choose. The higher the finish level, the faster your costs will increase.
Budget Finish
Budget finishes often include prefabricated cabinets from local home improvement stores, solid surface countertops like Wilsonart, laminate flooring from Pergo, and budget-friendly tiles like ceramic or porcelain. Popular fixture brands for budget-conscious Philadelphians include Delta and American Standard.
Mid-Grade Finish
Mid-grade finishes in Philadelphia often feature cabinets from reputable local manufacturers or brands like Diamond or Kemper. Engineered stone countertops like Caesarstone are a popular choice for mid-range kitchens. Durable Daltile flooring and stylish tiles from TileBar or Ann Sacks are also common options. For fixtures, Brizo, Hansgrohe, or Kohler are well-respected brands in the city.
High-End Finish
High-end finishes often include custom-made cabinets from local artisans or designers, premium countertops like Cambria or Neolith, high-quality flooring from Porcelanosa, luxurious tiles by Cle Tile or Artistic Tile, and top-of-the-line fixtures from Graff, Kallista, or Rohl.
Luxury Finish
Luxury finishes represent the pinnacle of customization, craftsmanship, and materials. Think of brands like La Cornue, Meneghini, or Vinotemp for truly exceptional and exclusive products. Philadelphia’s high-end kitchen remodeling projects often feature these luxurious elements to create stunning and functional spaces.
Scope: Rip-and-replace vs. gut kitchen renovation in Philadelphia
Project scope refers to the amount and type of work that needs to be done, and can have implications on which professionals you’ll need to hire. We divide scope into the following broad categories (when a contractor prepares an estimate for your renovation, it will be much more detailed, and will include costs of the exact fixtures and finishes):
Full renovation (also called “rip-and-replace”)
A full renovation means that you’re replacing all old fixtures and finishes with new ones, while leaving everything in its original place. So, effectively, the layout is the same before and after the renovation (hence, the nickname “rip-and-replace”). This is the more straightforward way to reimagine your space, and can often be done with just a licensed general contractor partner.
Gut renovation
For a gut renovation, you’ll be dropping walls, moving gas lines, re-routing plumbing lines and rewiring electrical — generally stripping the room to the studs and subfloor (or, even removing these!) in order to change up the layout of the space. This kind of transformational project will require professional design and architectural services, permitting, and licensed general contractors, which ensures the work is done safely and to code.
Services: Kitchen remodeling services, and how they affect costs in Philadelphia
The two main services to consider for your kitchen renovation are build service and design service. Depending on your needs, you have some options for what types of firms to hire.
Build Service with a General Contractor
Build service typically includes demolition and construction services, carried out by your general contractor. While some general contractors specialize exclusively in construction (build-only firms), others offer varying levels of design assistance. Some may work solely with finalized plans from a professional designer, while others can help you develop your vision or provide creative suggestions for materials, fixtures, or spatial layout.
Factors like service level, experience, firm size, and overhead can influence a contractor’s pricing. We recommend meeting with several firms to determine the best fit for your needs and preferences.
Design Service with an Architect or Interior Designer
Design service can be divided into creative design and technical design. Creative design involves working with an architect or interior designer to reimagine your space. This optional service typically costs between 10% and 20% of your construction budget, depending on the scope of services included. However, some firms may charge a flat fee based on project size and duration. For example, a $50,000 kitchen renovation might incur design fees of $5,000 to $10,000. Sweeten brings homeowners an exceptional renovation experience by personally matching trusted general contractors to your project, while offering expert guidance and support—at no cost to you. Renovate to live, Sweeten to thrive!
Technical design is essential for projects like gut renovations that require permits. An architect (or sometimes a structural engineer) ensures the project adheres to safety codes and regulations.
What is a Full-Service, Design-Build Firm?
A full-service, design-build firm combines design and construction services under one roof. By working with a single firm throughout the project, you can benefit from streamlined communication, improved coordination, and potentially lower costs. This approach can save time and help keep your project on track.
Key advantages of a full-service, design-build firm:
- Seamless communication and coordination: Working with a single firm eliminates potential conflicts and misunderstandings between design and construction teams.
- Potential cost savings: Streamlined processes and better project management can help reduce overall costs.
- Time savings: A single point of contact can expedite decision-making and problem-solving.
- Consistent vision: A design-build firm can ensure that your design vision is carried out consistently throughout the construction process.
When considering a full-service, design-build firm, it’s important to:
- Research and compare firms: Look for firms with experience in similar projects and positive reviews.
- Ask about their design-build process: Understand how they handle design, permitting, construction, and communication.
- Request references: Talk to previous clients to get their feedback on the firm’s performance.
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Post your project on Sweeten for free and make your dream kitchen a reality. Sweeten puts you in control of your renovation, from finding the perfect contractor and gathering design inspiration, to using cost guides to plan your budget wisely.
FAQs about kitchen remodeling costs in Philadelphia
The process of remodeling brings up endless questions, so we’re answering some of your most common curiosities about the costs of renovation here. Have more questions? Leave them in the comments section below!
The final cost of a kitchen remodel will depend on the size of your kitchen, the type of cabinets, appliance budget, and if any electrical or plumbing will be moving. Based on national averages, for a typical, medium-sized space (120 sqft), a full, rip-and-replace kitchen remodel in Philadelphia will range from $27,000 to $160,000 and up, depending on finishes. This estimate includes all materials, labor, overhead, and a standard general contractor margin.
