The Complete Breakdown of Galley Kitchen Remodel Costs in 2023

Galley kitchens are one of the most ubiquitous layouts in homes today. Their efficient use of space makes them a popular choice, especially in older homes. But galley kitchens can also become outdated and dysfunction over time. If your narrow galley cookspace is lagging, a remodel may be in order.

But before gutting your galley, it's essential to budget for the project. Kitchen overhauls are notorious for blowing budgets. So what can you expect to pay to remodel a galley kitchen?

What is a Galley Kitchen Layout?

A galley kitchen refers to a long, narrow layout where cabinets and appliances line up along one wall, usually 8 to 10 feet wide. The design allows for an efficient workspace that maximizes storage in a smaller footprint. Galley kitchens get their name from the galley kitchens used on ships and railroad dining cars.

Pros of a galley kitchen layout include the easy workflow and ability to reach most items with just a few steps. On the downside, galley kitchens offer less room for multiple cooks and limited space for a kitchen table or island.

Common Galley Kitchen Layout Features

• Single wall of cabinets and appliances
• Countertops lining one side only
• Aisleway 3 to 5 feet wide
• Length around 8 to 15 feet
• Limited room for kitchen table or island

Why Remodel a Galley Kitchen?

There are several reasons homeowners choose to remodel galley kitchens:

Increase Home Value

A kitchen remodel offers one of the highest returns on investment for home renovations. Updating your galley kitchen with new features and finishes can boost your home's value significantly.

Improve Functionality

Do you struggle with limited counterspace or storage in your galley kitchen? A remodel presents opportunities to reconfigure the layout for improved workflow and organization.

Update Aesthetics

Over time, galley kitchens can start to look tired and dated. Remodeling lets you upgrade surfaces, lighting, and hardware for a fresh new look.

Common Galley Kitchen Frustrations

• Outdated appliances and cabinets
• Not enough workspace or storage
• Poor lighting
• Cramped, inefficient layout
• Lack of dining space

Average Cost to Remodel a Galley Kitchen

What can you expect to pay for a galley kitchen renovation? Here are the typical costs:

• Total Remodel Cost: $15,000 to $30,000
• Cost Per Square Foot: $100 to $200 per sq ft

The overall budget can vary based on factors like the project scope, materials, and whether you DIY or hire a contractor. But generally plan around $100-$200 per square foot for a complete galley kitchen overhaul.

Factors that Impact Galley Kitchen Remodel Cost

Scope of Work

The scope of the remodel affects the budget. Cosmetic upgrades like painting cabinets or swapping out light fixtures cost far less than a full gut renovation.

Materials and Finishes

Opting for high-end surfaces like granite countertops or custom cabinets rather than laminate and stock cabinetry increases costs.

Location

Labor and material prices for kitchen remodels vary regionally. Urban areas like New York City or San Francisco have higher average costs.

DIY vs Hiring a Contractor

Hiring a general contractor adds 20-30% to the total project cost but can save headaches compared to DIY.

Galley Kitchen Remodel Cost Breakdown

When budgeting your makeover, it helps to look at costs broken down by project component. Here is an estimate of what to allot for different parts of a galley kitchen overhaul.

Demo and Preparation

To start, you'll need to demo and prepare the space. This includes removing old cabinets, countertops, and flooring, plus any structural or electrical updates needed. Budget $2,000 to $4,000 for this prep work.

New Cabinets

For a typical 10x10 galley kitchen layout, plan for about 10 linear feet of cabinets on each wall, so around 20 linear feet total. Here are typical cabinet costs:

• Stock Cabinets: $100 to $300 per linear foot installed
• Semi-Custom Cabinets: $200 to $500 per linear foot
• Custom Cabinets: $500 to $1,000+ per linear foot

With installation, expect to spend around $2,500 to $7,500 or more on new cabinetry for a galley kitchen.

Countertops

Popular galley kitchen countertop options include granite, quartz, laminate, and tile. Average installed costs:

• Granite: $60-$100 per sq ft
• Quartz: $80-$150 per sq ft
• Laminate: $20-$50 per sq ft
• Tile: $15-$50 per sq ft

For a 100 sq ft galley kitchen, allot $1,500 to $10,000 for new countertops.

Backsplash

Backsplashes not only protect walls but provide visual appeal. Popular choices like tile, metal, and glass sheet cost:

• Ceramic tile: $5-$20 per sq ft
• Metal backsplash: $15-$30 per sq ft
• Glass tile: $15-$50 per sq ft

Plan to spend about $500 to $1,500 on a backsplash for a galley kitchen.

Flooring

Durable and attractive options like tile, vinyl, and engineered hardwood work well in galley kitchens. Prices installed:

• Tile: $3-$15 per sq ft
• Luxury vinyl: $2-$7 per sq ft
• Engineered hardwood: $9-$15 per sq ft

For a 100 sq ft galley kitchen, expect to pay $1,000 to $2,500 for new floors.

Appliances

Essential kitchen appliances include a refrigerator, stove/oven, range hood, dishwasher, and microwave. You may also add extras like warming drawers. Typical appliance costs:

• Refrigerator: $800-$2,500
• Electric range: $500-$1,200
• Range hood: $150-$1,000
• Built-in microwave: $300-$1,000
• Dishwasher: $400-$1,000

In total, allot $3,000 to $8,000 for a full suite of new appliances plus installation.

Plumbing

Plan to upgrade sinks and faucets plus add conveniences like an instant hot water dispenser. Costs include:

• Kitchen sink: $200-$800
• Faucet: $50-$500
• Garbage disposal: $100-$350
• Instant hot water: $200-$500

Expect to spend about $1,000 to $2,500 on kitchen plumbing.

Lighting

Proper lighting transforms a galley kitchen. Include costs for fixtures plus under cabinet lighting. Lighting costs typically run $1,500 to $3,500 for a full galley kitchen.

Miscellaneous Supplies

Don't forget small items like paint, trim, hardware, tools, etc. Budget 10-15% extra for supplies and incidentals.

Total Galley Kitchen Remodel Cost

Adding up the main items above, you can expect to spend around $15,000 to $30,000 for a complete galley kitchen remodel. Get contractor estimates to dial in your specific budget.

Saving Money on Your Galley Kitchen Remodel

If your budget is tight, there are ways to save on your galley kitchen overhaul:

• Do demo work yourself
• Install stock cabinets
• Use laminate countertops
• Install peel-and-stick backsplash
• Shop clearance appliance sales
• Paint existing cabinets
• Refinish existing floors

Although these DIY options require more sweat equity, they can shave thousands off the total cost.

Hiring a Contractor vs DIY

Should you tackle a galley kitchen remodel yourself or hire a general contractor? Here is a comparison of the two approaches:

Hiring a Contractor

• More expensive but saves time
• Experienced at planning and managing remodels
• Coordinates all subcontractors
• Professional results
• Knowledgeable about permits and codes

DIY Remodel

• Saves significantly on labor costs
• More hands-on work and time commitment
• Need DIY skills and ability to learn
• Potential for mistakes or imperfect results
• Must research and pull permits yourself

Assess your timeline, skillset, and budget to decide if DIY or hiring a pro makes more sense for your project.

Preparing a realistic budget is critical before starting any kitchen remodel. Now that you know what to expect cost-wise, you can start planning your galley kitchen overhaul. Get quotes from contractors to refine your budget. And don't hesitate to reach out with any questions as you get your galley kitchen project underway!