Kitchen Remodel Cost Salt Lake City: Budget Breakdown & ROI Guide

Kitchen remodel costs in Salt Lake City range from $25,000–$125,000+ depending on scope and materials. A typical mid-range kitchen remodel (200 sq ft) costs $40,000–$65,000, including new cabinets, quartz countertops, mid-range appliances, and labor.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Q: What’s the average kitchen remodel cost in Salt Lake City? Kitchen remodels in Salt Lake City range from $25,000–$75,000+ depending on size, materials, and scope. Minor remodels cost $25,000–$40,000, mid-range remodels $40,000–$65,000, and upscale remodels $65,000–$125,000+.

Q: What drives kitchen remodeling costs? Cabinet costs (30–40% of budget), countertops, appliances, labor, plumbing/electrical work, flooring, and design complexity all significantly impact final costs. Layout changes and structural work add 20–40% to budgets.

Q: How long does a kitchen remodel take? Most Salt Lake City kitchen remodels take 6–12 weeks from demolition to completion. Simple updates take 4–6 weeks, full remodels with layout changes take 10–16 weeks. Permits and inspections add 2–3 weeks.

Q: What’s the best ROI for a kitchen remodel? Homeowners recoup 55–75% of kitchen remodel costs when selling. Mid-range remodels (quartz counters, shaker cabinets, stainless appliances) offer the best ROI. Avoid over-customization and ultra-premium materials unless staying long-term.

Q: Should I hire a designer or just work with a contractor? For minor updates, a contractor is sufficient. For layout changes, structural work, or upscale remodels, a kitchen designer (or design-build contractor) ensures functional layouts, proper workflow, and maximizes space efficiency.

Q: What permits do I need for a kitchen remodel in Salt Lake City? Electrical, plumbing, and building permits are required if you’re moving appliances, adding circuits, or changing layout. Cosmetic updates (paint, new counters, cabinet refacing) typically don’t require permits. Budget $800–$2,500 for permits and inspections.

QUICK ANSWER

WHY KITCHEN REMODELS ARE THE #1 HOME IMPROVEMENT IN SALT LAKE CITY

The kitchen is the heart of every home. It’s where families gather, meals are prepared, and memories are created. An outdated, cramped, or dysfunctional kitchen affects daily quality of life, home value, and resale appeal. Salt Lake City homeowners prioritize kitchen remodels because they deliver immediate comfort, functionality, and strong return on investment.

Salt Lake City Kitchen Trends

Open-Concept Layouts: Removing walls between kitchen and living/dining areas creates modern, spacious flow. This is the #1 requested layout change in Salt Lake City remodels.

White & Gray Palettes: Clean, neutral color schemes with white or gray shaker cabinets, subway tile backsplash, and quartz countertops dominate Salt Lake City kitchens. Timeless aesthetics appeal to broad buyer demographics.

Quality Appliances: Stainless steel appliances are standard. Energy Star-rated refrigerators, dishwashers, and ranges are preferred for efficiency and resale appeal.

Smart Storage: Pantry cabinets, pull-out organizers, soft-close drawers, and under-cabinet lighting maximize functionality in smaller spaces.

Large Islands: Kitchen islands serve as prep areas, casual dining spots, and social hubs. Islands with seating are highly valued in Salt Lake City homes.

KITCHEN REMODEL COST BREAKDOWN FOR SALT LAKE CITY

Here’s a transparent breakdown of costs for a typical 200 sq ft kitchen remodel in Salt Lake City:

Cost Category	Percentage	Mid-Range Budget	Notes
Cabinets (new or refaced)	30%	$15,000	Largest single cost; quality cabinets critical
Countertops (quartz or granite)	12%	$6,000	Includes fabrication and installation
Appliances (range, fridge, dishwasher, microwave)	15%	$7,500	Mid-range stainless steel; energy efficient
Labor (demolition, installation, finishing)	20%	$10,000	Skilled tradespeople ensure quality work
Plumbing & Electrical	10%	$5,000	Moving fixtures, adding circuits, lighting
Flooring (tile, hardwood, or LVP)	8%	$4,000	Durable, easy-maintenance materials
Backsplash & Tile Work	3%	$1,500	Subway tile or decorative options
Sink, Faucet & Fixtures	2%	$1,000	Quality fixtures add style and function
Permits & Inspections	3%	$1,500	Required for electrical/plumbing work
Contingency Buffer (10–15%)	7%	$3,500	Always budget for surprises

