From $25,000 for a refresh to $170,000+ for a new layout
Kitchen costs vary more than almost any other project. In 2026, Bellevue and Eastside kitchens usually fall into three bands: a same-layout refresh at $25,000–$40,000, a midrange full remodel at $40,000–$85,000, and an upscale remodel with layout changes at $85,000–$170,000 and up. A refresh takes about 3–4 weeks on site; full remodels take 6–16 weeks.
For a wider view, the 2025 Cost vs. Value report for the Seattle market puts a minor midrange kitchen update at $32,271 and a midrange full remodel at $95,542 — well above the national figure of $82,793 for the same job.
Kitchen remodel options at a glance
| Scope | What's included | Typical price | On site |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kitchen refresh | Same layout; new cabinet fronts or paint, countertops, backsplash, sink, faucet, appliances, flooring | $25,000–$40,000 | 3–4 weeks |
| Midrange full remodel | New semi-custom cabinets, countertops, backsplash, flooring, lighting and electrical; layout mostly stays | $40,000–$85,000 | 6–10 weeks |
| Upscale / layout change | Walls, plumbing or gas move, custom cabinetry, premium appliances, a new lighting plan | $85,000–$170,000+ | 10–16 weeks |
Every kitchen is priced individually after a free walkthrough — no per-square-foot guessing. Washington sales tax and permit fees apply on top of the construction cost.
Why kitchens here run above national averages
Licensed trades on the Eastside cost more than the national average — the Seattle benchmark for a full midrange kitchen is about $12,700 above the national one.
Many Eastside homes need electrical and plumbing upgrades once the walls are open.
A remodeled kitchen has to meet current electrical, ventilation and energy codes — including dedicated appliance circuits and a range hood or fan vented outside.
In Washington, sales tax applies to most remodeling work, not just to the materials.
Refresh, remodel or rebuild
Refresh. You keep the layout and the cabinet boxes. New cabinet fronts or paint, countertops, backsplash, sink, faucet, lighting and appliances. The fastest and most budget-friendly option — and in the Seattle market the minor kitchen update recoups about 118% of its cost at resale.
Midrange remodel. New semi-custom cabinets, quartz or stone countertops, tile backsplash, new flooring, upgraded lighting and electrical. The layout mostly stays, with small changes such as adding an island.
Full remodel. Walls move, plumbing and gas move, a new lighting plan, custom cabinetry and premium appliances. Taking out a load-bearing wall means a beam designed by an engineer and a permit with plan review.
What drives kitchen remodel cost
Usually the single biggest line item. Stock, semi-custom and custom cabinets differ a lot in price and lead time. Cabinetry is one of our own trades.
Moving the sink, range or fridge means rerouting plumbing, gas, venting and electrical.
Quartz, natural stone and porcelain slab all price differently — especially with waterfall edges or full-height backsplashes.
Modern kitchens often need new dedicated circuits, and sometimes a panel upgrade.
How to keep a kitchen on budget
- Decide the layout first. Changing it after cabinets are ordered is the most expensive mistake there is.
- Keep the sink and range where they are if you can — moving plumbing and gas adds cost fast.
- Spend on what you touch daily: drawers, hardware, faucet and countertops.
- Order long-lead items early. Cabinets, slabs and appliances can take weeks to arrive.
- Consider refacing. If the cabinet boxes are solid, new doors and drawer fronts save a large share of the budget.
Want to see materials and layouts first? Our kitchen guide walks through sizes, aisles and finishes.
Does a kitchen remodel need a permit in Bellevue?
New cabinets or countertops alone do not need a building permit. Moving an appliance that needs new gas, water, drain, vent or electrical lines does; swapping an appliance for a similar one in the same spot does not. Altering a load-bearing wall needs a permit with plan review. We work out exactly what your project needs and handle it — and if you are outside Bellevue, see what needs a permit on the Eastside.
Kitchen cost questions
Will the price grow once the work starts?
How do you protect our home while we live in it?
How long does a kitchen remodel take?
Can we live at home during a kitchen remodel?
Can I keep my cabinets and just change the countertops?
Is a kitchen remodel worth it if I plan to sell?
Do you work with my designer?
How do I get a price?
Sources: JLC Cost vs. Value 2025, Seattle · City of Bellevue — work requiring permits. Checked November 2026.