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What to look for on a kitchen remodel quote
Kitchen remodel quotes vary massively — $15,000 to $75,000 for a "kitchen remodel" — because scope is so variable. A complete quote itemizes cabinets, countertops, appliances, plumbing, electrical, flooring, and labor separately so you can see where the budget actually goes.
Box construction (plywood vs particleboard vs MDF), door material, brand, number of cabinet boxes. Stock, semi-custom, or custom.
Material (laminate, quartz, granite, butcher block, solid surface), square footage, edge profile, and installation.
Specific models: range, oven, refrigerator, dishwasher, microwave. Appliance budget is 10–30% of total kitchen cost.
Material (LVP, tile, hardwood), square footage, demo of existing floor.
Tile type, square footage, and installation.
Sink, faucet, disposal, dishwasher connection. Any relocation adds $500–$2,000 per fixture.
Outlet additions (code requires GFCI on kitchen circuits), lighting (recessed, pendant, under-cabinet), fan, appliance circuits.
Vent hood work, any duct modifications. Some jurisdictions require code upgrades during remodel.
Repair and paint after other work, ceiling work if changed.
Tear-out of existing kitchen, haul-away, containment.
Required for most kitchen remodels involving plumbing, electrical, or structural changes.
Designer fees (5–20% of project), general contractor markup (10–25%).
Labor (1–2 yrs typical), cabinets (mfr 5–lifetime), countertops (mfr 10–25 yrs), appliances (mfr 1–5 yrs).
Red flags in a kitchen remodel quote
A $15,000 cabinet allowance could be stock vs semi-custom vs custom — very different quality. Quotes should specify product line and brand for apples-to-apples comparison.
"Stainless appliance package" without model numbers could be bottom-tier or mid-range. Each appliance should list brand, model, and price.
Kitchen remodels always trigger permit requirements when plumbing or electrical changes. Unpermitted work voids insurance and fails home inspection at resale.
A quote with one number for "kitchen remodel" hides all the scope variables. Professional quotes itemize every category.
"Countertop overlay" (1/8" thin layer over existing) is a weaker, cheaper alternative to full replacement. Budget pricing should match.
Moving a sink more than a few inches requires drain and supply line rerouting — $500–$2,000 of plumbing work. Low allowances mean change orders.
Cabinet installation requires precise leveling, shimming, and anchoring. Handyman install at $500–$1,500 is risk; pro install at $2,000–$5,000 for typical kitchen is quality.
Common hidden costs and change orders
These items are often missing from the initial kitchen remodel quote and show up later as change orders or surprise fees. Ask about each before signing.
- Unexpected mold or water damage behind cabinets
- Outdated wiring that must be brought to code
- Structural reinforcement for kitchen island or open plan
- Gas line relocation for range move ($500–$2,000)
- Drywall repair from wall removal or electrical runs
- Floor transitions to adjacent rooms
- Code upgrades triggered by permit (GFCI, AFCI, vent hood)
- Appliance delivery and install fees