Total Mid-Range Kitchen Remodel (200 sq ft): $50,000

Cost Per Square Foot: $250

KITCHEN REMODEL BUDGET LEVELS: MINOR, MID-RANGE & UPSCALE

Minor Kitchen Remodel: $25,000–$40,000

What’s Included:

Cabinet refacing or painting (not replacement)
New countertops (laminate or budget quartz)
Basic stainless steel appliances (1–2 new appliances)
New sink and faucet
Updated lighting fixtures
Fresh paint
New hardware (handles, knobs)
Minor backsplash update

What’s NOT Included:

No layout changes or wall removal
No new cabinets (existing cabinets refaced/painted)
No major plumbing or electrical work
No flooring replacement (unless minor)
No structural changes

Best For: Homeowners on tight budgets seeking cosmetic updates without major construction. Ideal for rentals or homes being prepped for sale.

ROI: 60–75% (minor updates offer strong ROI)

Mid-Range Kitchen Remodel: $40,000–$65,000

What’s Included:

Full cabinet replacement (stock or semi-custom shaker-style)
Quartz or granite countertops
Mid-range stainless steel appliances (full suite)
New sink, faucet, and fixtures
Tile or hardwood flooring
Subway tile or decorative backsplash
Updated lighting (recessed, pendant, under-cabinet)
Electrical work (new circuits, outlets, GFCIs)
Minor plumbing updates (relocated sink or dishwasher)
Fresh paint throughout

What MAY Be Included:

Small layout changes (moving sink or appliances)
Kitchen island addition (if space allows)
Pantry organization upgrades

What’s NOT Included:

Major structural changes or wall removal
Custom cabinetry
Ultra-premium appliances or finishes
Large-scale plumbing or electrical overhauls

Best For: Most Salt Lake City homeowners seeking functional, stylish kitchens with modern finishes. This budget balances quality and cost-effectiveness.

ROI: 55–70% (best ROI for most homeowners)

Upscale Kitchen Remodel: $65,000–$125,000+

What’s Included:

Custom or semi-custom cabinetry (hardwood, soft-close drawers, premium finishes)
Premium countertops (marble, quartzite, high-end granite)
High-end appliances (Viking, Wolf, Sub-Zero, Bosch)
Designer fixtures and hardware
Luxury flooring (hardwood, porcelain tile, natural stone)
Custom backsplash (marble, glass, designer tile)
Professional lighting design (chandeliers, statement pendants)
Major layout changes (wall removal, open concept)
Structural work (support beams, floor reinforcement)
Built-in features (wine fridge, coffee bar, butler’s pantry)
Smart home integration (smart appliances, lighting, faucets)

Best For: High-end homes, homeowners planning to age in place, or those seeking luxury, custom kitchens. Common in Salt Lake City’s Avenues, Federal Heights, and Cottonwood Heights neighborhoods.

ROI: 50–65% (lower ROI due to premium materials, but high lifestyle value)

WHAT DRIVES KITCHEN REMODELING COSTS IN SALT LAKE CITY

High-Cost Factors

Layout Changes & Wall Removal Opening up your kitchen to create an open-concept layout is the #1 requested change—but it’s expensive. Removing load-bearing walls requires structural engineers, support beams, permits, and additional labor. Expect $5,000–$15,000+ for major layout changes.

Custom Cabinetry Custom cabinets tailored to your exact dimensions, wood species, and finishes cost 50–100% more than stock or semi-custom options. Custom cabinetry ranges from $500–$1,500+ per linear foot vs. $150–$400 for stock cabinets.

Premium Countertops Marble, quartzite, and exotic granite cost $80–$200+ per square foot installed vs. $50–$80 for standard quartz or granite. Premium materials are beautiful but expensive.

High-End Appliances Luxury brands (Wolf, Sub-Zero, Thermador, Miele) cost 2–3x more than mid-range brands. A Wolf range costs $6,000–$15,000 vs. $1,200–$2,500 for a comparable mid-range range.

