Kitchen remodel budgets often boil down to one number, but that rarely shows where the money actually goes. Reddit user u/MrsFeatherbottom11 shared complete before-and-after renovation information along with a detailed cost breakdown, giving homeowners a realistic look at what a full kitchen remodel can entail for around $37,200.
The couple handled most of the labor themselves, including cabinet installation and tile demolition, which helped keep the overall budget low.
The original kitchen shows its 1990s roots
The original kitchen still features builder-installed honey oak cabinets, ceramic tile flooring, laminate countertops, and a compact island with seating for two. While everything remains functional, the rooms reflect the typical finishes when the house was built in 1994.
The homeowners said they didn’t like the original kitchen for years and wanted more storage, a larger workspace and a layout that worked better for everyday cooking and gathering.
The layout remained familiar while expanding the storage
Instead of moving walls, the remodel focused on making better use of the existing footprint. The biggest change came from replacing the small island with a larger version that now serves as both the primary prep space and everyday dining area.
The refrigerator wall also gained additional cabinetry, creating more enclosed storage while keeping the kitchen open to the surrounding living space.
White cabinetry became the biggest investment
The cabinet’s largest expense was $14,500, although that price only covered materials. Homeowners installed them themselves, avoiding thousands of dollars in installation costs.
They also removed the soffits above the original cabinets, allowing new Shaker cabinets and custom hoods to extend closer to the ceiling for a more finished look.
The large island changed how the kitchen worked
An oversized island became the focal point of the remodel. They include deep storage drawers, seating, extra countertop space and a built-in microwave that clears clutter from counters.
The homeowner later shared that the kitchen is roughly 260 square feet, while the island itself measures 85 by 50 inches, making it large enough to replace a separate dining table.
New flooring updates the entire main level
Flooring represented another major investment of $6,000. Homeowners cut those costs by removing the original tile themselves before starting installation.
New flooring extends beyond the kitchen into the hallway and adjacent half bath, creating a continuous look on the main level.
Countertops, hoods, and appliances meet the budget
Quartz countertops added another $5,000, while custom range hoods came in at $2,000.
The appliance budget was initially listed at $7,000, though the homeowner later clarified that the total was closer to $6,000, including a GE Profile refrigerator, KitchenAid dishwasher, Samsung range, Toshiba microwave, warranty and appliance removal.
Where did $37,200 go?
The shared budget is divided as follows:
- Cabinet (materials): $14,500
- Appliances: About $6,000
- Flooring: $6,000
- Countertops: $5,000
- Range hood: $2,000
- Dumpster: $700
- Miscellaneous Supplies and Finishing Items: $2,000
Because the homeowners completed the demolition and cabinet installation themselves, that number does not include professional labor for those parts of the project.
The biggest savings came from labor
A finished kitchen replaces almost every visible surface while keeping the original room layout intact. White shaker cabinets, quartz countertops, large storage drawers, wood flooring and an expansive island give the space a completely different look without displacing the walls.
The project took about eight weeks to complete. Many Reddit commenters said the detailed cost breakdown was just as valuable as the before-and-after photos because it offered a realistic starting point for homeowners planning similar renovations.
All image credits go to the Reddit user u/MrsFeatherbottom11.
