How Much Does It Cost to Remodel a Kitchen?
Planning a kitchen renovation? One of the first — and most important — questions homeowners ask is: how much does a kitchen remodel cost? And the answer isn’t always simple. The average kitchen remodel cost in Seattle can range anywhere from $25,000 to over $90,000, depending on the size of the kitchen, the materials used, and the scope of work.
Whether you're updating a small kitchen in a condo or doing a full renovation of a large family kitchen, knowing the cost of kitchen remodel up front helps you plan smarter, avoid budget overruns, and make confident design decisions. In this article, we’ll walk you through:
At Renova Remodels, we’ve worked on hundreds of kitchens across Seattle — from modern upgrades in new builds to full restorations in 1940s homes. We know that every kitchen (and every client) is different. That’s why we focus on honest, transparent pricing, flexible packages for different budgets, and the kind of experience that prevents costly surprises down the road.
Let’s take a closer look at what really goes into a kitchen remodel — and how to get the most value out of yours.
Kitchen remodels are one of the most expensive — and most valuable — home improvement projects you can take on. They often involve plumbing, electrical, carpentry, flooring, cabinets, lighting, and ventilation — all working together in one high-use area.
That level of complexity means remodels require planning, coordination, and, most importantly, a realistic budget.
Knowing your price range early on helps you:
It also gives you the ability to break down the project into phases if needed — focusing first on critical systems like plumbing or cabinets, and delaying cosmetic upgrades until a later stage. That flexibility can help you stay within budget without sacrificing the end result.
Most homeowners only remodel a kitchen once every 15–20 years. It’s a major investment — and it’s worth doing right the first time.
No two kitchens — and no two remodels — are the same. That’s why the cost to remodel kitchen spaces can vary so dramatically. From finishes to layout to the age of the home, several elements impact your final budget.
Below are the key factors that determine your kitchen remodel cost and how to prepare for them.
Materials make a huge difference in both look and price. Your choices for countertops, flooring, tile, and fixtures can cause your budget to swing up or down by thousands of dollars.
Examples:
Choosing finishes that fit your budget — and knowing where to splurge — can make your kitchen look high-end without breaking the bank.
At Renova Remodels, we often help clients find smart combinations: high-impact finishes in key areas (like countertops or lighting), balanced by cost-effective choices elsewhere.
This trio often makes up the majority of a kitchen renovation budget.
Keep in mind: high labor costs are often worth it. Inaccurate cabinet installs or improper electrical work can cost more to fix than to do right the first time.
The biggest price jump usually comes when homeowners want to move things around. Changing your kitchen’s layout — like relocating a sink, knocking down a wall, or adding an island — increases both labor and permitting costs.
Why layout changes raise the budget:
Even seemingly small layout shifts can trigger code compliance issues and inspection requirements, especially in older Seattle homes. Moving a range hood, for example, might mean installing new ductwork or upgrading to current ventilation standards.
Customization increases prices as well. Custom cabinets, built-in banquettes, specialty lighting installations and ceiling modifications all increase costs but improve functionality and resale value significantly.
If you're looking for a low cost kitchen remodel, keeping the original footprint and using stock cabinets or refacing instead of replacing can reduce your spend by 20–40%.
You don’t need a huge space to see big improvements. A small kitchen — under 150 square feet — can be upgraded for a fraction of the cost of a full-scale renovation. But even compact kitchens come with their own budget considerations.
In Seattle, the average cost of small kitchen remodel projects typically ranges from $18,000 to $35,000, depending on materials, layout, and whether structural changes are involved.
What’s usually included in a small kitchen remodel:
Homeowners aiming for a low cost kitchen remodel can save by keeping the existing layout, reusing appliances when possible, and opting for refacing cabinets instead of full replacement.
Typical price ranges:
Even in a small kitchen, labor remains a large portion of the budget. Demolition, prep, and installations take nearly
the same time as in larger spaces. But with smart planning, a small kitchen can pack a ton of function and style into
every square foot. At Renova Remodels, we specialize in optimizing small kitchens — making the most of limited layouts,
integrating clever storage, and guiding clients toward impactful, cost-efficient choices.