Plumbing & Electrical Overhauls Moving sinks, adding islands with plumbing, upgrading electrical panels, or running new gas lines adds $3,000–$10,000+ depending on complexity.

Structural Work Older Salt Lake City homes (pre-1980s) often require structural upgrades to support heavy countertops, new flooring, or layout changes. Structural work adds $2,000–$8,000+.

Permit Delays & Inspections Complex remodels requiring multiple permits (building, electrical, plumbing, gas) can delay projects by 2–4 weeks. Rush permits cost more.

Labor Shortages Peak construction season (spring/summer) drives up labor costs by 15–25%. Skilled tradespeople (electricians, plumbers, tile installers) are in high demand.

Cost-Saving Opportunities

Keep Existing Layout Avoiding layout changes saves $5,000–$15,000. Work within your existing footprint and simply update finishes, cabinets, and appliances.

Choose Stock or Semi-Custom Cabinets Stock cabinets from quality manufacturers (Kraftmaid, Shaker, Diamond) offer excellent value. Semi-custom cabinets allow some personalization without custom pricing.

Select Mid-Range Appliances Brands like Samsung, LG, Whirlpool, and Bosch offer reliable, stylish appliances at 40–60% less than luxury brands. Energy Star ratings reduce utility costs.

Use Quartz Instead of Marble Quartz countertops cost less, require no sealing, resist stains better, and are more durable than marble. Modern quartz mimics marble aesthetics beautifully.

DIY Demolition & Prep Removing old cabinets, countertops, and appliances yourself saves $1,500–$3,000 in labor. Cleanup and debris removal are easy DIY tasks.

Opt for Laminate or LVP Flooring Luxury vinyl plank (LVP) and laminate flooring are durable, waterproof, and cost 50–70% less than hardwood or tile. Modern LVP is indistinguishable from real wood.

Timing Your Remodel Fall and winter (October–February) have lower labor demand. Contractors offer better pricing and availability during off-peak seasons.

Refacing vs. Replacing Cabinets Cabinet refacing (new doors, drawer fronts, hardware) costs 40–60% less than full replacement. This works well if cabinet boxes are structurally sound.

KITCHEN REMODEL TIMELINE IN SALT LAKE CITY

Typical Project Timeline

Phase	Duration	Details
Design & Planning	2–4 weeks	Layout design, material selection, contractor selection
Permits & Approval	1–3 weeks	Submit plans to City Building Department
Demolition	1–3 days	Remove cabinets, counters, appliances, flooring
Rough-In (Plumbing/Electrical)	3–7 days	Install new wiring, circuits, plumbing lines
Inspections (Rough-In)	1–2 days	City inspects electrical/plumbing work
Drywall & Structural Work	3–7 days	Repair walls, install support beams if needed
Cabinet Installation	3–5 days	Install base and upper cabinets
Countertop Fabrication & Install	5–10 days	Measure, fabricate, install countertops
Appliance Installation	1–2 days	Install range, fridge, dishwasher, microwave
Backsplash & Tile Work	2–4 days	Install tile backsplash
Flooring Installation	2–5 days	Install tile, hardwood, or LVP
Plumbing & Electrical Finish	2–3 days	Install fixtures, lighting, outlets
Final Inspections	1–2 days	City final inspection and approval
Punch List & Cleanup	1–2 days	Address final details, deep clean
Total: 6–12 weeks		Minor remodels: 4–6 weeks; full remodels: 8–16 weeks

Factors That Extend Timelines:

Custom cabinets (add 4–8 weeks for fabrication)
Structural work or wall removal (add 2–4 weeks)
Permit delays (add 1–3 weeks)
Material backorders (add 2–6 weeks, especially appliances)
Winter weather (minimal impact on indoor work)

KITCHEN REMODEL COST BY COMPONENTS

Cabinets: $8,000–$25,000+ (30–40% of budget)

Cabinets are the largest single cost in any kitchen remodel. Quality, style, and customization level drive pricing.

