Open concept kitchen conversion cost guide and key planning tips
Opening up your kitchen is one of the most dramatic and popular remodeling moves you can make. Knocking down walls to create a wide, open space between your kitchen, dining, and living areas can completely change how your home feels and functions.
But the price tag can vary—a lot.
Here’s what you need to know about the real costs, hidden variables, and smart ways to plan your open concept kitchen conversion without blowing your budget.
How much does it cost to convert to an open concept kitchen?
Based on 15,342 real projects posted through BuilderPlaza, the average cost of converting a kitchen into an open concept layout is $45,789.32.
The most affordable jobs—usually just removing one non-load-bearing wall—can cost as little as $13,456.78. Full redesigns that include beam installation, new electrical, flooring, and layout changes can run as high as $78,965.43.
What you’ll pay depends on what’s behind your walls, how your kitchen is laid out, and how much you’re changing.
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What affects the cost of an open kitchen remodel?
Wall type and structural work
The biggest cost factor is what kind of wall you’re removing.
- Non-load-bearing walls are cheaper and easier to remove
- Load-bearing walls require structural reinforcement, often with steel or laminated beams, and need permits and inspections
You won’t know for sure which kind of wall you have until a contractor or structural engineer checks your framing. Even “small” wall changes can get expensive if they involve rerouting HVAC, electrical, or plumbing.
Support beams and load-bearing wall removal
Removing a load-bearing wall means you’re taking away a structural support for the floors or roof above. That weight needs to go somewhere.
To do it safely and legally, you’ll likely need:
- Engineered beam installation (LVL or steel)
- Structural posts at each end
- Possibly foundation footings or wall repairs
Expect this to be a major portion of your cost. Beam work alone can add $10,000–$30,000 depending on the span, home type, and finishes.
Learn more about related upgrades like kitchen lighting installation if you’re adjusting ceiling structure
Flooring, ceiling, and lighting adjustments
Opening up a kitchen usually means patching or replacing the flooring where a wall used to be, smoothing ceiling lines, and changing the lighting plan.
- Flooring patch and match can be tricky with hardwood
- Ceiling repairs may involve drywall, framing, and paint
- You’ll likely want new lighting zones like recessed lighting or pendants over an island
These finishing details often add $5,000–$15,000 depending on materials and layout.
Also see kitchen flooring installation and kitchen island installation to plan your flow
Kitchen redesign and flow improvements
Going open concept usually means rethinking the whole kitchen layout. You might want to move appliances, add an island, or change cabinetry to fit the new space.
- New island construction with plumbing or electrical can cost $3,000–$10,000
- Cabinet layout changes often require some new boxes or doors
- Appliance relocation may involve plumbing, gas, or electrical rerouting
While not required, most homeowners doing open concept layouts end up combining it with other kitchen upgrades.
You can learn more about smart layouts in our kitchen design service overview
Is an open concept kitchen worth it?
If you value space, light, and being part of the action while cooking, the answer is almost always yes.
Open concept kitchens make your home feel larger and more social. They’re great for families with kids, entertaining guests, or just keeping the conversation going from kitchen to living room. In most cases, they also boost resale value—especially in older homes with closed-off layouts.
That said, open layouts aren’t for everyone. You’ll lose wall space (and possibly cabinet storage), and open spaces can amplify noise and clutter. But if you’re already planning a kitchen remodel, going open concept is often a smart long-term move.
When is it the right time to go open concept?
The best time to open up your kitchen is when you’re already remodeling or renovating another part of your home. That way, you can combine demolition, framing, plumbing, and finishing into one cohesive job—and save money by bundling tasks.
Going open concept is also ideal when:
- You’re replacing your cabinets or countertops anyway
- You’re upgrading old electrical or plumbing systems
- You want to improve light, sightlines, or traffic flow
- You’re planning to stay in the house long term
If you’re tackling multiple upgrades, it often makes sense to do them together instead of piecemeal.
On average, you’ll receive 3-4 quotes from contractors
Open concept remodel step-by-step
Planning and permits
Start with a clear plan and realistic budget. You’ll need to determine if your wall is load-bearing and what kind of beam might be needed. Then comes the paperwork—most open concept conversions require permits, especially if they involve structural changes or rerouting systems.
You may also need:
- A structural engineer’s report
- City inspector approvals
- Drawings for framing, plumbing, or electrical changes
Contractors familiar with this type of work will usually handle the paperwork for you.
Structural changes and wall removal
Once you’ve got permits, the real work begins. Demo crews remove drywall and framing, then install any required supports like LVL or steel beams. Temporary walls may be set up during the process to keep your home safe and intact.
Expect this phase to include:
- Load analysis and framing prep
- Beam installation and structural post placement
- Patching or rebuilding surrounding surfaces
This is usually the most expensive and time-sensitive part of the project.
Electrical, plumbing, and HVAC reroutes
With the wall gone, utilities inside it need to be rerouted.
