Costs of Adding a Kitchen Island to Your Home

While it's always possible for you to perform this type of remodeling project on a DIY basis, it's highly recommended that you hire a kitchen remodeling professional or carpenter to complete the work for you. In the event that electrical wiring is being added to the area for power outlets, a building permit may need to be obtained before work can begin on the installation of your kitchen island. Even though you can apply for a permit on your own, kitchen remodeling professionals have completed this process before and know what it takes to obtain a permit.

The average costs associated with installing a kitchen island range from $3,000-$6,000. However, high-end kitchen islands can cost upward of $15,000-$20,000. Keep in mind that these costs take labor into account. DIY costs have the potential to be significantly lower. When you're creating a budget for your kitchen island, it's important to remember that adding a kitchen island to the layout of your home may invariably increase your home's value. If you eventually want to place your home on the market, this kind of renovation may be the ideal project for you.

There are a range of different factors that dictate how much you will spend on a kitchen island for your home. The main factors that play a part in overall costs for a kitchen island include:

• Whether it's custom-built or ready-made

• Countertop materials

• Cabinetry materials

• Sink

• Appliances

• Inclusion of electrical outlets

If you want to keep costs low, you could purchase a kitchen island that's already been made, which can cost you anywhere from $300-$3,000. These islands typically include cabinets, shelves, and drawers but may not match the design of your kitchen, which is why you should consider having your kitchen island custom-built. Keep in mind that custom-built islands are typically equipped with electrical outlets, upscale kitchen countertops, appliances, electricity, and running water.

If you decide to add a sink to your kitchen island, a plumber will need to be hired to add some basic plumbing to the area, which will increase your costs. When you want to include electrical outlets in the design, an electrician should be hired. The contractor you hire as the project manager should be able to provide you with recommendations on reputable plumbers and electricians.

As for the countertop material, whatever you choose can add a substantial sum of money to your total project costs. While ceramic tile costs only $1-$7 per square foot, granite materials cost anywhere from $15-$140. If you want your kitchen island to be luxurious in appearance and style, you may want to use marble or soapstone as the main material for the countertops. Soapstone ranges in price from $70-$120 per square foot. On the other hand, premium marble can cost as much as $190 per square foot.

As mentioned previously, adding a sink, an electrical outlet, or other appliance to your kitchen island will increase costs. Certain homeowners add a dishwasher to their kitchen islands, which can cost anywhere from $500-$1,000. Some additional expenses that you should be on the lookout for include:

• Hiring a professional designer for your kitchen

• Adding new flooring to match the design of the island, which can include tile or wood materials

• Installing a breakfast bar, which requires additional countertop space

• Getting rid of a previous kitchen island in your home

With these costs in mind, you should have a good idea of what it will cost for you to add a kitchen island to your home.

Are outlets needed for a kitchen island?

Even though kitchen islands don't technically require power outlets, placing outlets on the island can add to its versatility and will allow you to use certain appliances without needing lengthy cords. Keep in mind that extra wiring will be necessary if you decide to add one or more outlets to the kitchen island.

Is there a kitchen island cost calculator that I can use?

Although there are many pricing guides you can use to estimate what your kitchen island will cost, a useful calculator can be found at Remodeling Calculator.

What is the cost to remove a kitchen island?

If you find that you don't like the layout of your kitchen after the island has been added and would like to reverse course, the cost of removing a kitchen island depends mainly on the size of the island. Expect to pay anywhere from $250-$1,500 to have the island demolished and removed.

What is a typical height for a kitchen island?

Kitchen islands usually range in height from 36-42 inches.