Stock Cabinets: $150–$400 per linear foot

Pre-manufactured, standard sizes
Limited style/color options
Available immediately or within 2–4 weeks
Brands: Kraftmaid, Diamond, American Woodmark

Semi-Custom Cabinets: $300–$700 per linear foot

Some customization (size, finish, features)
Wide range of styles (shaker, raised panel, flat panel)
Lead time: 4–8 weeks
Brands: Wellborn, Waypoint, Medallion

Custom Cabinets: $500–$1,500+ per linear foot

Fully customized to your specifications
Premium wood species (cherry, walnut, maple)
Luxury features (soft-close, pull-outs, built-ins)
Lead time: 8–16 weeks
Custom local cabinet makers

Cabinet Refacing: $4,000–$10,000 (40–60% less than replacement)

New doors, drawer fronts, hardware
Existing cabinet boxes remain
Quick turnaround (1–2 weeks)
Best if cabinet boxes are structurally sound

Most Popular in Salt Lake City: White or gray shaker-style semi-custom cabinets with soft-close drawers, pull-out organizers, and under-cabinet lighting.

Countertops: $3,000–$12,000+ (10–15% of budget)

Countertops define your kitchen’s aesthetic and functionality. Material choice dramatically impacts cost.

Laminate Countertops: $20–$50 per sq ft installed

Budget-friendly option
Modern laminate mimics stone
Easy to clean but less durable
Can chip or peel over time
Best for: budget remodels or rentals

Quartz Countertops: $50–$120 per sq ft installed

Most popular choice in Salt Lake City
Non-porous, low-maintenance, no sealing required
Resists stains, scratches, and bacteria
Wide range of colors and patterns
Brands: Cambria, Caesarstone, Silestone
Best for: most homeowners seeking durability and style

Granite Countertops: $50–$100 per sq ft installed

Natural stone with unique patterns
Requires periodic sealing
Heat-resistant and durable
Each slab is unique
Best for: homeowners wanting natural stone aesthetics

Marble Countertops: $80–$200+ per sq ft installed

Luxury, elegant appearance
Softer stone; prone to scratches and stains
Requires regular sealing and maintenance
Best for: upscale kitchens, low-use areas (baking stations)

Butcher Block: $40–$80 per sq ft installed

Warm, natural wood aesthetic
Requires regular oiling and maintenance
Best for: kitchen islands or accent areas

Concrete or Quartzite: $80–$150+ per sq ft installed

Modern, industrial aesthetic (concrete)
Extremely durable (quartzite)
Limited availability and higher cost
Best for: contemporary or custom kitchens

Most Popular in Salt Lake City: Quartz countertops in white, gray, or marble-look patterns. They offer the best balance of durability, aesthetics, and maintenance.

Appliances: $5,000–$20,000+ (12–18% of budget)

Appliances are both functional and aesthetic. Choose based on cooking habits, budget, and resale appeal.

Budget Appliances (Basic, Functional): $3,000–$6,000

Brands: Frigidaire, GE, Hotpoint
Basic features, reliable performance
Standard finishes (white, black, stainless)
Best for: rentals, budget remodels

Mid-Range Appliances (Standard for Most Homes): $6,000–$12,000

Brands: Samsung, LG, Whirlpool, KitchenAid, Bosch
Energy Star rated
Stainless steel finishes
Good features (convection, smart technology)
Best for: most Salt Lake City homeowners

High-End Appliances (Luxury, Professional-Grade): $15,000–$30,000+

Brands: Wolf, Sub-Zero, Thermador, Miele, Viking
Professional-grade performance
Premium finishes (stainless, custom panels)
Advanced features (dual ovens, smart integration)
Best for: upscale kitchens, serious home cooks

Appliance Package Breakdown:

Refrigerator: $1,200–$10,000
Range/Oven: $800–$15,000
Dishwasher: $500–$2,500
Microwave: $200–$1,500
Range Hood: $300–$3,000

Most Popular in Salt Lake City: Mid-range stainless steel appliance packages (Samsung, LG, Bosch) with Energy Star ratings. Counter-depth refrigerators and gas ranges are highly valued.

Flooring: $3,000–$8,000 (8–12% of budget)

Kitchen flooring must be durable, water-resistant, and easy to clean.

Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP): $3–$8 per sq ft installed

Most popular budget-friendly option
Waterproof, durable, easy maintenance
Looks like real hardwood
DIY-friendly installation
Best for: most homeowners seeking value

Porcelain or Ceramic Tile: $5–$15 per sq ft installed

Classic, durable option
Waterproof and stain-resistant
Wide range of styles (subway, hexagon, wood-look)
Cold underfoot (consider radiant heating)
Best for: traditional or contemporary kitchens

Hardwood Flooring: $8–$18 per sq ft installed

Warm, elegant appearance
Susceptible to water damage (requires care)
Can be refinished multiple times
Adds resale value
Best for: homes with hardwood throughout

Engineered Hardwood: $6–$12 per sq ft installed

More water-resistant than solid hardwood
Looks like real hardwood
Limited refinishing capability
Best for: homeowners wanting hardwood with less maintenance

Laminate Flooring: $2–$6 per sq ft installed

Budget-friendly
Decent durability
Can scratch or dent
Best for: budget remodels

Most Popular in Salt Lake City: LVP (luxury vinyl plank) in wood-look finishes. It’s waterproof, durable, affordable, and looks great.

Backsplash: $1,000–$4,000 (2–5% of budget)

Backsplash protects walls and adds visual interest.

Ceramic/Subway Tile: $8–$20 per sq ft installed

Classic, timeless look
Easy to clean
Wide range of colors
Most popular: white 3×6 subway tile

Glass Tile: $15–$40 per sq ft installed

Modern, reflective appearance
Easy to clean
More expensive than ceramic

Natural Stone (Marble, Travertine): $20–$60 per sq ft installed

Luxury appearance
Requires sealing
Higher maintenance

Peel-and-Stick Tile: $5–$15 per sq ft DIY

Budget-friendly, DIY option
Temporary or rental-friendly
Lower durability

Most Popular in Salt Lake City: White 3×6 subway tile with gray or white grout. Timeless, affordable, and appeals to broad buyer demographics.

Plumbing & Electrical: $3,000–$10,000 (10–15% of budget)

Essential for functionality and code compliance.

Plumbing Work Includes:

Relocating sinks, dishwashers, or refrigerator water lines
Installing new faucets, garbage disposals, and fixtures
Updating supply lines and drain pipes
Gas line installation or relocation (for gas ranges)

Electrical Work Includes:

Adding circuits for appliances (refrigerator, microwave, dishwasher)
Installing GFCI outlets near water sources
Under-cabinet lighting installation
Pendant or chandelier wiring
Recessed lighting installation

Permits Required: Electrical and plumbing permits are mandatory for most work. Budget $800–$2,000 for permits and inspections.

Most Common Upgrades:

Adding 20-amp circuits for appliances
Installing pendant lights over islands
Under-cabinet LED lighting strips
GFCI outlets throughout

WHERE TO SPEND VS. SAVE ON YOUR KITCHEN REMODEL

Spend More On:

Quality Cabinets Cabinets are the largest visual element and most-used feature. Invest in solid wood construction, soft-close drawers, and durable finishes. Quality cabinets last 20–30 years.

Durable Countertops Quartz or granite countertops are worth the investment. They’re durable, low-maintenance, and add resale value. Avoid cheap laminate or tile countertops in primary kitchens.

Professional Labor Hire licensed electricians, plumbers, and experienced tile installers. Poor workmanship leads to leaks, electrical issues, and costly repairs. Quality labor ensures longevity.

Functional Layout Invest in design consultation to optimize workflow (sink-stove-fridge triangle), maximize storage, and create efficient layouts. A well-designed kitchen is worth far more than fancy finishes.

Lighting Design Layered lighting (recessed, pendant, under-cabinet) transforms kitchens. Good lighting improves functionality, ambiance, and aesthetics. This is often overlooked but critical.

Save Money On:

Appliances (Go Mid-Range) Mid-range appliances (Samsung, LG, Bosch) perform as well as luxury brands at half the cost. Save $5,000–$15,000 without sacrificing functionality.

Hardware & Fixtures Cabinet hardware, faucets, and sinks have affordable options that look great. You don’t need designer brands—functional, stylish options exist at all price points.

Backsplash Classic subway tile is affordable and timeless. Avoid expensive glass or marble backsplash unless it’s a focal point. Most backsplash is partially hidden by cabinets anyway.

