How to Budget for a Kitchen Remodel in Lancaster County

If you’re thinking about remodeling your kitchen, one of the first questions is: How much will it cost—and is it worth it in my home?

The truth is, kitchen remodels in Lancaster County come in many shapes and sizes, from a budget DIY job with stock cabinets to a fully custom kitchen with premium appliances. The best choice depends on your budget, your home’s value, and your long-term goals.

Let’s break it down into remodel tiers, what you can expect to spend, and whether the investment makes sense.

1. DIY Budget Kitchen Remodel (Lowe’s or Home Depot Stock Cabinets)

Average Cost: $7,500 – $15,000
What’s Included:

• Stock cabinets (assembled or RTA – ready to assemble) from Lowe’s, Home Depot, or IKEA

• Laminate countertops or inexpensive butcher block

• Basic appliances (package deals often $2,000–$3,000)

• DIY installation or minimal handyman help

Pros:

• Cheapest way to give a kitchen a facelift

• Can make a dated kitchen look clean and fresh

• Great for starter homes or rental properties

Cons:

• Limited cabinet styles, finishes, and sizes

• Durability is lower (especially with particleboard materials)

• Can look “cookie cutter”

Best Fit: Starter homes or rentals in Lancaster City or affordable suburbs. You’ll almost always get your money back because buyers prefer a fresh kitchen, even if it’s simple.

2. Handyman Special (Prefab Cabinets + Affordable Upgrades)

Average Cost: $15,000 – $30,000
What’s Included:

• Prefab cabinets (Cabinet Kings, Cabinets To Go, etc.)

• Quartz or granite countertops

• Semi-professional handyman or small contractor install

• Updated lighting, fixtures, and backsplash

Pros:

• Better finishes than a DIY job

• Looks custom without the custom price tag

• Great resale boost if the original kitchen was outdated

Cons:

• Still limited to prefab sizing and layouts

• If poorly installed, cabinets may not last

• Not truly “custom”

Best Fit: Mid-range homes in Lancaster County (ex: Manheim Township, Hempfield). Ideal for homeowners who want a modern, attractive kitchen without overspending.

3. Mid-Range Custom Kitchen Remodel

Average Cost: $40,000 – $70,000
What’s Included:

• Semi-custom cabinets with upgraded finishes

• Quartz or granite countertops

• Higher-end appliances (Bosch, KitchenAid, etc.)

• New flooring, backsplash, and lighting package

• Professional design services

Pros:

• Tailored to your space and taste

• More durable cabinets and higher-quality finishes

• Attracts buyers in Lancaster’s competitive housing market

Cons:

• Larger investment that may not fully return in resale

• Takes longer to complete (often 6–10 weeks)

Best Fit: Homes in the $300K–$500K range across Lancaster County. A well-designed mid-range kitchen can set your home apart in this competitive price bracket.

4. High-End Luxury Kitchen Remodel

Average Cost: $80,000 – $150,000+
What’s Included:

• Fully custom cabinetry (local Lancaster craftsman or luxury brands)

• Professional-grade appliances (Sub-Zero, Wolf, Thermador)

• Natural stone countertops or exotic quartzite

• Smart technology integrations

• Architectural-grade lighting and finishes

Pros:

• Dream kitchen with the highest quality finishes

• Perfect for entertaining and resale in luxury homes

• Can significantly increase the “wow factor”

Cons:

• Rarely returns dollar-for-dollar in resale unless in a luxury home

• May over-improve a mid-range house

• Long construction timelines

Best Fit: High-end or forever homes in Lancaster County—particularly estates in Lititz, Manheim Township, or Millersville.

Will You Get Your Money Back? (ROI in Lancaster PA)

Not every kitchen remodel makes sense. Here’s how it usually plays out in Lancaster County:

• Starter Homes ($200K–$275K range):
  A budget or handyman kitchen makes sense. Buyers want something fresh and functional, not necessarily high-end. Overspending here usually won’t pay off.

• Mid-Range Homes ($300K–$500K range):
  A mid-range remodel is usually the sweet spot. Buyers expect granite or quartz, modern cabinets, and updated appliances. Going full luxury may not increase resale enough to justify the cost.

• Forever Homes ($600K+):
  If this is your “last house,” it’s more about lifestyle than ROI. High-end remodels make sense for your enjoyment, but even here, you may not recoup 100% of the cost.

Example:
If your $350,000 Lancaster home has a very outdated kitchen, spending $40,000 on a tasteful remodel could add $30,000–$40,000 in value—and help your home sell faster.
But if your kitchen is already decent, replacing it with a $100,000 luxury kitchen may only add $40,000–$50,000 in value.

Final Thoughts: Is a Kitchen Remodel Worth It?

In Lancaster County, buyers care a lot about kitchens—but the right budget depends on your home’s price point and your long-term goals. For most homeowners, a well-done mid-range remodel offers the best balance of enjoyment and resale value.

If you’re remodeling strictly to sell, keep your budget realistic. If you’re upgrading for your forever home, then go ahead and create the dream kitchen you’ll love for years.

Call to Action

Thinking about remodeling or selling your Lancaster home? I’d be happy to walk you through whether an upgrade makes sense for your price range.

👉 Book a free strategy call here

And if you’re considering selling, you may also want to check out my blog: How to Sell Your Lancaster Home for Top Dollar This Fall (2025 Market Tips).