Cost & Budget

What makes a kitchen remodel cost more or less?

The short answer

Cabinetry, countertops and appliances drive most of the cost of a kitchen remodel, and keeping the existing layout is the single biggest way to control it. Full custom cabinets, extra stone slabs for a large island and a pro-grade appliance package push a project up, while semi-custom cabinets and quartz or granite hold it down.

Cabinetry is usually the largest single line item. Refacing existing boxes with new doors and drawer fronts costs a fraction of new cabinets, semi-custom cabinets cover most full remodels at a moderate price, and full custom cabinetry costs the most because every box is built to the inch. Countertops come next. Quartz and granite sit in the middle of the price range, while marble, thick edge profiles and large islands that need a second slab add cost quickly.

Appliances can swing a budget more than most people expect. A standard package and a pro-grade range, panel-ready refrigerator and matching hood can differ by tens of thousands of dollars. Higher-end appliances can also draw more power than standard units, so we confirm what your existing kitchen circuits and panel can support before the package is final. If a choice would need a new circuit or a new gas line, that requires a permit and is outside the projects we take on, and we help you pick units that fit.

Layout matters as much as materials. Keeping the sink, range and walls in place avoids the cost of rerouting plumbing and keeps the project within the scope that does not need a permit. The other variable is what is behind the walls. Old galvanized pipe, past leaks or water damage only show up after demolition, which is why we suggest a 10 to 15 percent contingency. At Legacy, we show you anything we find and price it before doing extra work.

Answered by Legacy Construction & Design · CA License #790442 · October 2026

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