I'm Sam Brenich, Chief Marketing Officer at New Day Construction. Through my work with our team, I've seen how much kitchen remodeling costs can vary from one project to another. The question homeowners need answered is straightforward: How much should they budget for their kitchen remodel? I wish I could answer with one number. I can give you ours in a minute, but I'd be doing you a disservice if I stopped there, because two kitchens of the same size can end up tens of thousands of dollars apart.
This guide is for homeowners who want to understand the budget before they call anyone. It is not a pricing manual, and nobody should price or build the work from a web page. What you can do is learn to read an estimate, so a solid price stands out from a thin one.
New Day Construction builds across King and Snohomish counties, so the ranges below come from jobs near you. They are approximate benchmarks from our team. Your own written estimate will always beat any table you find online, ours included.
Quick Takeaways:
- A Seattle kitchen remodel starts near $40,000 as of October 2026 and rises with every finish and layout choice
- Cabinets and structural changes move the final number more than anything else
- Published price ranges disagree because they cover different scopes, so compare like with like
- A detailed written scope is your best protection against surprise charges
The Short Answer, With the Fine Print
Our small kitchens start around $40,000, and medium ones cost about $60,000. Bigger ones, which usually involve custom cabinets or layout work, come to about $80,000. There are projects above and below those figures, so treat them as approximate benchmarks rather than fixed prices.
The table below shows how those benchmarks stack up as of October 2026. It is a starting point, and the right-hand column explains what moves each line.
Project size | Our benchmark | What moves it |
|---|---|---|
Small kitchen | Starts near $40,000 | Cabinet tier and finishes |
Medium kitchen | About $60,000 | Cabinets alone often cost $20,000 to $25,000 at this size |
Bigger kitchen | About $80,000 | Custom cabinetry, layout changes, structural work, and appliance upgrades |
Structural wall changes | Add about $15,000 to $25,000 | Posts, support below, crawl space, and the site |
Custom or European-style cabinets | Can reach $50,000 to $80,000 for the cabinets alone | Finish level and hardware |
Our current project mix increasingly includes larger renovations with budgets of $150,000 or more. That reflects the broader scope of work many clients are requesting, rather than a new minimum price for kitchen remodeling. Smaller kitchens can still start around $40,000, depending on the layout, materials, and work involved.
How Much Does a Kitchen Remodel Cost in Seattle in 2026?
If you search the question, you will find ranges that don't agree with each other. That is a sign that the word "kitchen remodel" covers very different jobs.
Published Seattle kitchen remodeling prices vary considerably because contractors define project scope differently. For example, GENPRO's 2026 pricing guide puts mid-range remodels at approximately $40,000 to $75,000 and high-end projects with layout changes at $85,000 to $150,000 or more. RENCO's Seattle guide lists cosmetic updates at $20,000 to $40,000 and mid-range remodels at $40,000 to $80,000. These are other contractors' published estimates, not New Day Construction prices. Compare the work included in each range before using it to set your budget.
Our own figures are one point inside that spread, and your project may end up well above them.
Why the National Average Misses Seattle
The national average you see in calculators comes from surveys of owners across the country. It mixes light refreshes with full gut jobs and spreads them over cheaper regions. Local guides say Seattle labor and permitting cost more than national averages, so a calculator will often understate what a project here costs. Use it as a sanity check and nothing more.
What a Realistic Remodeling Budget Looks Like
A realistic remodeling budget separates what your contractor can see and price at the first visit, such as cabinets, counters, flooring, and appliances, from what no one can see before demolition.
Items that can be evaluated before construction should be clearly accounted for in the original estimate. Hidden conditions may require additional work, while homeowner-requested changes can affect the agreed price. Ask how both situations will be documented and approved before construction begins.
Cost Per Square Foot of a Seattle Kitchen Remodel
People love a per-square-foot number because it fits on a napkin. For kitchens, it also tends to mislead. Published square-foot estimates also vary by project scope. For example, GENPRO's 2026 Seattle guide estimates approximately $250 to $500 per square foot for full kitchen remodels, depending on the finish level.
A kitchen has little floor area and a lot of expensive things packed into it, so adding square feet doesn't scale the cost the way it would in a living room. A galley with custom cabinets can cost more per foot than an open kitchen with stock boxes.
For that reason, we don't quote kitchens by the square foot. We do use per-square-foot numbers for whole-home projects, where our working range is $130 to $190 per square foot today. For a kitchen, the better question is what cabinets, appliances, finishes, and layout changes the plan includes.
What Drives the Cost of a Kitchen Remodel
If I had to name one thing that decides the final number, it would be the finish level. Everything else either adds to it or subtracts from it.
Cabinetry
Cabinetry is one of the biggest variables. On a kitchen near $60,000, we estimate the cabinets at about $20,000 to $25,000. Semi-custom cabinets can cost near $20,000, and custom ones come to about $50,000 to $60,000. European-style flat-panel cabinets with integrated pulls can reach about $80,000 for the cabinets alone. Federal Section 232 tariffs can also affect some imported kitchen cabinets and vanities. A 25% tariff remains in effect on covered products, while the planned increase to 50% was postponed until January 1, 2027. Ask your supplier whether the tariff applies to the cabinet line you are considering and whether that cost is already reflected in the estimate.