A major gut kitchen remodel would add an additional 15-25% to the total cost of materials and labor for the same square footage.
Demolition signifies the start of a renovation and is one of the quickest parts of the process to complete. Typically, demolition costs are tied to the square footage of what is being removed. Generally, demolition costs start at $28 per square foot in Philadelphia, but can be more depending on what needs to be removed.
The cost of labor goes towards the renovation crew, behind-the-scenes administrative employees, and subcontractors. Generally, the cost of labor is dependent on a project’s complexity, size, and location. In Philadelphia, the labor portion of a remodeling project usually adds up to around 25-35% of the total project cost, give or take.
Generally, labor will make up a larger portion of total cost for a project with budget-grade materials, and a lower portion of the total for high-end materials, however, the addition of any highly specialized labor (beyond standard) will cost more.
Permit requirements vary between states and local municipalities, so be sure to check your local requirements. Often, permits are needed if any plumbing, electrical, or mechanical elements will be moved, or if load-bearing walls are being moved or coming down. If you need a permit for your renovation, the costs can be calculated as a flat rate for specific scopes of work or as a percentage of the cost of the project. In some areas remodeling permit costs might be as high as 10%, but it’s usually less.
Cabinet costs will vary widely depending on the cabinet type, material type, and the linear square footage that will be installed. The price range can be wide on cabinets, ranging from $182 per linear foot for stock cabinetry going up to $587 per linear foot for custom cabinetry with decorative elements, such as designer glass fronts. Double those figures per linear foot if you’re planning for both upper and lower cabinets, though lower cabinets are deeper and usually slightly more expensive than uppers. These quotes include installation costs for Philadelphia.
The cost of a countertop will depend on the square footage needed, the cost to install, and the type of material chosen. On the lower end, counters can start at $38 per square foot for laminate, formica, or tile, to as high as $539+ per square foot for high-end continuous, natural stone. These quotes include installation costs for Philadelphia.
The cost considerations for a kitchen island or peninsula include the type of cabinetry, countertop material, and any amenities to be installed, such as a sink or appliance. In total, adding a new island in Philadelphia, using budget-grade materials will start at about $7,500. This figure includes installation labor for Philadelphia.
Appliances can make up a substantial part of the renovation budget, if you are planning to replace them. “To maximize a limited budget, consider an appliance package,” explains Albert Fouerti, founder and CEO of Appliances Connection. “Sticking to a single brand might net you the most savings based on manufacturers’ rebates.”
Typically, appliance packages align into three levels – budget appliance packages which cost $5,000 and under, mid-grade packages range between $5,000-$10,000, and high-end/luxury packages that can cost $10,000 and up. An appliance package typically includes a refrigerator, range, microwave oven, and dishwasher, but could include more appliances depending on your specific renovation. Costs can be controlled by choosing finishes and features within your budget and typical use case.
The cost of a backsplash will depend on the square footage needed, the type of material chosen, and the prep and installation labor. Kitchen backsplash costs range from about $38 per square foot for a budget tile option, up to $539 per square foot for a high-end slab option, such as marble. These figures include installation labor costs for Philadelphia.
When renovating your kitchen, you’ll also need to choose hardware like cabinet pulls that can run as low as a few dollars a piece (though, you can also spend a lot more on higher-end items), and lighting fixtures that can be had for $76 for basic flush mounts (with installation labor), or run up to hundreds or thousands of dollars for decorative chandeliers or multiple statement pendants and under-cabinet lighting.
In Philadelphia, the cost for a full, rip-and-replace remodel of a small kitchen can range from $20,000-$69,000 and up, depending on finish level of the materials used. A major gut renovation for a kitchen of the same size would add an additional 15-25% to the total cost of materials and labor.
Your general contractor can give you an idea of possible issues that may arise during a renovation in Philadelphia, based on the age and type of home they’re working on. However, a contractor cannot price out every possible issue, especially after walls are broken into. Plumbing and electrical may need to be updated, or lead/asbestos may need to be removed. Major projects often involve permit costs. Change orders after a contract has been signed can also add to the overall cost.
To protect yourself from unseen costs, set aside a 10-15% contingency budget for a non-gut renovation. If you are planning a gut remodel, set aside 15-20% for issues that come up along the way. Having a monetary cushion will keep your remodeling project on track. If you don’t end up needing it, you can use the extra funds to pay down loans or furnish your beautiful new space.
Common kitchen layouts in Philadelphia include galley, L-shaped, U-shaped, island, and peninsula kitchens. Galley kitchens are highly-efficient layouts and usually on the smaller end for kitchen size because there is limited floor space; that said, they focus their efficiency on cabinets and countertop space, which are bigger ticket items for pricing. In the medium to large size range, you might have an L-shaped kitchen or a U-shaped kitchen. Many open layout kitchens feature an island or peninsula.
In all of these cases, your big-ticket items like cabinets, countertops and appliances will swing your overall costs higher or lower depending on the overall size or volume and finish level. If you don’t need a lot of cabinet space, consider limiting upper cabinets or incorporating some open-shelving in your kitchen design to reduce costs.
Are you ready to start your own kitchen remodeling project?
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