- December 20, 2025
- Chris
Kitchen redesign costs in Northern New Jersey vary widely based on scope, finishes, layout changes, and the level of customization involved. Homeowners in areas such as Maplewood, Montclair, Summit, Millburn, Short Hills, South Orange, and Morristown often face higher-than-national-average costs due to older housing stock, stricter permitting, and a preference for higher-quality finishes.
Below is a realistic breakdown of what homeowners can expect when redesigning a kitchen in this region.
Typical Kitchen Redesign Cost Ranges in Northern New Jersey
When homeowners begin planning their kitchens, one of the most useful starting points is understanding where their project might land on the cost spectrum. In Northern New Jersey, that spectrum usually looks like this.
Starter Kitchen Redesign
$25,000–$40,000
This level focuses on cosmetic and functional upgrades without altering the layout.
Typical scope includes:
- Stock cabinets
- Laminate or basic quartz countertops
- Minimal plumbing or electrical changes
- Retaining existing appliance locations
- Basic backsplash and lighting updates
This approach works best for homeowners refreshing a kitchen that already functions well structurally.
Mid-Range Kitchen Redesign
$50,000–$90,000
This is the most common range for Northern New Jersey homeowners.
Typical scope includes:
- Semi-custom cabinetry with improved storage
- Quartz or granite countertops
- New appliances
- Updated lighting plan
- Some electrical and plumbing adjustments
- Improved layout efficiency without full structural changes
This level allows for meaningful design improvement while keeping the project controlled.
Before
High-End Kitchen Redesign
$95,000–$110,000+
High-end projects focus on customization, materials, and performance.
Typical scope includes:
- Custom cabinetry
- Premium stone countertops
- Professional-grade appliances
- Specialty lighting and architectural details
- Partial or full layout reconfiguration
- Higher-end flooring and finishes
Many homes in Summit, Short Hills, and parts of Morristown fall into this range due to expectations around craftsmanship and longevity.
Luxury Kitchen Renovation
$110,000–$150,000+
Luxury projects often involve a full transformation.
Typical scope includes:
- Complete layout redesign
- Fully custom millwork
- Premium appliance suites
- Structural changes
- Smart technology integration
- Specialty features such as walk-in pantries or wine storage
These projects are common in larger homes or estates where the kitchen is a central architectural feature.
After
What Drives Kitchen Redesign Costs in Northern New Jersey
Several factors consistently influence pricing in this region:
1. Cabinetry and Millwork
Cabinetry alone often represents 30–40% of the total cost.
Approximate pricing:
- Stock cabinets: $500–$800 per linear foot
- Semi-custom cabinets: $800–$1,400 per linear foot
- Fully custom cabinetry: $1,400–$2,000+ per linear foot
Cabinet pricing is often calculated per linear foot, which simply means the length of the cabinet run measured along the wall.
2. Countertops
Installed pricing typically ranges from:
- Quartz or granite: $30–$150 per sq ft
- Marble and specialty stone: $60–$180 per sq ft
3. Plumbing and Electrical
Older homes frequently require upgrades.
Typical ranges:
- Plumbing updates: $4,500–$10,000+
- Electrical work: $3,000–$8,000+
Relocating appliances increases costs significantly.
4. Appliances
Appliances are often excluded from base renovation quotes.
Typical ranges:
- Standard appliance package: $8,000 to $15,000
(typical brands include Whirlpool, GE, Frigidaire or LG.)
- Premium brands: $20,000–$40,000+
(typical brands include KitchenAid, Bosch, Café or Samsung high-end lines.)
- Luxury appliance package: $45,000+
(typical brands include Sub-Zero, Wolf, Miele or Thermador.)
Appliance choice drives cost more than most homeowners expect. Brand tier, performance features and installation complexity can significantly change the overall budget.
5. Permits and Soft Costs
Common in Northern New Jersey towns.
Typical ranges:
- Municipal permits: $500–$2,500
- Architectural drawings (if required): $3,000–$7,000
- Interior design services: $2,500–$15,000+
Kitchen Size and Layout Impact
Kitchen size directly affects total cost:
- Small kitchens (60–90 sq ft): Higher cost per square foot due to custom solutions
- Medium kitchens (90–120 sq ft): Most cost-efficient range
- Large kitchens (120–200+ sq ft): Higher total cost due to scale and complexity
Layout changes are one of the largest cost drivers, especially in older homes.
Timeline Expectations
After design and permits are approved:
- Typical construction timeline: 8–14 weeks
- Larger, high-end projects may extend longer
Design and planning often add several months before construction begins.
How Interior Design Services Fit Into the Budget
Design services typically represent 10–20% of construction cost, depending on scope.
Some firms charge flat fees based on project complexity rather than percentages.
Design involvement often reduces costly mistakes and improves long-term outcomes.
Planning a Realistic Kitchen Redesign Budget
For Northern New Jersey homeowners:
- Allocate 10–15% contingency for unexpected conditions
- Prioritize layout and cabinetry before finishes
- Understand that older homes almost always reveal hidden costs
A well-designed kitchen can recoup up to 70% of renovation costs in resale value in competitive local markets.
Related Resources
- Learn how interior design fees are structured in our Interior Design Pricing Guide
- Understand how to choose the right designer in our Interior Designer Selection Guide
