How Much Does a Full Kitchen Remodel Cost in the Washington, D.C. Metro Area?

If you've started getting quotes for a kitchen renovation, you've probably noticed the numbers vary widely. One contractor quotes $50,000, another says $120,000. Understanding why starts with understanding the cost drivers. At Zen, we believe clarity at the start sets the tone for a calm experience from first meeting to final walk-through

The truth is, the cost of a full kitchen remodel in the Washington, D.C. metro area can look very different from one home to the next. From historic Federal rowhouses to sprawling estates, project scope and style play a major role in determining cost. A galley kitchen refresh in Capitol Hill requires different planning, materials, labor, and preservation guidelines than opening up walls in a Crestwood Colonial.

The Average Kitchen Remodeling Costs in the DC Area

So what should you expect to spend? In the Washington, D.C. metro region, most homeowners invest $75,000 to $200,000+ on a full kitchen remodel, depending on scope, materials, and finish level. For comparison, The Journal of Light Construction’s 2025 Cost vs. Value report lists national averages of a midrange major remodel at $82,793, and $164,104 for an upscale project. 

Why the premium for DMV residents? Well, several factors drive costs up in our market:

• Higher labor rates: Skilled tradespeople in the DMV command premium wages, and for good reason. The work is specialized, and demand is high.
• Permitting and compliance: Washington, D.C., and surrounding suburbs have strict building codes, especially in historic districts. Navigating permits, inspections, and preservation requirements adds time and cost.
• Property values: Higher home values in areas mean homeowners typically invest more in renovations to match the quality of their properties.
• Design expectations: D.C. metro homeowners tend to prioritize high-end finishes, custom cabinetry, and luxury appliances, all of which elevate the final price tag.

What Drives Kitchen Remodeling Costs?

Let's break down the major cost drivers so you know where your budget is actually going.

Size and Layout Changes

If you're simply replacing cabinets and countertops without moving walls or changing the footprint, costs stay relatively contained. But the moment you start reconfiguring the layout (opening up a wall between the kitchen and dining room, relocating the sink or range, or expanding into adjacent space), expenses climb quickly. Structural changes require engineering, permits, and coordination across multiple trades.

In a Takoma Park Craftsman or a Capitol Hill row house, opening up a kitchen to create flow into the living areas is one of the most transformative moves you can make. While it involves structural work, it is a common project for our team and one that delivers lasting value to your home’s comfort and usability.

Cabinetry Quality

Cabinetry is often the single largest line item in a kitchen remodel. Fully custom cabinetry, built to your exact specifications with premium wood species, specialty finishes, and intricate details, can range from $30,000 to $80,000 or more. For us, cabinetry is more than storage; it’s the structure that shapes the rhythm of your space. Attention to proportion and flow creates a kitchen that feels grounded and calm.

The difference isn't just aesthetic. Our Custom and semi-custom Crystal Cabinets come with superior construction, more flexible layouts, and finishes that hold up over time. In a design-build kitchen remodel in Bethesda, MD, or Capitol Hill, for example, we make sure to match historical details, accommodate unusual dimensions, and deliver heirloom-quality craftsmanship. To do this, we partner with Crystal Cabinets, a 76-year-old, family-run shop in Minnesota whose custom, U.S.-made cabinetry lets us match old trim profiles, work within irregular spaces, and build something that feels true to the home.

Countertops and Backsplashes

Engineered quartz remains the industry standard for its durability, low maintenance, and consistent appearance. Expect to pay $70 to $85 per square foot installed for quality quartz from manufacturers. Natural stone, such as quartzite, marble, or soapstone, typically costs $10 to $190 (or more) per square foot and requires more maintenance.

Backsplashes add another layer. Tile work can range from $15 to $50+ per square foot, depending on the tile itself and the complexity of the installation. A simple subway tile backsplash is straightforward and affordable. Hand-painted Portuguese azulejos or intricate mosaic patterns? That's a different budget conversation.

Appliances

Appliances are where budgets can vary. A basic appliance package (refrigerator, range, dishwasher, microwave) from brands like Whirlpool or GE might run $4,000 to $8,000. Step up to pro-style ranges from Wolf or Thermador, a Sub-Zero refrigerator, and a Miele dishwasher, and you're easily at $20,000 to $40,000 or more.

We work with a wide range of brands and can help you prioritize where to splurge and where to save. Many of our clients opt for panel-ready appliances that integrate seamlessly with cabinetry for a clean, minimal look.

