The most common question we get before a client visits our Austin showroom is some version of: “What is this going to cost me?” It is a fair question and we want to give you a straight answer before you walk in the door.
The numbers below come from two places: our own project experience in Austin, and the 2025 Cost vs. Value Report published by Zonda, which surveys Austin-area remodeling costs and resale value annually. We use the report’s three kitchen categories as a frame — minor midrange, major midrange, and upscale — because they map closely to the three tiers of projects we handle every week.
How the three categories are defined
The Cost vs. Value Report defines each kitchen category by a specific scope of work. Understanding those definitions helps you figure out which one you are actually planning.
Minor Kitchen Remodel – Midrange
~$25,000 in Austin
The report’s minor midrange category covers updating a functional but dated 200-sq.-ft. kitchen. The cabinet boxes stay in place — only the fronts are replaced with new Shaker-style panels and drawer fronts, along with new hardware. The project also includes replacing the range and refrigerator with energy-efficient models, a new midpriced sink and faucet, replacing 30 linear feet of laminate countertop, repainting trim, adding wall covering, and replacing the resilient flooring.1
In practical terms, this is a face-lift — not a full gut renovation. It works well for kitchens where the layout is already functional and the boxes are in good condition. Cabinets are the biggest lever here: replacing doors and drawer fronts costs significantly less than full cabinet replacement, and it is exactly what our RTA refacing options are designed for.
Major Kitchen Remodel – Midrange
~$76,000 in Austin
The major midrange scope replaces everything in a 200-sq.-ft. kitchen with a functional layout. The report includes 30 linear feet of semi-custom wood cabinets, a 3×5-foot island, laminate countertops, a standard stainless-steel sink with single-lever faucet, an energy-efficient range, ventilation system, built-in microwave, dishwasher, and garbage disposal. Custom lighting, new resilient flooring, and painted walls, trim, and ceiling complete the scope.1
This is the full replacement most Austin homeowners mean when they say “kitchen remodel.” At Cabinetto, semi-custom cabinetry at this level typically means Fabuwood — specifically their Galaxy, Allure, or Nexus lines depending on the door style and finish. The countertop spec in the report is laminate; upgrading to quartz adds cost but is the more common choice for Austin buyers right now.
Major kithchen remodel – upscale
~$148,000 in Austin
The upscale scope takes the same 200-sq.-ft. kitchen up to a fully custom finish. The report specifies 30 linear feet of custom white cabinets with built-in sliding shelves, stone countertops, ceramic or glass tile backsplash, an undermount sink with designer faucets and water filtration, a built-in refrigerator, commercial-grade cooktop and vent hood, wall oven, built-in microwave, low-voltage undercabinet lights, and tile or wood-look flooring.1
At this level the cabinet conversation shifts to Durasupreme — any wood species, any dimension, any interior configuration. Stone countertop choices widen too: premium quartzite and marble are common at this budget. These projects also often include structural changes, electrical upgrades, and more extensive plumbing work than what the report’s base scope accounts for.
What these numbers mean for your project
A few things worth noting about how to read this data:
- The report uses specific scope definitions. If your kitchen is larger than 200 sq. ft., has a more complex layout, or requires electrical or plumbing relocation, your number will be higher than the category average.
- Countertop spec matters. The minor and major midrange categories use laminate countertops in the report’s model. Most Austin homeowners upgrade to quartz or natural stone, which adds $3,000 to $10,000 depending on material and linear footage.
- Appliances are included in the report’s cost figures but are not something we supply. Our quotes at Cabinetto cover cabinets, countertops, and installation only. Appliances, plumbing, and electrical are separate line items you will budget with your contractor.
- Austin’s cost base is higher than the national average. The 2025 report shows Austin minor midrange at $25,463 versus a national average of $28,458 — Austin actually comes in slightly under national for minor jobs, but major midrange ($75,737 Austin vs. $82,793 national) follows a similar pattern. Labor and material costs vary neighborhood to neighborhood.
Return on investment in Austin
The 2025 Cost vs. Value Report tracks how much of a project’s cost is typically recouped in resale value. For Austin specifically, the minor midrange kitchen remodel recouped 119.8% of its cost — meaning buyers in Austin valued the update at more than it cost to do. The major midrange came in at 51.4% recouped, and the upscale major at 37.3%.1
The pattern is consistent nationally: simpler projects with lower price tags recoup a higher percentage. The upscale renovation costs more per dollar of value added, but that does not mean it is the wrong choice for homeowners who will live in the kitchen for years before selling. Comfort and function have real value that does not show up in a resale number.
What drives cost up most quickly
In our experience, these are the factors that push budgets higher faster than homeowners expect:
- Moving plumbing or gas lines. Once you relocate the sink or range, costs climb significantly. Keeping the same plumbing locations saves money.
- Taller upper cabinets. Standard uppers are 30 or 36 inches. Going to 42-inch upper cabinets adds cost but changes how the kitchen feels, especially in homes with 9-foot ceilings.
- Specialty storage features. Pull-out trash, drawer organizers, lazy Susans, and cabinet lighting add up. Budget for them specifically rather than treating them as free add-ons.
- Countertop material and edge profile. There is a wide cost gap between entry-level quartz and premium quartzite or marble. The fabrication labor is similar, so most of the difference is in the slab itself. Edge profiles, waterfall islands, and backsplash adds also affect the total.
- Island additions. Adding or expanding an island is one of the highest-impact changes in how the kitchen feels — and it adds cost for both cabinets and countertop.
How to get an accurate number for your kitchen
Bring us rough measurements, or just photos from the corners of the room, and fill out our free quote form. We will build a 3D design of your space and give you an itemized quote that breaks out cabinets, countertops, and installation separately. You will know what you are spending on each piece before you commit to anything.
We also offer a price match guarantee. If another Austin cabinet store quotes you the same cabinet line at a lower price, bring us the quote and we will match or beat it.
