Kitchen Remodel Cost Seattle & Tacoma 2026
Quick answer: A kitchen remodel in the Seattle–Tacoma area typically runs $40,000–$100,000+, depending on size, cabinetry, countertops, and whether you move plumbing or walls. A cosmetic refresh can land around $25,000–$40,000; a full mid-range remodel $40,000–$80,000; a high-end or large kitchen $100,000+. We give you a fixed scope and price up front, so the number doesn't move mid-project.
Key facts
- Cosmetic refresh (counters, hardware, backsplash, paint): ~$25,000–$40,000
- Full mid-range remodel (new cabinets, quartz, appliances, flooring): ~$40,000–$80,000
- High-end / large / layout change: $100,000+
- Cabinetry is usually the biggest single cost — about 30–40% of the budget
- Moving plumbing, gas, or walls adds cost and triggers permits
- Most kitchen remodels take about 6–12 weeks of construction
What a kitchen remodel costs in 2026
Kitchens vary more than almost any other remodel, so it helps to think in tiers:
- Cosmetic refresh — $25,000–$40,000. New countertops, hardware, backsplash, and paint. Keep the existing layout and cabinet boxes.
- Mid-range full remodel — $40,000–$80,000. New cabinets, quartz counters, appliances, flooring, lighting.
- High-end / large / layout change — $100,000+. Custom cabinets, natural stone, premium appliances, moved walls or plumbing.
Seattle-area labor and permitting tend to push these a bit higher than the national average, which is why a realistic local number matters more than a generic online calculator.
Where the money goes
A typical mid-range kitchen budget breaks down roughly like this:
- Cabinetry — 30–40%
- Labor (install, plumbing, electrical) — 20–35%
- Countertops — 10–15%
- Appliances — 10–15%
- Flooring — 5–10%
- Lighting, fixtures, misc. — 5–10%
What drives the price up or down
The biggest swing factors are cabinets (stock vs. semi-custom vs. fully custom), countertop material (laminate or butcher block at the low end, quartz in the middle, natural stone at the top), appliance tier, and whether you change the layout. Moving the sink, range, or a wall means new plumbing, electrical, or framing — and permits — which adds both cost and time. Keeping the existing footprint is the single most effective way to control budget.
How long it takes and whether you need permits
Plan on roughly 6–12 weeks of construction once design and ordering are complete; custom cabinets and layout changes extend that. A cosmetic refresh usually doesn't need a permit, but moving plumbing, gas, or electrical, or changing walls, does — and we handle the permitting and inspections so you don't have to.
Getting an accurate number for your kitchen
Ranges are useful for planning, but your real number depends on your specific kitchen, finishes, and scope. We start with a walkthrough, agree on a clear scope, and give you a fixed price before work begins — no moving target. See our kitchen remodeling services and our Seattle, Tacoma, and Bellevue service areas, or read our bathroom remodel cost guide for the matching room-by-room breakdown.
Call or text +1 (206) 536-8410 for a free on-site estimate.
Frequently asked questions
- How much does a kitchen remodel cost in Seattle?
- Most full kitchen remodels in the Seattle–Tacoma area run about $40,000 to $100,000 or more, depending on the size of the kitchen, cabinetry, countertops, and whether you change the layout. A cosmetic refresh can land around $25,000 to $40,000, while a high-end or large kitchen exceeds $100,000. We provide a fixed scope and price before work begins.
- What is the most expensive part of a kitchen remodel?
- Cabinetry is usually the single biggest line item, often 30 to 40 percent of the budget, followed by labor and countertops. Choosing semi-custom over fully custom cabinets, and quartz over natural stone, are two of the easiest ways to control cost.
- How long does a kitchen remodel take?
- Once design and material ordering are done, construction usually takes about 6 to 12 weeks. Custom cabinets, moving plumbing or walls, and backordered materials can extend that timeline.
- Do I need a permit to remodel my kitchen?
- A purely cosmetic refresh usually does not require a permit, but moving plumbing, gas, or electrical, or changing walls, does. We handle the permitting and inspections as part of the project.
- Can I remodel a small kitchen on a budget?
- Yes. Keeping the existing layout and cabinet boxes and focusing your budget on new countertops, hardware, a backsplash, lighting, and paint keeps most small-kitchen refreshes in the $25,000 to $40,000 range.
- Does a kitchen remodel add value to my home?
- Yes. The kitchen is one of the highest-impact rooms for resale, and mid-range remodels typically recoup a solid share of their cost. The exact return depends on your local market and the finishes you choose.