Plumbing and Electrical Upgrades

Older homes in neighborhoods like Shaw or Petworth often require significant electrical and plumbing upgrades. If you're adding a pot filler, relocating the sink, or upgrading to a 240V induction range, your electrician and plumber will need to do substantial work behind the scenes. Electrical panel upgrades can run $2,000 to $5,000, and moving plumbing lines can add another $1,500 to $4,000, depending on complexity.

Permits

The cost of permits, especially in the Washington, D.C. market, permit fees vary by scope. If you're in a historic district such as Georgetown, expect additional review time and potential restrictions on what you can change.

Labor Premiums

Labor itself is a significant cost. Skilled carpenters, electricians, plumbers, and tile setters command premium rates in the D.C. metro area, and rightfully so. You're paying for expertise, efficiency, and a finished product that meets high standards.

Zen Renovations Kitchen Remodeling Cost Breakdown

We can’t speak for every contractor in the area, but this is how our pricing works for kitchen remodeling. Please note that design fees are not included in the pricing below. Design fees vary depending on how complex the design is, the number of hours of design work, and design revisions. Some clients are very involved, and others prefer a lighter touch, and the design time reflects that.

Level 1: Refresh and Replace ($85,000+)

This is a straightforward cabinet and countertop replacement with minimal layout changes. You're pulling out the old cabinets, keeping appliances in the same location, and installing new finishes without moving walls or fixtures.

What's included:

Best for: Homeowners who like their kitchen layout but need updated finishes, or those working within a tighter budget.

Level 2: Open Concept and Layout Reconfiguration ($125,000–$175,000)

This is where kitchens really start to transform. You're opening up walls (non-load-bearing or with proper engineering), reconfiguring appliance and fixture locations, and updating finishes throughout. This often extends into adjacent spaces for a cohesive first-floor renovation.

What's included:

• Removal of a wall for an open concept (load-bearing walls impact cost)
• Reconfigure the layout of appliances and fixtures
• Floor replacement in affected areas and resurfacing where needed
• Install up to 20 semi-custom Crystal Cabinets
• Install quartz countertops and backsplash tile
• New recessed lighting and pendant fixtures
• Conversion from gas to induction range (if desired)

Best for: Growing families in Takoma Park, MD, Silver Spring, or Shepherd Park who need better flow and more functional space.

Level 3: Luxury Full-Scale Renovation ($175,000+)

This is the top tier: expansive scope, luxury finishes, and often significant structural changes. You're moving walls, relocating doors and windows, possibly expanding the kitchen into adjacent rooms, and installing high-end everything.

What's included:

• All elements of Level 2, plus:
• Large kitchen with expansive scope and luxury finishes
• Expansion into adjacent rooms or complete kitchen relocation
• Closure or relocation of doors and windows
• Install 20+ custom Crystal Cabinets and a custom range hood
• High-grade quartz or natural stone countertops
• Premium appliances and fixtures throughout

Best for: High-end properties where homeowners expect showpiece kitchens with museum-quality finishes.

Frequently Asked Questions About Kitchen Remodeling Costs

How long does a typical kitchen remodel take in the D.C. area?

Are kitchen remodels more expensive in Washington, D.C. than in Maryland or Virginia suburbs?

Generally, yes. Permitting and labor costs tend to be higher in D.C., especially in historic districts. But kitchen remodeling in Bethesda, or in other high-end suburbs of Maryland and Virginia, often comes with comparable costs due to larger project scopes and luxury finishes.

Can I save money by keeping my existing layout?

Yes. If you're not moving plumbing, electrical, or walls, you'll save significantly on labor and permitting.

Should I work with a design-build firm or hire separate designers and contractors?

A design-build approach streamlines the process. Instead of coordinating between an architect, designer, and contractor, you work with a single team that handles everything. This reduces miscommunication, keeps timelines on track, and often results in better outcomes because the people designing your kitchen are the same people building it.

Get Started With Your Kitchen Remodel

A successful kitchen renovation begins with the right partner: one who values craftsmanship, communication, and a process that feels steady and clear. At Zen Renovations, our design-build approach means we’re with you every step of the way. We take the time to explain costs, outline options, and help you understand how each decision shapes both function and flow. With Zen, the process itself feels as intentional as the finished space.

Bringing clarity and calm to the construction process, Zen Renovations is a design-build remodeling contractor serving the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area. While we specialize in kitchen renovations, our expertise extends to bathroom remodels, home additions, and whole-home transformations.