Kitchen Remodeling in Colorado Springs, CO: Cost Guide
You've probably spent hours researching kitchen remodel costs online, only to find estimates ranging anywhere from $15,000 to $150,000. That's not exactly helpful when you're trying to set a real budget for your Colorado Springs home.
We get it. After 35+ years helping local families transform their kitchens, the number one question we hear at Plush Designs is simple: "What will this actually cost?"
The honest answer depends on your kitchen's size, the materials you choose, and how much you want to change. But you deserve more than vague ranges. In this guide, we're breaking down real Colorado Springs kitchen remodeling costs, showing you exactly where your money goes, and giving you the information you need to plan confidently without budget surprises.
Kitchen Remodeling Costs in Colorado Springs: What to Expect
Let's start with the numbers you came here for.
Quick Take: Colorado Springs Kitchen Remodeling Costs
- Budget refresh: $15,000-$30,000
- Mid-range remodel: $25,000-$70,000
- High-end custom: $80,000-$160,000+
- Per square foot: $190-$375
These figures reflect complete projects including materials, labor, and installation. The biggest cost drivers are cabinets, labor, and the scope of work you're tackling.
Your Kitchen's Size Makes a Difference
Colorado Springs homes built in the 1970s through 1990s typically have kitchens between 150 and 250 square feet. Here's what you can expect:
Small kitchens under 150 square feet usually run $20,000 to $40,000. Medium kitchens between 150 and 250 square feet fall in the $40,000 to $75,000 range for a quality update. This is the most common size in our area. Large kitchens over 250 square feet can easily reach $80,000 to $150,000 or more.
Why the Wide Range?
You're probably wondering why there's such a gap between the low and high end. The answer comes down to three main factors.
Your material selections drive a huge portion of the final cost. Choosing stock cabinets and laminate countertops will land you at the lower end. Opting for semi-custom cabinetry and quartz countertops puts you in the mid-range. Custom cabinets with premium stone and high-end appliances put you at the upper end.
The scope of your project matters just as much. A cosmetic refresh keeping your existing layout costs far less than a full remodel that moves plumbing or knocks down walls.
Your home's current condition also plays a role. If your 1980s kitchen has outdated wiring or plumbing that doesn't meet current code, addressing those issues adds to the total.
What Most Colorado Springs Homeowners Actually Spend
The sweet spot for complete kitchen remodeling projects in Colorado Springs in our area falls between $25,000 and $35,000. At this price point, you're getting new semi-custom cabinets, quality quartz or granite countertops, updated appliances, and professional installation.
Where Your Kitchen Remodeling Budget Goes
Understanding how your money gets allocated helps you make smarter decisions about where to splurge and where to save.
Cabinets: Your Biggest Investment (30-40%)
Cabinets claim the largest chunk of your budget because you're investing in storage solutions you'll use every day for the next 15 to 20 years.
Stock cabinets run $200 to $350 per box. These are pre-made in standard sizes and offer limited customization. Semi-custom cabinets range from $300 to $900 per box.
This is where most of our clients land, with flexibility in sizing, door styles, and interior features. Custom cabinets start at $800 per box and up, built specifically for your space.
A typical medium-sized kitchen needs 15 to 20 cabinet boxes, so you can see how quickly this adds up. At Plush Designs, we offer seven different seven kitchen cabinet lines at every price point lines to give you options at every price point.
Countertops (10-15%)
Laminate countertops cost $30 to $70 per square foot and work well for budget-conscious remodels. Quartz countertops run $90 to $130 per square foot and have become the most popular choice in our area. They resist scratches and stains, never need sealing, and handle Colorado Springs' temperature swings without issues. Granite countertops range from $50 to $150 per square foot depending on the stone quality.
Labor and Installation (20-35%)
Labor includes demolition, installation, coordination between trades, project management, and cleanup. Licensed contractors in Colorado Springs charge $80 to $150 per hour. Experienced professionals know how to handle surprises in older homes, understand local building codes, and get the job done right the first time.
Professional kitchen design services also falls under this category, preventing expensive mistakes by planning proper workflow and storage before installation begins.
