Updated 2026

See What Your Kitchen Remodel Actually Costs

Get accurate price estimates based on your room size, renovation scope, materials, and location

★★★★★ 4.8 / 5

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Verified 2026-02-22

Reviewed by Editorial Team

Name	Quality ↕	Value ↕	Price Range ↕	Timeline	Best For
Best Value IKEA Kitchen System	★★★☆☆ 3/5	★★★★★ 5/5	$8,000-$15,000	2-4 weeks	Budget-conscious DIYers, cosmetic updates
Home Depot Kitchen Remodel Services	★★★☆☆ 3/5	★★★★☆ 4/5	$15,000-$35,000	4-8 weeks	Mid-range remodels with professional installation
Editor's Pick Local General Contractor	★★★★☆ 4/5	★★★★☆ 4/5	$25,000-$65,000	6-12 weeks	Custom designs, full gut renovations, structural changes
Lowe's Kitchen Design & Installation	★★★☆☆ 3/5	★★★★☆ 4/5	$12,000-$30,000	4-8 weeks	Partial remodels, stock-to-semi-custom cabinetry
Premium Choice Custom Kitchen Designer (e.g., Neil Kelly, CliqStudios)	★★★★★ 5/5	★★★☆☆ 3/5	$50,000-$150,000+	10-16 weeks	High-end finishes, luxury appliances, architectural detail

⚖️ Our Verdict: For most homeowners, hiring a local general contractor offers the best balance of quality and customization at $25,000-$65,000. IKEA provides unbeatable value for cosmetic updates under $15,000, while big-box stores like Home Depot and Lowe's work well for straightforward partial remodels. Reserve custom designers for luxury renovations where premium materials and bespoke design justify the 2-3x cost premium.

IKEA Kitchen

★★★★☆ 4.3/5

Affordable modular cabinet system with flat-pack assembly and standardized dimensions for budget-conscious renovations.

✓ Pros

✓ Costs 40-60% less than custom cabinetry ($4,000-$15,000 for average kitchen)
✓ 25-year warranty on cabinets with modern hardware and soft-close features
✓ Wide selection of door styles and finishes that can be updated later
✓ In-stock availability allows faster project timelines (2-4 weeks)

✗ Cons

✗ Limited customization for non-standard layouts or ceiling heights
✗ Particleboard construction less durable than plywood alternatives
✗ Requires precise measurement and assembly skills or added installer costs
✗ Resale value impact may be lower in luxury home markets

Custom Cabinetry

👑 Winner

★★★★☆ 4.7/5

Built-to-specification cabinets crafted by local cabinet makers to exact kitchen dimensions and homeowner preferences.

✓ Pros

✓ Perfect fit for any layout including awkward spaces and custom heights
✓ Premium plywood or solid wood construction lasts 30+ years
✓ Unlimited design options for unique styles, finishes, and organizational features
✓ Higher ROI and resale value, especially in mid to high-end homes

✗ Cons

✗ Costs $15,000-$40,000+ for average kitchen (2-3x IKEA pricing)
✗ Lead times of 8-16 weeks from order to installation
✗ Quality varies significantly between cabinet makers
✗ Harder to replace or match if damaged years later

⚖️ Verdict: For budget-conscious homeowners spending under $30,000 total, IKEA offers excellent value with modern features. Choose custom cabinetry if your budget exceeds $50,000, you have non-standard layouts, or you're renovating a home valued above $500,000 where cabinet quality significantly impacts resale.

How We Compare

Our Comparison Methodology

Every comparison on Kitchenremodelprice follows a rigorous methodology:

Independent Testing: We test and evaluate each option independently
Verified Data: All pricing and feature data is verified directly with providers
Regular Updates: Comparisons are updated quarterly to reflect current offerings
No Pay-for-Play: Our rankings are never influenced by advertising

Which Option Is Right for You?

The best choice depends on your specific needs:

On a tight budget? Focus on our Best Value picks
Want the best quality? Check our Premium tier recommendations
Need it fast? Look at availability and turnaround times

Use our calculator to estimate costs for your specific situation, or read our complete guide for a deeper understanding.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often are comparisons updated?

We update our comparisons quarterly and whenever significant changes occur. The "Last Updated" date at the top shows when the data was last verified.

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No. Our comparisons are 100% independent. While we may earn commissions from some providers, this never influences our rankings or ratings.

How do you test and evaluate options?

Our team uses a standardized evaluation framework covering quality, value, customer service, features, and reputation. Each factor is weighted and scored objectively.