A full kitchen remodel involves more than surface-level upgrades. This type of renovation typically includes changes to layout, plumbing, electrical systems, lighting, ventilation, flooring, and cabinetry — all brought up to current code.
In Seattle, the average cost for kitchen remodel projects of this scale ranges from $50,000 to $90,000+.
What’s usually included:
Cost breakdown:
The full kitchen remodel cost climbs when projects involve wall removal, window/door repositioning, luxury brands,
or specialty finishes. These remodels take more time — usually 6–10 weeks — and require full coordination between trades,
designers, and inspectors.
That said, a high-end kitchen renovation adds major value. Updated kitchens are one of the most attractive features
to homebuyers in Seattle, especially when done by licensed contractors who understand local building codes
and energy regulations.
A successful kitchen remodel starts with smart planning — and that means creating a budget that works for your space, goals, and financial comfort zone. Too often, homeowners begin without a clear sense of how much they want (or can afford) to spend. That’s how costs spiral.
Here’s how to budget with confidence — whether you’re aiming for a modest refresh or a full redesign.
1. Define the project scope early.
Start by listing your must-haves versus nice-to-haves. Do you need to move plumbing or reconfigure the layout? Or are you mostly focused on updating finishes? The broader the scope, the higher the cost for kitchen remodel work — so clarity here saves money later.
2. Set a realistic price range.
For most Seattle-area homes, the average cost of a kitchen remodel falls between $30,000 and $70,000. Smaller projects may run less, and large-scale luxury remodels may exceed $100,000. Knowing your range helps you and your contractor make aligned decisions.
3. Get detailed estimates.
Always ask for itemized proposals. A line-by-line quote — like the ones we provide at Renova Remodels — shows exactly how much each part of the remodel will cost: demolition, plumbing, tile work, cabinetry, and more. That transparency helps avoid budget shocks mid-project.
4. Plan for contingencies.
We always recommend setting aside 10–15% of your total remodel budget for unexpected issues. In older homes, surprises like outdated wiring, hidden water damage, or crooked walls are common. Having that buffer in place means you're ready — not panicked.
5. Explore options to reduce cost.
If the total number feels high, you don’t need to cut quality — just rethink scope or finish levels:
6. Prioritize functionality over trends.
It’s tempting to chase the latest Pinterest look, but ask yourself: will this feature improve how I use my kitchen? Timeless design tends to age better — and helps preserve the value of your investment.
7. Talk to a professional early.
Renova Remodels' team of design consultants offers design guidance, clear estimates, and expert insight into what the cost of renovating your kitchen should be based on its layout and preferences. Engaging early helps prevent missteps from developing later.
Remodeling a kitchen may seem daunting at first, but understanding its key cost factors and planning ahead can make the project simpler and less daunting. From updating small spaces to completely reconfiguring home central hubs, knowing how much it costs to remodel a kitchen will put your mind at ease and help ensure success!
To recap:
At Renova Remodels, we know that kitchen renovations aren’t just about looks — they’re about how your space works for you and your family every day. That’s why we combine design expertise, technical skill, and transparent pricing to deliver remodels that last.
Ready to take the next step?
We provide free on-site consultations with accurate cost breakdowns, practical advice and sound experience in kitchen renovation. Whether it is just an upgrade you require or full overhaul - our team is here to assist you every step of the way!
Book a consultation today and let’s talk about turning your kitchen into the space you’ve always wanted.
How much does a kitchen remodel cost per square foot?
In Seattle, the average cost to remodel a kitchen is between $200 and $400 per square foot. This depends on materials, layout, and labor requirements. Smaller remodels may fall on the lower end, while high-end projects land at the top.
What is the most expensive part of a kitchen remodel?
Cabinetry and labor are usually the most expensive parts of a kitchen renovation. Custom cabinets, in particular, can make up 30–40% of the total budget. Labor — especially plumbing and electrical — also adds up quickly in complex projects.
What is a good budget for a kitchen remodel?
A reasonable starting point for most mid-range kitchen remodels in Seattle is $40,000 to $60,000. That allows for new cabinets, countertops, lighting, and appliances — without extensive structural changes. For smaller kitchens or cosmetic upgrades, budgets from $20,000 to $30,000 are typical.
