How Much Should It Cost To Replace Kitchen Cabinets?

Replacing your kitchen cabinets is a massive job that takes time, energy, and a lot of money. Most homeowners have no idea how much they should be spending to replace their kitchen cabinets. From hiring contractors to buying the cabinets, it can all be very confusing, and your bill can quickly add up if you don't know what you're doing.

When replacing your cabinets, you'll first need to buy the cabinets with its doors, boxes, and drawers. Once you have your cabinets, you'll need to hire a contractor and handyman to install them. All of the above will need to be taking into consideration when budgeting to replace your kitchen cabinets. To help you fully understand what replacing your kitchen cabinets will cost, we break down the cost of high-end and budget-friendly cabinetry and its installation.

A Basic Breakdown

The average cost to only replace kitchen cabinets can be broken down in the following way:

Cabinet Installer ($35-$65 per hour): $525-$975
Handyman ($60-$90 per hour): $900-$1,350
Cabinets ($100-$280 per linear foot): $2,000- $5,600

Total for cabinets only: $2,900-$6,950

Keep in mind that there may be an additional cost, including the following:

Cabinet removal and disposal: $55-$85 per cabinet
Molding: $300-$2,400
Specialty cabinetry: $300-$850
Sink base cabinet: $300 per linear foot

Installation & Cabinet Costs

No matter what type of cabinets you choose, the cost of hiring a handyman, molding, removal, and disposal will remain the same. The only extreme differences in pricing will be the type of cabinets and the cost of installation. You'll have three options when it comes to cabinet types: stock, semi-custom, and custom cabinetry. Each comes at a different price point and will directly influence the price of your kitchen cabinet installation.

For a better understanding of how much you'll pay to buy the actual kitchen cabinets and its installation, here are your options:

Budget-Friendly Kitchen Cabinets

Buying cabinets can be very cost-effective, especially if you opt for stock or semi-custom cabinetry. Stock cabinets refers to cabinet boxes that have been built by the manufacturer. They are made according to industry-standard style and measurements. Semi-custom cabinets are made similarly to stock but you'll have the option of adding additional detailing. These changes include the size of the cabinet boxes and other specific dimensions.

Semi-custom kitchen cabinets are great budget-friendly options. Here is a breakdown of exactly what you'll pay to buy and install stock and semi-custom kitchen cabinets:

Semi-custom: $300-$600 per cabinet or $200-$550 per linear foot installed.

Hiring A Contractor & Handyman

Once you've chosen new kitchen cabinets that both suit your budget and home, you can hire a licensed contractor or handyman to install them. Give your contractors enough time and space to get the job done right. Allow for 60 to 90 minutes per cabinet for installation plus an additional three to five hours for extras such as molding, cabinet removal, clean-up, and more.

If you're hiring a new contractor or handyman, there are a few things to ask them to ensure you're hiring the right person for the job. Here is a concise checklist to help you quickly narrow down your Google search of options:

Five years of experience in kitchen remodeling, cabinetry, or home improvements.
Check the contractor's reviews on Google and Yelp for customer feedback over the last six months.
Check the contractor's ratings on sites like Yelp and Google. Anything below a 4.0 should be crossed off your list.
Ask if the contractor has the appropriate insurance.

If a handyman or contractor has been recommended to you by a family member or friend, you need to understand their quality of work and how they work. To do this, ask them a few of the following questions:

How was the quality of work?
Was the contractor easy to work with?
Were they happy with the replacement of their kitchen cabinets?
Was the kitchen kept clean and in order during the job?
Was the contractor available to answer questions or hear concerns?
Were there any problems that occurred during the job?
Were problems fixed promptly?
How many workers did the contractor use?
Were workers supervised properly?
Was the job completed on schedule?
Was the job completed within the agreed budget?
Did the job stay on budget?
Will you hire the contractor again?

Tip: Ask your cabinet retailer if they have a recommended or in-house cabinet installers. If they have an in-house installer, ask for a discounted rate or special offer as you are an existing customer. If they recommend an installer, ensure that they know what they are doing by checking their Yelp and Google reviews.

Save By Doing It Yourself

There isn't much room for cutting costs if you've never replaced kitchen cabinets before. If you've had no experience with power tools and construction in general, it will be best to hire a contractor to replace your kitchen cabinets. However, if you love a DIY project and have moderate experience with construction, you can save hundreds of dollars by replacing your kitchen cabinets yourself. If you decide to take on this project, you must have the proper tool and equipment to replace your kitchen cabinets. You'll require the following tools and materials:

4-inch to 6-inch level
25-inch tape measure
Pencils for making marks that can easily be erased or washed off.
Stud finder
Cordless drill
Drill bits - you'll need two types of drill bits - one to drill holes and another to countersink.
Clamps - ensure that clamps are 8 inches or bigger.
Hammer
Circular saw and workbench
Wood shims to level cabinets.
Finishing nails
2.5-inch screws
1x2-inch ledger board

Remember that every home is different, so you may need to consult with your cabinet retailer to ensure you have all the materials and tools you may need. You may need to rent additional tools if needed.

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