Kitchens are the heart of the home — so if yours is outdated, it might be time to give it a little love! Remodeling your kitchen is an exciting prospect … until you start to see the price tags. We’ll give you the rundown on exactly what to expect in a kitchen remodel, current trends for Seattle kitchen remodels, and how to get your ideal results without going over budget.
Kitchen Remodels in Seattle
In Seattle, kitchen remodel trends revolve around bringing nature indoors and incorporating a sustainable, Pacific Northwest style into your space.
Natural materials like wood, stone, and marble are ideal to create warmth and richness in a sleek modern space. Currently, white kitchens are fading in popularity as earth tones take over. Well-lit with natural light, a cozy and moody kitchen at night transforms into a bright and airy space come morning — just as nature intends.
Beyond design, upgraded functionality that includes smart lighting, multifunctional islands, and concealed storage are making kitchens efficient to use and easy to keep clean.
Typical Pricing for a Seattle Kitchen Remodel
In Seattle, a full kitchen renovation usually begins around $35,000. This includes basic materials and standard designs. With luxury finishes, premium materials, and custom designs, you can expect a full remodel to cost upwards of $300 per square foot.
What Influences the Cost?
Scope & Complexity
This will be the biggest influencer over your budget. A simple remodel that doesn’t change your configurations and simply updates the finishes will be faster and less expensive than a complete overhaul.
Materials
If you choose higher-end materials for your space, you can expect your cost to rise accordingly. Sometimes these materials, like real stone countertops or custom shelving, are well worth the cost. But other times, a budget-friendly alternative will fit right into your design.
For example, stock or ready-to-assemble (RTA) cabinets are the most affordable, while semi-custom and fully custom cabinets are significantly more expensive. Laminate and tile are budget-friendly. Granite and engineered quartz are popular mid-range choices, while high-end natural stones like marble and exotic granite will drive up the cost. Luxury vinyl tile (LVT) and Luxury vinyl plank (LVP) are cost-effective. Hardwood, natural stone, and high-end tile are more expensive.
Labor
Skilled tradespeople like electricians and plumbers charge a premium for their expertise. The complexity of your project will directly impact these rates. However, a knowledgeable pro will be more efficient, which means the skilled and experienced labor is usually a worthwhile investment.
Permitting
Structural changes, moving plumbing, or updating electrical systems often require permits, which not only add to the total cost but also increase the timeline
Appliances
Appliances range from economical to professional, and when you choose your final vision, you’ll want to ensure the appliances you choose fit into both the design and your budget. Some stoves can cost five figures, whereas a simpler, sleek design will do the same job just as well.
Specialty Finishes
Many luxury remodels require rate or specialty materials. If you are flying in antique chandeliers, or deciding on an exotic wood floor, your remodel will be more expensive. However, if it fits your budget and your vision, that’s all that matters!
Common Budget Tiers
A small cosmetic renovation will cost less than a full gut and redesign with an addition.
At the lowest end, replacing flooring, countertops, backsplashes, upgrading appliances and repainting or refacing cabinetry without altering the configuration will cost less than $35,000-$55,000.
At the middle tier, doing all of the above but also replacing cabinetry and reconfiguring the layout without moving major plumbing or electrical would cost between $55,000 and $75,000, depending on the materials and finishes you choose.
At the high end, a full gut remodel that replaces every aspect of your kitchen and creates a brand new space, complete with expansion or addition can exceed $85,000, and easily reach $150,000 or more.
How to Save Money Without Cutting Corners
Plan and budget meticulously
Don’t rush your planning process. A little extra time to finalize your choices and order well in advance of long lead times can save you time and money when it comes to installation. Nothing is worse than realizing an essential item (like your kitchen countertops) won’t arrive when you have the installer scheduled to put them in.
Blend custom and stock designs
Spend your budget on a custom design, and choose ready-to-assemble or stock items for less important areas. Save your budget for custom pieces where it really matters: like a statement dining room table that will become a family heirloom instead of cabinetry that will be sold with your house.
Prioritize materials judiciously
Sometimes a higher-end luxury good is truly higher-quality, and other times it’s not. High-end handcut tile backsplashes might look beautiful for inspiration, but if the real star of your kitchen is a stunning modern island, let the countertops be the focal point and choose something less expensive to blend in.
Only reconfigure minor areas
If you can avoid moving plumbing, gas lines, or electrical outlets, you’ll save without sacrificing style. Keeping your sink, stove, and dishwasher in their original locations can save thousands of dollars.
Hire a Great Partner
The best way to save is by hiring a partner you can trust. Your general contractor for your Seattle kitchen remodel will advise you on how to make your budget go the farthest. Whether you are opting for cosmetic upgrades or full gut remodels, finding a professional with local experience will make a huge difference.
They’ll know local pros who work diligently and efficiently. They will identify the best deals at local shops, rather than ordering from big-box dealers or shipping from expensive locations. And they know the local trends and designs, so they will understand your ideal vision and know how to pull it off.
Choose a local pro like Arbor Construction for your upcoming kitchen remodel. Get in touch today.
