“How much will my kitchen cost?” is the first question almost every homeowner asks us, and the honest answer is a range that depends on a few big decisions. This guide shows the planning ranges we use for kitchen remodels in Bellevue, Kirkland, Redmond, Mercer Island, Medina, Sammamish and the rest of the Eastside, and explains what moves your project from one end of the range to the other.
The numbers below are the same ones behind the price range estimator on our homepage. They are planning ranges for a typical single-family home, not a quote. Your real price comes from a visit to your home and a written scope.
Kitchen remodel cost on the Eastside at a glance
| Scope | Practical and durable | Elevated | High-end custom |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kitchen refresh Same layout, new surfaces, fixtures and finishes |
$45K – $55K | $55K – $67K | $65K – $80K |
| Full kitchen remodel New cabinets, counters, flooring and appliance setup |
$67K – $82K | $81K – $99K | $97K – $118K |
| Layout-changing remodel Open walls, move plumbing or gas, reconfigure the room |
$97K – $118K | $118K – $145K | $141K – $172K |
These ranges assume a standard home with easy access. For an older home or one with past remodels, plan for roughly 14% more, because plumbing and wiring often need updating once the walls are open. For hillside homes, tight access or structural changes such as removing a bearing wall, plan for roughly 32% more.
What the three scopes mean
Kitchen refresh
The cabinets stay where they are and the plumbing and appliances keep their places. You get new countertops, backsplash, sink and faucet, lighting, paint and often new cabinet doors or refinished boxes. A refresh is the right choice when the layout already works and the cabinets are solid.
Full kitchen remodel
The room is taken back to the walls: new cabinets, countertops, flooring, lighting and a new appliance setup, usually with updated electrical to meet code. The footprint stays mostly the same, but everything in it is new. This is the most common kitchen project we build on the Eastside.
Layout-changing remodel
Walls come down or move, the sink or range moves to a new wall, an island is added, or the kitchen opens to the living space. This scope adds engineering, permits, framing, and plumbing, gas and electrical changes. It costs the most, and it is also the one that most changes how you live in your home.
What the finish levels mean
- Practical and durable: quality semi-custom cabinets, quartz counters, reliable fixtures and value-minded picks.
- Elevated: upgraded cabinetry, natural stone, better fixtures, under-cabinet and accent lighting.
- High-end custom: custom millwork, premium slab surfaces, panel-ready or professional appliances, statement lighting and detailed tile work.
Appliances can swing a budget on their own. A professional range and built-in refrigeration can cost as much as the cabinets, so we price the appliance package with you early instead of leaving it as a surprise.
What moves the price the most
1. Layout changes
Moving plumbing, gas or a wall is the single biggest cost driver. If the current layout is close to what you want, keeping it is the best way to put more of the budget into finishes.
2. Cabinets
Cabinets are usually the largest line item. Stock, semi-custom and fully custom cabinets differ a lot in price, lead time and how well they use every inch of the room.
3. Countertops and backsplash
Quartz is the most common choice. Natural stone, large slabs, waterfall edges and full-height slab backsplashes add cost but have a big visual impact.
4. The condition of the house
Older Eastside homes often hide undersized electrical, old plumbing or past water damage. We look for warning signs at the first visit and build a contingency into the plan, so you are not surprised halfway through.
5. Permits and engineering
Electrical, plumbing and structural changes need permits, and a removed or moved bearing wall needs an engineered beam. Permit fees and review times differ by city: Bellevue, Kirkland, Redmond and Mercer Island each have their own process. We prepare the application and schedule the inspections for you.
How long does a kitchen remodel take?
Plan for design, selections and permits first. Custom cabinets alone can take several weeks to build. Construction for a full kitchen remodel usually takes a couple of months, and a layout-changing remodel with structural work takes longer. You get a written schedule before work starts. Every visit is scheduled with a two-hour arrival window, and our work hours follow your city’s construction-hour rules.
How to get the most out of your budget
- Decide on the layout first. Every other decision depends on it.
- Spend on what you touch every day: drawers, hardware, the faucet and the counters.
- See it before it is built. We design your kitchen in 3D so you can change your mind on screen, where changes cost nothing.
- Order long-lead items early, so the kitchen is not sitting half-finished while you wait for cabinets or appliances.
- Ask about financing. Spreading the cost can let you do the remodel once, the right way. See our financing options.
See finished kitchens
Our projects page shows real kitchens we have built, including a white quartz kitchen that was opened up to the living space in Kirkland and a walnut kitchen with a custom pantry wall in Kent. To learn more about how we design and build kitchens, see our kitchen remodeling page, or find your city: Bellevue, Kirkland, Redmond, Mercer Island and Medina.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a kitchen remodel cost in Bellevue?
For a typical Bellevue home, plan on about $45K–$80K to refresh a kitchen without changing the layout, $67K–$118K for a full remodel, and $97K–$172K when the layout changes. Older homes and structural work add to these ranges.
Is a kitchen remodel worth it on the Eastside?
A well-designed kitchen is one of the rooms buyers notice most, and it is the room most families use every day. We recommend planning it around how you live, and keeping resale in mind with timeless materials and a layout that works.
Can I live at home during the remodel?
Most of our clients do. We close off the work area, control dust and help you set up a temporary kitchen space elsewhere in the house.
Do you handle the permits?
Yes. We prepare the permit application, coordinate any engineering, and schedule the city inspections.
How do I get an exact price?
Call (206) 825-4153 or schedule a free in-home consultation. We will measure the room, talk through what you want, and give you a clear written scope and price.