Everything Else
Appliances range from basic packages at $2,000 to $4,000, mid-range at $6,000 to $10,000, or high-end at $20,000 or more.
Building permits cost $150 to $500 in Colorado Springs. You'll need permits for work involving structural changes, electrical upgrades, or plumbing modifications. Cosmetic updates like swapping cabinets and countertops typically don't require permits.
What Makes Kitchen Remodel Costs Go Up (or Down)?
Some decisions can save you thousands, while others are worth the extra investment.
Layout Changes: The Biggest Cost Variable
Keeping your existing kitchen layout is one of the most effective ways to control your budget. When your sink, stove, and refrigerator stay in the same locations, you avoid relocating plumbing lines and electrical outlets. This single decision saves 15-20% compared to a full reconfiguration.
Moving major appliances or fixtures adds $5,000 to $15,000 or more. That said, many homeowners choose layout changes for good reason. Open-concept designs create better flow for family gatherings.
What Could Go Wrong: The Reality of Older Homes
If your home was built in the 1970s through 1990s, there's a good chance you'll encounter issues behind those walls.
Outdated electrical systems often can't handle modern appliance loads. Upgrading your electrical panel and adding new circuits can add $2,000 to $5,000. Old plumbing may be corroded or not meet current pressure requirements. Structural surprises like improper framing or water damage happen too.
This is why we recommend budgeting an extra 10-15% for contingencies. When you work with honest contractors, they'll discuss these potential issues during the estimate phase, not spring them on you as surprise charges.
Smart Ways to Control Costs
Cabinet refacing can save 30-50% compared to full replacement if your existing boxes are structurally sound. Choosing semi-custom cabinets instead of full custom gives you most of the benefits at a lower price. Standard appliance packages from reliable brands deliver excellent performance without luxury price tags.
Where You Shouldn't Cut Corners
Licensed electricians and plumbers protect your safety and ensure code compliance. Quality cabinet construction makes a difference you'll notice every day. Proper permits matter when you sell your home and ensure inspections catch problems before they're buried behind drywall.
Is a Kitchen Remodel Worth It?
The financial return matters, but it's not the whole story.
Return on Investment in Colorado Springs
Mid-range kitchen remodels in our area typically return 60-80% of your investment when you sell, according to industry research like the Cost vs. Value Report. If you invest $50,000 in a quality kitchen update, you can expect to add roughly $30,000 to $40,000 to your home's market value.
Interestingly, minor updates often return a higher percentage than luxury overhauls. Match your investment to your neighborhood and avoid over-improving beyond what local buyers expect.
The Value You Can't Put a Price On
You use your kitchen more than any other room in your home. A well-designed space makes daily moments easier and more enjoyable.
Better functionality solves daily frustrations. Adequate counter space, proper storage, and good lighting make meal prep safer and more pleasant. Modern energy-efficient appliances reduce your utility bills month after month.
Timeline and Living Through It
The complete process typically takes around six months from your first design meeting to final installation. The actual construction phase runs six to eight weeks.
You'll need to set up a temporary cooking area during construction. Most families create a "camp kitchen" with a microwave, coffee maker, and mini refrigeator. Plan for simpler meals or budget for more takeout during the construction phase.
If you're thinking about updates beyond the kitchen, bathroom remodeling in Colorado Springs often makes sense to tackle at the same time.
Ready to Transform Your Kitchen?
Kitchen remodeling costs in Colorado Springs range from $15,000 for budget refreshes to $160,000 and beyond for luxury transformations. Most local homeowners invest between $25,000 and $70,000 for quality mid-range updates that balance functionality, style, and lasting value.
Now you know where that money goes: primarily to cabinets, labor, and the materials that will serve your family for years to come. You also understand how layout decisions, your home's condition, and smart material choices affect your final investment.
Ready to see what's possible for your Colorado Springs home? Visit our showroom to explore cabinet options and discuss your vision. Our team at Plush Designs provides free design consultations, transparent pricing with detailed estimates, and the expertise that comes from 35+ years serving local families.
We'll help you create a kitchen that fits both your lifestyle and your budget, with no surprises along the way.
Call us at 719-578-0001 to schedule your consultation.
