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

Budget clarity shapes how the entire kitchen renovation feels. When pricing is transparent from the start, decisions feel grounded. You're planning with intention, knowing your priorities align with what's financially possible.

At Zen, understanding kitchen remodel costs begins with a conversation about how you live in your space. Then we work backwards from your budget to define a process where functional goals and financial clarity stay aligned throughout kitchen remodeling in Washington DC.

If you've gathered quotes, you've noticed the numbers vary widely. One firm quotes $50,000, another $120,000. The confusion isn't just about materials—it's about how firms approach pricing itself. We provide transparent pricing from day one, so you understand where your investment goes at every stage.

Why Budget Clarity Matters

A full kitchen remodel is one of the largest investments most homeowners make. In the Washington DC metro area, where historic homes and modern expectations meet, the stakes feel higher.

When pricing feels opaque, the renovation becomes stressful. You're constantly wondering: Did I overspend? Will there be surprises?

Budget-first transparency removes that anxiety. Design decisions become easier when you're making informed tradeoffs with your designer and contractor working together.

Our design-build approach means one team guides you from concept through construction. The designer selecting your cabinetry is working with the team building it. We coordinate every phase with your budget as the foundation.

What Drives Kitchen Remodeling Costs in DC?

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Higher Labor Rates

Skilled tradespeople in the Washington DC area command premium wages. You're paying for expertise that ensures the work is done right.

Permitting Complexity

DC and its surrounding suburbs have strict building codes, especially in historic districts such as Capitol Hill, Georgetown, and Takoma Park. Our team has spent 30 years working within these frameworks.

Size and Layout Changes

Replacing cabinets and countertops without moving walls keeps costs contained. Opening up walls, relocating fixtures, or expanding into adjacent space increases expenses. Structural changes require engineering, permits, and coordination across trades.

In a Silver Spring split-level or Petworth rowhouse, opening up the kitchen creates transformative flow. It's one of our most common projects.

Cabinetry

Cabinetry is often the largest line item. Stock cabinets might cost $5,000 to $15,000. Semi-custom and fully custom cabinetry ranges from $30,000 to $80,000+.

We partner with Crystal Cabinet Works, a 76-year-old, family-run manufacturer whose custom, U.S.-made cabinetry matches old trim profiles and works within irregular spaces. Their work comes with a limited lifetime warranty.

Countertops and Backsplashes

Engineered quartz runs $70 to $85 per square foot installed. Natural stone, like quartzite or marble, ranges from $100 to $190+.

Backsplashes: Simple subway tile costs $15 to $25 per square foot. Hand-painted tile or intricate mosaics run $50+.

Appliances

A basic package (Whirlpool or GE) runs $4,000 to $8,000. Pro-style ranges from Wolf or Thermador, Sub-Zero refrigeration, and Miele dishwashers reach $20,000 to $40,000+.

Plumbing and Electrical

Older homes in neighborhoods like Shaw or Petworth often need significant upgrades. Electrical panel upgrades run $2,000 to $5,000. Moving plumbing lines adds $1,500 to $4,000.

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How Zen's Budget-First Process Works

Most contractors provide estimates after design is complete. By then, you've invested time and energy—and if the number comes back too high, you're redesigning.

We reverse that.

Step 1: First Consultation

During our on-site visit, we establish a preliminary budget range based on what you've described and what we see. This early clarity sets the tone.

Step 2: Design with Budget as Foundation

Your designer works within the established budget from the start. Because Zen is design-build, the designer planning your layout works directly with the team building it. If a decision would push the budget, they know immediately.

Step 3: Transparent Pricing Before Build

Before demolition starts, you receive a detailed contract breaking down costs by phase and category. No hidden fees. If something changes during construction, we discuss it before proceeding.

Step 4: Proactive Communication

Your project manager is on-site regularly, coordinating trades and keeping you updated. If an issue arises, we bring you solutions with clear cost implications.

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Our Budget Ranges for Kitchen Remodeling in Washington DC

Most homeowners invest $75,000 to $200,000+ on a full kitchen remodel in the DC metro area, depending on scope and finishes.

$85,000+: Refresh and Replace

Straightforward cabinet and countertop replacement with minimal layout changes.

Includes:

• Remove and replace cabinetry (layout stays the same)
• Up to 12 semi-custom Crystal cabinets
• Quartz countertops and tile backsplash
• Existing appliances reinstalled
• Flooring refinished or remains in place

Best for: Homeowners who like their layout but need updated finishes.
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$125,000–$175,000: Open Concept Reconfiguration

Opening walls, reconfiguring appliances and fixtures, updating finishes throughout.

Includes:

• Wall removal for open concept flow
• Layout reconfiguration
• Floor replacement
• Up to 20 semi-custom Crystal cabinets
• Quartz countertops and tile backsplash
• New lighting throughout
• Gas to induction conversion (if desired)

Best for: Growing families in Takoma Park, Silver Spring, or Shepherd Park who need better flow. Common for Capitol Hill rowhouses opening to dining or living areas.
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$175,000+: Luxury Full-Scale Renovation

Expansive scope, luxury finishes, significant structural changes.

Includes:

• Everything in mid-range tier, plus:
• Expansion into adjacent rooms
• Door and window relocation
• 20+ custom Crystal cabinets with a custom range hood
• High-grade quartz or natural stone countertops
• Premium appliances throughout (Sub-Zero, Wolf, Thermador, Miele)

Best for: High-end properties in Bethesda, Chevy Chase, or Georgetown.

Why DC Kitchen Remodels Cost More

National averages from The Journal of Light Construction's 2025 Cost vs. Value report: $82,793 midrange, $164,104 upscale.

Why the premium in the DMV?

• Higher wages for skilled tradespeople
• Permitting complexity in Capitol Hill and Georgetown (historic preservation boards)
• Material delivery in dense urban areas with narrow rowhouse streets
• Client expectations: DC metro homeowners prioritize quality materials and craftsmanship

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Frequently Asked Questions About Kitchen Remodeling Costs
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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.

Ready to talk numbers? Contact us for a detailed estimate, and let's start planning your kitchen remodeling project. We'll walk you through every cost driver and show you where your investment is going before the work ever starts.

Explore our kitchen remodeling services or learn more about our pricing approach to see how we make the renovation process calm by design.

Zen Renovations is an award-winning design-build firm serving the Washington DC metro area from studios in Capitol Hill and Takoma Park. Recognized as Washington City Paper's Best Contractor in DC (2023-2025), we specialize in kitchen remodeling, bathrooms, additions, and whole-home transformations. With 30+ years navigating DC permitting and historic preservation guidelines, our in-house team guides homeowners through a renovation process that is calm by design.