What pays back in the Twin Cities
| Project | Twin Cities cost | Resale value added | Recouped (Twin Cities) | Recouped (national) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Minor kitchen remodel, midrange | $28,196 | $28,466 | 101% | 112.9% |
| Major kitchen remodel, midrange | $81,187 | $49,839 | 61.4% | 50.9% |
| Major kitchen remodel, upscale | $159,220 | $60,973 | 38.3% | 35.7% |
Source: 2025 Cost vs. Value Report (JLC / Zonda). The “minor” remodel keeps the layout: new Shaker-style cabinet fronts and hardware, a new range and refrigerator, laminate counters, a new sink and faucet, resilient flooring and paint in a 200 sq ft kitchen. In the Twin Cities it paid for itself.
NAR's 2025 Remodeling Impact Report estimates both a kitchen upgrade and a complete kitchen renovation recover about 60% of their cost, but it also gave a kitchen upgrade a perfect 10 “Joy Score” for homeowner satisfaction (NAR 2025). Resale isn't the only return.
What kitchen remodels actually cost
Houzz's 2026 U.S. Kitchen Trends Study found a median spend of $55,000 for major remodels (all cabinets and appliances replaced) and $20,000 for minor ones (Houzz). Angi notes cabinetry is typically the most expensive piece, often 30–40% of the budget (Angi).
Where to save
- Keep the layout. Changing the footprint brings expensive plumbing and electrical work (Angi). Most homeowners don't: 68% of kitchens stay about the same size (Houzz).
- Keep good cabinet boxes. Paint or reface instead of replacing (see our cabinets guide).
- Consider laminate or a less expensive stone if the budget is tight or you're selling soon. See countertop options.
Where to spend
- Things you touch every day: drawers and hardware, the faucet, and counters that fit how you cook.
- Lighting: under-cabinet lights change how the kitchen works (see our lighting guide).
- Storage buyers want: in NAHB's 2024 survey, 80% of buyers rated a walk-in pantry essential or desirable, 78% a double sink, and 74% pull-out shelves and a central island (NAHB).
- What's behind the walls. If the walls are open, that's the time to deal with old wiring and plumbing.
- A vent hood that's vented outside. If you add one, the Minnesota Department of Health recommends testing for radon before and after (MDH).
If you're selling soon
The numbers point one way: in the Twin Cities, the minor kitchen remodel recouped 101% while the major midrange recouped 61% and the upscale 38% (Cost vs. Value). Before listing, a refresh (cabinet fronts or paint, counters, sink and faucet, lighting, flooring and paint) usually beats a gut remodel on return. If you're staying for years, remodel for how you live.