Plumbing, cabinets, countertops, appliances, and even the flooring. Everything adds up, and quickly.
To be fair there are lots of ways to save money when doing a kitchen or bath remodel, but if you're doing the remodel in the first place you aren't opting for the linoleum floors, plastic countertops, and "builder grade" appliances.
Linoleum floors are amazingly durable and water resistant (some were recovered intact from the Titanic), made from a renewable source (linseed oil), and quite attractive these days.
Perhaps you are thinking of vinyl flooring, which is petroleum derived, and the among cheapest types of flooring.
> Kitchen remodels that I've seen pretty much always opt for some form of tile, which adds considerably to the cost.
Not sure what you are answering on my comment. My point is that linoleum isn't a cheap, builder grade material, whether in tile or sheet form. So I think we agree?
To be fair there are lots of ways to save money when doing a kitchen or bath remodel, but if you're doing the remodel in the first place you aren't opting for the linoleum floors, plastic countertops, and "builder grade" appliances.