Layout Changes and Structural Work
Moving a sink or a range pulls in plumbing and electrical work and sometimes the framing. Removing a wall can add about $15,000 to $25,000 on top of the kitchen budget, depending on the posts, the support below, the crawl space, and the site. That money is part of the total price and covers the structural part of the work.
On one of our remodeling projects, a wall initially believed to be non-load-bearing turned out to support the structure once demolition began. The change required a beam, two support posts, additional engineering, and revisions to the original plan. The unexpected structural work added approximately $30,000 to the project cost and extended the schedule. This is why we explain which conditions cannot be confirmed until the existing walls are opened.
Plumbing and Electrical Work
Wiring and pipes cost more when they move. Older Seattle homes can also hide problems behind the walls, such as rot, plumbing, HVAC lines, or a structure nobody expected.
Unexpected conditions may require changes to the original scope and budget. Work that can reasonably be identified during the initial assessment should be included in the estimate, while additional costs should be explained and approved before the changed work proceeds.
Countertops, Appliances, Flooring, and Tile
Countertops come through an outside fabricator, since we don't make or install stone ourselves. Appliances range from basic to panel-ready, and the right choice depends on how you cook. Flooring shows how a small choice scales. A floating LVP floor costs about $11 per square foot with material and installation, while engineered hardwood can reach $20 to $22 per square foot. In a kitchen that opens into the dining room, that gap grows quickly.
Tile size can also affect installation costs. In our experience, large-format tile installation can cost around $75 per square foot, while smaller 6-by-6-inch tile can increase labor costs to approximately $95 per square foot. These figures come from our broader remodeling work and are not fixed backsplash rates. For a kitchen, ask your contractor to price the specific tile, pattern, and installation area rather than applying a general square-foot estimate.
Seattle-Specific Costs You Should Plan For
Seattle adds a few line items that a generic calculator won't show. None of them is mysterious, but each one belongs in your plan.
Older Homes
A lot of Seattle housing stock is old, and an older home is where the surprises hide. A wall that looked like a partition may carry weight, and wiring or pipes may not match what you expected. We don't want to frighten anyone.
Our initial assessment helps identify potential structural issues, but some conditions cannot be confirmed until demolition begins. We explain those uncertainties in advance and discuss how unexpected discoveries could affect the project budget.
Permits and Sales Tax
Permit costs are usually one line inside a kitchen budget. Moving plumbing, altering electrical wiring, or changing structural walls can trigger separate permit requirements, with the Seattle Department of Construction and Inspections (SDCI) handling construction and electrical approvals and Public Health, Seattle & King County handling plumbing. Review times vary with the scope and the agency involved. Some places take about six weeks and others up to three months, and Seattle usually takes a little longer than Bellevue. Those figures come from our experience and carry no promise. The city decides what your project needs, so confirm with SDCI before you start.
Washington also applies retail sales tax to most residential remodeling, and the rate depends on the address. The state's Department of Revenue rate lookup shows the current figure, and it is worth asking whether each bid includes it. A bid without tax can look noticeably cheaper than one with it.
How Long Does a Kitchen Remodel Take in Seattle?
Construction time depends on scope, and permits can add weeks before the first day of work. Two of our published kitchens, in Everett and Arlington, were completed in five weeks each, and a larger kitchen and bathroom job in Mukilteo took two months. None of those were in Seattle, and each had its own permit situation.
If your family stays in the house during construction, losing access to the kitchen can affect your daily routine. We work with homeowners to plan around those needs whenever possible. Discuss temporary cooking arrangements and construction phasing early, since changes to the work sequence can affect both cost and schedule.
How to Save Money on a Kitchen Remodel in Seattle
Savings exist, but they come from decisions and not from squeezing a contractor. The ones that actually work are easy to list:
- Keep the existing layout when you can, because moving plumbing, wiring, gas lines, and walls is where budgets break.
- Choose a cabinet tier that fits the way you live. The gap between semi-custom and custom is tens of thousands of dollars.
- Pick flooring and tile while weighing installation cost along with the material price.
- Finalize your material and finish selections before demolition to reduce the risk of additional costs from changes to the agreed scope.
A lower bid can be a good value when it covers the same work, materials, and finish level as a higher one. The problem starts when a $50,000 estimate turns into a $100,000 final bill because important items were missing from the original scope. Ask each contractor to explain what is included, what could trigger a change order, and how additional costs will be approved.
How to Compare Bids and Read the Contract
A fair comparison puts the same rooms and the same finish level side by side. Read the scope before the bottom line, and check that each bid names the trades and materials and says who handles city approvals.
At New Day Construction, we use established pricing for common kitchen remodeling work. Larger or more complex projects may require updated quotes from trade partners before we finalize an estimate. This helps us account for current labor and material costs rather than relying on assumptions that may not reflect the actual scope.
