Thinking about remodeling your kitchen? One of the first questions every homeowner asks is: what is this going to cost? The honest answer is: it depends — but we can give you real numbers based on what we’ve seen in homes across Morris and Union County, NJ.
Here’s a practical breakdown to help you plan.
The Short Answer: NJ Kitchen Remodel Cost Ranges
| Scope | Typical Cost Range (NJ) | What’s Included |
|---|---|---|
| Cosmetic Update | $15,000 – $30,000 | Cabinet refacing, new hardware, countertops, sink, paint |
| Mid-Range Remodel | $40,000 – $80,000 | New cabinets, countertops, appliances, flooring, lighting |
| High-End / Full Renovation | $80,000 – $150,000+ | Custom cabinetry, premium materials, layout changes, full gut |
These ranges reflect the reality of remodeling in towns like Summit, Chatham, Short Hills, and Basking Ridge — where labor costs, material expectations, and home values are all above the national average.
What Drives the Cost Up
- Layout changes — Moving the sink, island, or appliances requires plumbing and electrical work, which adds cost quickly.
- Custom cabinetry — Semi-custom and fully custom cabinets can easily be 3–4x the cost of stock options, but they last longer and look dramatically better in high-end homes.
- Material choices — Quartz vs. granite vs. marble; tile vs. hardwood flooring; standard vs. designer fixtures. These choices add up fast.
- Structural work — Opening a wall, adding a window, or expanding the kitchen footprint requires permits and structural work.
- Appliances — Sub-Zero, Wolf, and Miele vs. standard brands can add $10,000–$25,000 on their own.
What Keeps Costs Under Control
- Keep the same layout — If plumbing and electrical stay in place, you avoid the most expensive line items.
- Decide early and stick to it — Change orders after work has started are one of the biggest cost drivers in any remodel. A clear plan saves money.
- Work with an experienced contractor — An experienced builder can identify problems before they become expensive surprises and source materials efficiently.
- Phase the work — If budget is a constraint, consider doing cabinetry and countertops now and upgrading appliances later.
How Long Does a Kitchen Remodel Take in NJ?
A typical mid-range kitchen remodel runs 6 to 10 weeks from demo to final walkthrough — assuming materials are ordered before work begins (which we always recommend). High-end or complex projects with custom cabinets can run 12–16 weeks.
The biggest delays we see: late material decisions, custom cabinet lead times (8–12 weeks is common), and permit processing times, which vary by town.
Does a Kitchen Remodel Add Value in NJ?
Yes — and in Morris and Union County, the returns are strong. A well-executed kitchen remodel in a town like Summit or Chatham typically returns 60–80% of its cost in resale value, and can be the difference between a home sitting on the market and one that sells in days.
More importantly, you get to enjoy it while you live there.
What to Ask Before You Hire a Contractor
- Are you licensed and insured in New Jersey?
- Who will be on my job site every day?
- How do you handle change orders?
- Can I see projects similar to mine that you’ve completed?
- What’s your payment schedule?
A reputable contractor will answer all of these without hesitation.
Ready to Plan Your Kitchen Remodel?
Carnevale Construction has been remodeling kitchens across Summit, Chatham, Short Hills, Madison, Basking Ridge, Westfield, Warren, and New Providence for over 40 years. We’d love to walk through your project, give you an honest assessment, and put together a real number — no pressure.
Call Sal at 201-715-8008 or contact us here.