A useful kitchen budget starts with the work you want done. Replacing finishes while keeping the layout is a different project from rebuilding cabinets, moving plumbing or opening a wall. We review the actual room and proposed work before giving a project-specific estimate
What scope are you budgeting for?
For planning, a minor midrange remodel of a 200-square-foot kitchen has an approximate Seattle-area project benchmark of $32,300. This example keeps the cabinet boxes and updates fronts, hardware, appliances, counters, sink, faucet, flooring and paint. A major midrange remodel of the same area, with new semi-custom cabinets, an island, appliances, lighting, flooring and paint, has an approximate benchmark of $95,500
The amounts below refer to complete modeled kitchen projects of 200 square feet, including work and materials — not a price per square foot or a price for materials alone. The lower figures are approximate planning examples, not observed market minima or our quotes. A larger kitchen, different layout or different selections needs its own estimate
| Defined 200-square-foot project | Approximate lower planning figure | Approximate Seattle-area benchmark |
|---|---|---|
| Minor midrange, retained cabinet boxes | $25,800 | $32,300 |
| Major midrange, new cabinets and island | $76,400 | $95,500 |
These rounded benchmarks describe defined 200-square-foot example projects in Seattle, not current bids or the cost of every kitchen. The lower figures are arithmetic planning examples, not observed market minima or company starting prices. Confirm design, permits, tax, unforeseen repairs and product choices in the estimate for your actual project
What changes the cost of a kitchen remodel?
Keeping cabinets and the existing layout may avoid work that a new island, relocated sink or wider opening would require. Cabinet construction, countertop material, appliances, lighting, flooring, electrical and plumbing scope all change the estimate. Before comparing proposals, list what stays, what is replaced and what may move
Layout changes, materials and existing conditions
A 10-by-10-foot kitchen is a size example, not a fixed-price product. Two rooms with the same floor area can have different cabinet lengths, utility locations and material selections. Conditions behind existing finishes may require work that cannot be priced reliably before investigation. Discuss how the proposal handles discovered damage, wiring or plumbing changes and decisions made after work begins
What should an estimate include?
Compare proposals by scope rather than total alone. Check demolition, protection of adjacent rooms, cabinets, counters, appliances, flooring, lighting, plumbing, electrical work, painting and cleanup. Ask whether design, permits, inspections, sales tax and waste removal are included or excluded. An allowance should identify the item and amount carried for a choice you have not made yet
Planning for unknowns before construction
Discuss a contingency suited to the home’s condition and the planned work. It does not replace a defined scope or investigation, but it helps you plan for conditions and choices that are not yet settled. Project-specific discounts may be available depending on the work, materials and other details; confirm the terms with your estimate instead of subtracting an assumed percentage from an external benchmark
Questions to ask when comparing estimates
- Are the same products, installation work and site-protection steps included?
- Does the proposal assume that sinks, appliances and walls stay in place?
- Which selections are fixed and which are allowances?
- Who coordinates any needed drawings, permits and inspections?
- How are concealed conditions and requested changes documented and priced?
Get a project-specific kitchen estimate
Bring photos, the property address, approximate room dimensions, your priorities and any plans or product choices you already have. Tell us what you want to change and what you hope to keep. See our kitchen remodeling service or contact us to discuss the information needed for an estimate
