Does a kitchen remodel pay for itself?

In the Washington D.C. market in 2025, a minor midrange kitchen remodel returned about 100 percent of its 27,308 dollar average cost at resale, according to the Cost vs. Value Report. A major midrange remodel returned about 49 percent of 79,988 dollars.

Is it worth remodeling a kitchen before selling?

A minor remodel usually is, because it returns about its full cost in the Washington market. A major remodel usually is not, because only about half comes back.

What part of a kitchen remodel costs the most?

Cabinets and hardware, at about 29 percent of a typical budget in the National Kitchen and Bath Association split.

Does a Kitchen Remodel Add Value to a Home?

Short answer: In the Washington, D.C. market, a minor midrange kitchen remodel averaged $27,308 in 2025 and returned about 100% of its cost at resale. A major midrange remodel averaged $79,988 and returned about 49%. If you are selling soon, the smaller project pays back; if you are staying, build the kitchen you want to live in (2025 Cost vs. Value Report).

What a minor remodel is

Cabinet refacing or repainting, new counters, a new sink and faucet, new appliances and flooring, with the layout unchanged. It changes how the kitchen looks and works without moving plumbing, gas or walls, which is why so much of it comes back at sale.

What a major remodel is

New cabinets, a new layout, often a wall removed, new mechanicals. It returns a smaller share of its cost at resale because buyers will not pay a dollar-for-dollar premium for someone else’s layout choices. It is the right project when you are staying and the current layout does not work.

Where the money goes

A widely used National Kitchen and Bath Association split: cabinets and hardware about 29%, installation about 17%, appliances about 14%, countertops about 10%, flooring about 7%. Cabinets are the biggest lever on cost, and keeping the sink, range and refrigerator where they are is the biggest saving.

How we scope it

A free in-home design consult and a written Good, Better and Best scope, with every allowance named and every exclusion listed, so you choose the level rather than discover it at the end. MHIC #111971 in Maryland, Virginia Class A #2705183185, family-owned since 2005.

Get it looked at, free

We inspect across Maryland — Montgomery, Prince George's, Howard, Anne Arundel, Frederick, Carroll and Baltimore counties. Free inspection, photo report within 24 hours, and the report is yours to keep whether or not you hire us.