When comparing estimates, check whether each includes demolition, disposal, cabinet specifications, countertops, appliances, flooring, installation labor, permit fees, and sales tax. Identify any allowances for materials that have not yet been selected. Ask how change orders are documented, priced, and approved before additional work begins.
Our goal is simple: stay on budget and on schedule. If we tell you a kitchen will cost $100,000, the final number may be about $103,000, and it should not be $160,000. Extra charges come from the scope you add or from a hidden problem. Communication matters, but nearly every contractor says theirs is good, so I'd ask you to judge us on whether we hold the money and the schedule.
Check the contractor's registration on the Washington L&I Verify page. Our registration number is NEWDADC823QR, so you can check it yourself.
Before signing, review the workmanship warranty included in your project agreement. Confirm the coverage period, what types of work are covered, and how warranty issues are handled. Manufacturer warranties on installed products may provide separate coverage.
Some families look at financing. New Day Construction is not a lender. We work with third-party platforms, Hearth and RenoFi, that connect eligible borrowers with independent lending partners. Those providers set the rates, fees, and terms, and the conditions can change. Before you apply, ask for the APR and any origination fee in writing and check whether a prepayment penalty applies. Financing is optional.
A Complete Kitchen Remodel in Arlington
I want to share a real job close to our small-kitchen benchmark. Arlington is in Snohomish County, so it isn't Seattle, but the budget logic carries over.
The homeowners in Arlington came to us for a full kitchen, and we worked closely with them to design a room that looks good and works for everyday cooking. The scope included custom cabinetry, new countertops, modern appliances, and updated fixtures. The project had a budget of $41,300, and our team finished it in five weeks. That figure lines up with what we say about small kitchens, which start near $40,000, and it shows what a defined scope can do when finishes are chosen up front.
Check out the Arlington kitchen project on our blog.
Where We Build and How to Get a Seattle Kitchen Estimate
We work throughout King and Snohomish counties, from Bellevue, Kirkland, Redmond, and Sammamish to Seattle, Lake Forest Park, Everett, Lake Stevens, and Mukilteo. Our Bellevue showroom is at 1850 130th Ave NE #1, and we have offices in Kirkland and Lake Stevens, plus another in Mukilteo. At the showroom you can compare cabinet levels in person before you commit to a scope.
The best first step is a conversation about your kitchen and your house. Bring a draft wish list and your budget, and we will tell you where the number is likely to end up and why. Start dates depend on our current capacity, so ask when we can begin. One thing to know about fit is that we build full kitchen renovations. If you only need a hood vent installed, a handyman is usually the better and cheaper choice.
If you're planning a Seattle kitchen remodeling project, a bathroom remodel, a whole-home renovation, or a home addition, call us at (425) 584-2936 or request a free estimate. Bring any quotes you already have, and we will walk through them with you.
FAQ
Is $10,000 enough for a kitchen remodel?
For a full remodel, no. Our small kitchens start near $40,000 today, and cabinet installation is usually not something we take as a standalone job. A $10,000 budget may cover limited cosmetic updates, but permit requirements depend on the scope of the work, not the budget alone. Seattle separately exempts some minor and cosmetic work, while structural and trade work can require approval regardless of cost.
What is the most expensive part of redoing a kitchen?
Usually the cabinets. Depending on the finish level, they can cost anywhere from about $20,000 to $80,000 on their own. Structural wall changes are the next big swing and add about $15,000 to $25,000 in our experience.
How much does a kitchen remodel cost in Seattle?
As of October 2026, our benchmarks are about $40,000 for a small kitchen and $60,000 for a medium one. A bigger kitchen costs about $80,000. Local guides publish wider ranges because they mix different scopes, so compare the same scope before you compare the remodel prices.
What factors affect the cost of a kitchen remodel in Seattle?
Finish level matters most, especially cabinets, counters, flooring, and appliances. After that come layout changes, structural work, plumbing and electrical moves, and hidden conditions in older homes. City approvals and sales tax add their own lines.
How can I save money on a kitchen remodel in Seattle?
Keep the layout, pick a cabinet tier that fits your life, choose materials with installation cost in mind, and settle every finish before demolition. Compare bids by scope and not by the bottom line alone.
Do I need a permit for a kitchen remodel in Seattle?
Often, yes. Plumbing changes, altered electrical wiring, and structural work can require permits, while some same-layout cosmetic work may not. SDCI handles construction and electrical permits, while Public Health - Seattle & King County handles plumbing permits, so confirm the requirements for your exact scope before work begins.
How much does a kitchen remodel cost per square foot in Seattle?
Published estimates for full kitchen remodels in Seattle can range from approximately $250 to $500 per square foot, depending on the scope and finish level. However, we price kitchens based on the actual work involved rather than square footage alone. For whole-home projects, our working range is approximately $130 to $190 per square foot.
How long does a kitchen remodel take in Seattle?
Two of our published kitchens in Everett and Arlington took five weeks of construction each, and a kitchen and bathroom project in Mukilteo took two months. City approval can add anywhere from about six weeks to three months before work starts, and Seattle usually moves a little slower than Bellevue.
