Cost $27,500Adds $26,400
Your estimate
Cost
$158,000
Adds at resale
$56,880
Recouped
36%
National planning figure: $158,000 cost, 36% recouped. Ranked #26 of 27 projects by ROI.
The upscale version adds custom cabinetry, pro-grade appliances, natural stone, designer lighting and often a larger footprint. It is the classic example of spending more and recovering less.
Why it scores where it does
- Luxury finishes are taste-specific: the next owner may not want your choices.
- Appraisals are anchored to neighborhood sales, which cap what a kitchen can add.
- Pro appliances and custom millwork carry big markups.
Get the most from it
- Only sensible in homes where comparable listings already have luxury kitchens.
- Spend on layout, storage and light, which every buyer values, before brand-name appliances.
- Get a local agent to confirm what kitchens in your price band look like.
Major kitchen remodel (upscale) ROI by region
| Region | Cost | Value added | % recouped | Level |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pacific | $189,600 | $72,806 | 38% | |
| Mountain | $158,000 | $60,293 | 38% | |
| South Atlantic | $150,100 | $54,605 | 36% | |
| New England | $176,960 | $62,568 | 35% | |
| West South Central | $145,360 | $49,486 | 34% | |
| East South Central | $142,200 | $47,779 | 34% | |
| Middle Atlantic | $173,800 | $58,018 | 33% | |
| West North Central | $154,840 | $50,054 | 32% | |
| East North Central | $156,420 | $48,917 | 31% |
Frequently asked questions
Do luxury kitchens pay off?
In most markets they return the smallest share of any kitchen project. They make sense in high-end neighborhoods where a basic kitchen would drag the home below its comparables.
What should I prioritize in a high-end kitchen?
Function first: work triangle, storage, lighting and ventilation. Those survive a change of owner better than a specific color or brand.
Related projects
Cost $80,000Adds $40,000