Flooring (Choose LVP) Luxury vinyl plank looks like hardwood, costs 50–70% less, and is waterproof. It’s the smartest flooring choice for most kitchens.

Paint & Cosmetic Details DIY painting saves $1,000–$2,000. Paint is one of the easiest DIY tasks and has massive visual impact.

KITCHEN REMODEL PERMITS & INSPECTIONS IN SALT LAKE CITY

Required Permits

Building Permit: Required for structural work (wall removal, support beams, layout changes)

Application: $300–$800
Includes plan review and inspections

Electrical Permit: Required for new circuits, outlets, lighting, or panel upgrades

Application: $150–$400
Includes rough-in and final inspections

Plumbing Permit: Required for moving sinks, dishwashers, or gas lines

Application: $150–$400
Includes rough-in and final inspections

Mechanical Permit (if applicable): Required for range hood venting or HVAC changes

Application: $100–$300

Total Permit Costs: $700–$1,900

Permit Timeline

Application Submission: 1–2 days
City Review: 3–10 business days (simple remodels faster)
Approval: 1–2 weeks typical
Total Timeline: 2–3 weeks before construction begins

Who Handles Permits: Your general contractor or design-build firm should handle all permitting, inspections, and city coordination.

KITCHEN REMODEL ROI IN SALT LAKE CITY

Return on Investment by Remodel Type

Minor Kitchen Remodel (cosmetic updates): 60–75% ROI

New counters, cabinet refacing, appliances
Best ROI for homeowners selling soon

Mid-Range Kitchen Remodel: 55–70% ROI

New cabinets, quartz counters, mid-range appliances
Best balance of investment and return

Upscale Kitchen Remodel: 50–65% ROI

Custom cabinets, premium finishes, luxury appliances
Lower ROI but high lifestyle value

What Buyers Want in Salt Lake City Kitchens

✓ Open-concept layout (kitchen open to living/dining) ✓ White or neutral cabinets (broad appeal) ✓ Quartz or granite countertops ✓ Stainless steel appliances (mid-range acceptable) ✓ Modern lighting (recessed, pendant, under-cabinet) ✓ Functional storage (pantry, pull-outs, soft-close drawers) ✓ Large island with seating ✓ Updated flooring (LVP, tile, or hardwood)

Beyond Resale: Lifestyle Benefits

Improved Functionality: Better layouts reduce cooking frustration and improve workflow. A well-designed kitchen makes daily life easier.

Family Gathering Space: Modern kitchens are social hubs. Open layouts and islands create spaces where families gather, kids do homework, and guests mingle.

Cooking Enjoyment: Quality appliances, ample counter space, and good lighting make cooking enjoyable rather than stressful.

Home Value & Pride: A beautiful kitchen increases your pride of ownership and makes your home feel more valuable—even if you don’t sell for years.

CHOOSING A TRUSTED KITCHEN CONTRACTOR IN SALT LAKE CITY

What to Look For

Licensing & Insurance

Utah contractor license (verified through DOPL)
Commercial general liability insurance ($1M+)
Workers’ compensation insurance
Proof of insurance certificates

Experience & Specialization

At least 5+ years of kitchen remodeling experience
Portfolio of completed Salt Lake City kitchens
References from past clients
Membership in trade organizations (NARI, NKBA)

Design Capability

In-house kitchen designer or design-build services
3D rendering or detailed plans
Understanding of workflow and functionality
Knowledge of current trends and materials

Transparent Pricing

Detailed written estimates (line-item breakdown)
Clear payment schedule (avoid large upfront deposits)
Change order process outlined
Warranty terms in writing

Communication & Professionalism

Responsive to calls/emails
Clear timelines and expectations
Regular project updates
Professional, respectful crew

Red Flags to Avoid

No license or insurance Demands large cash deposits upfront No written contract or warranty Pressure tactics or “today-only” pricing Vague estimates without detail Negative reviews or BBB complaints Can’t provide references Subcontracts everything (no accountability)

READY TO START YOUR KITCHEN REMODEL?

Get connected with a trusted, licensed contractor in Salt Lake City who shares our values of quality, honesty, and personal service.