Kitchen Remodel

A minor kitchen refresh (paint, hardware, lighting, fixtures) takes 2-4 weeks. A mid-range remodel with new cabinets and countertops typically takes 6-10 weeks. A full renovation with layout changes (moving plumbing, electrical, gas) can run 10-16 weeks. We provide a detailed phased timeline during planning so you know when each stage starts and finishes on the calendar.

During most of the remodel, your kitchen will be unusable. We recommend setting up a temporary kitchen elsewhere with a microwave, coffee maker, electric kettle, and small refrigerator. Many homeowners use the garage, laundry room, or dining room as the staging area. We minimize disruption by keeping demolition tidy and sealing the kitchen, but plan for 4-12 weeks of takeout and outdoor cooking.

If the cabinet boxes are structurally solid and the existing layout works, refacing (new doors and veneers over the existing boxes) typically costs 30-50% less than full replacement. If the boxes are damaged, the layout is poor, or you want to change the configuration, full replacement is the better long-term investment despite the higher upfront cost. The structural inspection of the boxes is the deciding step.

Quartz is our most-recommended choice: durable, non-porous (does not need sealing), heat-resistant up to a point, and available in dozens of patterns. Granite offers natural variation and excellent heat resistance but needs periodic sealing. Butcher block adds warmth for prep islands but requires regular oiling. Slab porcelain has emerged as a premium option for modern kitchens with large continuous surfaces.

Permits are typically required for electrical changes, plumbing relocations, and structural modifications (removing walls, adding a window). Cosmetic updates like paint, hardware, or new countertops usually do not require permits. Buildda handles permit applications, schedules the inspections, and confirms code compliance before any work that triggers an inspection. Permit fees are paid as a passthrough to the city directly.

Kitchen remodels range from $25,000-$40,000 for a refresh (new countertops, cabinet refacing, backsplash), $45,000-$85,000 for a mid-range remodel with new cabinets and appliances, $100,000-$175,000 for a full renovation with layout changes, and $200,000+ for luxury kitchens with custom cabinetry and premium finishes. Appliances alone range from $3,000-$20,000+ depending on quality.

Yes. Many kitchen remodels intentionally maintain the existing layout, which significantly reduces costs by avoiding plumbing and electrical relocation work. We assess whether layout changes would meaningfully improve the kitchen function, but if the current layout already works, keeping it usually delivers more design upgrade per dollar than spending the budget on moving water, gas, and power lines.

Options include taller upper cabinets (going to ceiling instead of stopping at 84 inches), pull-out drawer organizers in lower cabinets, a dedicated pantry cabinet or wall-pantry, an island with deep storage drawers, and corner solutions like lazy Susans or pull-out blind-corner units. We evaluate the household's specific storage pain points and suggest the most effective combinations during the design phase.