- Electrical wires for outlets, light switches, and fixtures must be moved
- Plumbing lines may need to be shifted if a sink or fridge is being relocated
- HVAC vents may require new ducts or grills for balanced airflow
This stage often overlaps with wall removal and must be coordinated tightly to stay on schedule.
If your project involves major system changes, check out kitchen electrical work and kitchen plumbing services
Finishing: flooring, cabinets, lighting
Once the structure is safe and systems are rerouted, you can move into the finishing phase.
This usually includes:
- Flooring patching or full re-installation
- Ceiling repairs and smoothing
- New lighting zones, including pendants, recessed lights, or dimmers
- Cabinetry or island installation to make use of the new space
Many homeowners choose to repaint surrounding rooms during this stage for a cohesive look.
You may also be interested in kitchen cabinet services or kitchen backsplash installation depending on how far your redesign goes
Should you hire a pro or DIY?
Removing a wall and reworking the layout of your kitchen isn’t something most homeowners can—or should—DIY.
If you’re dealing with a load-bearing wall, plumbing, electrical, or HVAC changes, hiring a licensed contractor is the right move. Structural work requires permits, inspections, and experience you won’t get from YouTube.
DIY might be an option if:
- You’re removing a non-load-bearing wall with no plumbing or wires
- You’re comfortable doing light framing or drywall patching
- You’re already experienced with remodeling and building codes
But for most homeowners, hiring a professional ensures the job is done safely, up to code, and without expensive mistakes.
How to save money on open kitchen remodels
Open concept remodeling can get expensive fast. But there are ways to bring down the cost without cutting corners.
Plan everything up front
Change orders are one of the biggest budget killers. Finalize your layout, finishes, and materials before the first wall comes down.
Keep plumbing and electrical in place
If you can design your new layout without moving appliances, sinks, or lighting, you’ll save thousands.
Work within the existing structure
Removing a non-load-bearing wall is cheaper than reworking beams or posts. If a load-bearing wall must come out, explore shorter spans to reduce beam costs.
Reuse existing finishes where possible
Refinishing existing cabinets or patching flooring may cost less than full replacements if done right.
Get multiple bids
Prices vary widely. Get quotes from different contractors and compare not just cost, but timeline and scope.
The easiest way to get offers for your project is to post your project on BuilderPlaza!
On average, you’ll receive 3-4 quotes from contractors
Common mistakes to avoid in open kitchen conversions
Skipping a structural assessment
Don’t assume a wall is non-load-bearing just because it looks small. Skipping a professional opinion can lead to serious safety issues or permit violations.
Forgetting about HVAC and lighting
When you remove walls, airflow and lighting can suffer. Plan for new ducts, vents, and lighting zones to keep the space comfortable and functional.
Not matching floors and ceilings
Wall removal often exposes gaps in flooring or ceiling texture differences. Failing to patch or refinish these areas properly can make the space feel disjointed.
Choosing form over function
Open kitchens look great, but don’t forget about storage, cabinet space, or appliance clearance. Make sure the new layout works for daily life, not just photos.
Cutting corners on finishing
After spending thousands on framing and beams, some people rush the finish. Sloppy paint, bad lighting placement, or mismatched materials will drag down the entire project.
Frequently asked questions about open concept kitchen conversions
Most open concept kitchen conversions take 3 to 6 weeks from start to finish. Timelines depend on whether you’re just removing a non-load-bearing wall or doing a full remodel with structural work, electrical, plumbing, and finishing. Delays often come from waiting on permits, inspections, or custom materials.
Yes, but it won’t be convenient. During demolition and wall removal, your kitchen will be completely out of use for several days or more. If structural beams are involved, temporary supports and dust barriers will be set up. You’ll likely need a temporary kitchen setup and should expect noise, dust, and limited access to the space.
Yes, in most US cities, any wall removal—especially if structural—requires a building permit. You may also need engineering drawings or city inspections. A licensed contractor can usually handle all permitting for you and ensure everything meets local code.
Removing a wall between the kitchen and living room costs between $10,000 and $30,000, depending on whether it’s load-bearing, the beam span needed, and whether plumbing or electrical needs to be moved. Non-structural wall removal is cheaper, but still requires careful planning.
Yes. If your layout allows it, keeping appliances in their current location is one of the easiest ways to reduce costs and shorten the project timeline. It avoids the need to reroute plumbing, gas, or electrical connections and can keep parts of your kitchen usable during construction.
Get quotes for open concept kitchen remodeling
Ready to open up your kitchen? Start by getting quotes from local pros who specialize in wall removal, structural framing, and layout design.
Getting multiple bids ensures you understand your options and pay a fair price. Whether you’re just removing a wall or doing a full kitchen transformation, a good contractor can help you plan the job, avoid mistakes, and stay on budget.
It only takes a few minutes to get started, and there’s no obligation.
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