A kitchen remodel is one of the biggest investments you can make in your home. Done well, it transforms your daily life and adds significant value to your home. This guide will help you plan every aspect of your project—from setting a realistic budget to choosing materials and understanding the construction process.
What We'll Cover
Setting a Realistic Budget
Kitchen remodel costs vary widely based on scope, materials, and your home's specific needs. Here are realistic ranges for the Seattle area:
| Project Scope | Typical Range | What's Included |
|---|---|---|
| Refresh | $25,000 - $50,000 | New counters, backsplash, appliances, paint. Keep existing layout. |
| Mid-Range Remodel | $50,000 - $100,000 | New cabinets, counters, appliances. Minor layout changes. |
| Full Remodel | $100,000 - $175,000 | Complete gut, new layout, high-end finishes, custom cabinets. |
| Expansion/Addition | $150,000+ | Moving walls, adding space, structural changes. |
Budget Rule of Thumb
Plan to spend 5-15% of your home's value on a kitchen remodel. For a $800,000 Seattle-area home, that's $40,000 - $120,000. This range typically provides good ROI and avoids over-improving for your neighborhood.
Layout: The Foundation of Good Design
The best kitchens work for how you actually cook and live. Before choosing finishes, think about flow and function.
The Work Triangle
The classic work triangle connects your refrigerator, sink, and cooktop. Each leg should be 4-9 feet, with a total perimeter of 13-26 feet. While modern kitchens often have multiple cooks and prep zones, the triangle remains a good starting point.
Common Layout Types
Galley: Two parallel walls. Efficient for one cook but can feel cramped.
L-Shaped: Opens to living areas, good for families. Can add an island.
U-Shaped: Three walls of cabinets. Maximum storage but requires more space.
Island: Central workstation adds prep space, storage, and seating.
When to Change Layout
Changing your kitchen layout significantly increases costs (moving plumbing, electrical, possibly walls). It's worth it when your current layout truly doesn't work, but don't change it just for change's sake.
Cabinets: Where Your Budget Lives
Cabinets typically consume 30-40% of your kitchen budget. Understanding your options helps you allocate wisely.
Stock Cabinets
Pre-made in standard sizes. Limited styles but most affordable.
$100-300/linear foot
Semi-Custom
Standard boxes with custom fronts, finishes, and modifications.
$200-650/linear foot
Custom Cabinets
Built to your exact specifications. Maximum flexibility.
$500-1,500/linear foot
Countertops: Beauty and Function
Your countertop choice affects both aesthetics and daily use. Here's how popular options compare:
Quartz ($50-150/sq ft installed): Engineered stone. Durable, low maintenance, consistent patterns. Most popular choice.
Granite ($50-200/sq ft installed): Natural stone with unique patterns. Requires sealing.
Butcher Block ($40-100/sq ft installed): Warm and forgiving. Needs regular oiling. Great for islands.
Solid Surface ($40-100/sq ft installed): Seamless installation, repairable. Less heat-resistant.
Quartzite ($70-200/sq ft installed): Natural stone, harder than granite. Premium pricing.
Appliances: Features vs. Budget
Appliances typically represent 15-20% of your kitchen budget. Buy the best you can afford for items you use daily (refrigerator, range), and economize on specialty items.
Appliance Timing Tip
Order appliances early—lead times can be 8-12 weeks for popular models. Your contractor needs exact dimensions to build cabinet openings, so appliance selection can't wait until the end.
Timeline: What to Expect
A typical full kitchen remodel takes 8-12 weeks from demo to completion. Here's how that breaks down:
Week 1-2: Demolition and rough work (plumbing, electrical, framing)
Week 3: Inspections, drywall, paint prep
Week 4-5: Cabinet installation
Week 6-7: Countertop template and installation
Week 8-9: Backsplash, appliances, fixtures
Week 10-12: Final details, punch list, cleanup
Add 2-4 weeks of design and planning before construction starts. Permits in Seattle can add another 2-4 weeks depending on scope.
Living Through Construction
You'll be without your kitchen for weeks. Here's how to survive:
Set up a temporary kitchen with microwave, toaster oven, coffee maker, and mini-fridge
Budget for more takeout and meal prep—cooking in a temporary setup gets old fast
Establish clear working hours with your contractor
Create a communication system for decisions and questions
If you have young children, consider temporary housing during the dustiest phases
Ready to Start Planning?
Our design team offers free consultations to discuss your project. We'll help you understand realistic costs, timelines, and possibilities for your specific kitchen—without any pressure or obligation.
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