Kitchen remodel cost in Seattle (2026):
from a refresh to a full remodel
HOW MUCH DOES A KITCHEN REMODEL COST IN SEATTLE?
A minor, midrange kitchen remodel in Seattle costs about $32,271, according to the 2025 Cost vs. Value report, about 13% above the national figure of $28,458. Nationally, HomeGuide puts a full kitchen remodel at $15,000 to $50,000, or $150 to $250 per square foot. Washington sales tax applies to the whole contract.
Seattle vs. the national average
The Cost vs. Value report from the Journal of Light Construction publishes remodeling costs by city, including Seattle. Its "minor kitchen remodel, midrange" project compares like this:
| Minor kitchen remodel, midrange | Seattle | Pacific region | U.S. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Job cost | $32,271 | $29,728 | $28,458 |
| Added resale value | $38,098 | $38,384 | $32,141 |
| Cost recouped at sale | 118.1% | 129.1% | 112.9% |
In this report, the estimated resale value of a minor kitchen remodel in Seattle is higher than its cost. That is an estimate for one defined project, not a promise for your kitchen. Larger, high-end remodels usually recoup a smaller share: HomeGuide notes that major, high-end kitchen remodels typically have a lower return than minor or moderate ones.
From a refresh to a full remodel
Each step does more work. Bars use a log scale, so each step to the right is about ten times more money.
- 1Paint the cabinetsSame boxes and doors, new color$900–$3,800HomeGuide
- 2Refinish the cabinetsStrip, sand, stain or repaint$1,500–$4,500HomeGuide
- 3New countertopsFor an average kitchen$1,500–$6,000HomeGuide
- 4Reface the cabinetsNew doors, drawer fronts, hardware, veneer$5,000–$13,000HomeGuide, 100–200 sq ft kitchen
- 5Full remodel, same layoutNew cabinets, counters, appliances, lighting$15,000–$50,000HomeGuide
- 6High-end or new layoutMoving walls, plumbing or gas$50,000–$70,000+HomeGuide
National prices. Steps 1–4 can be combined, for example refacing the cabinets and replacing the countertops.
Kitchen remodel cost by size
| Kitchen size | Small / partial | Full | High-end |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10 × 10 ft (100 sq ft) | $6,000–$15,000 | $15,000–$25,000 | $25,000–$35,000 |
| 10 × 12 ft (120 sq ft) | $7,200–$18,000 | $18,000–$30,000 | $30,000–$42,000 |
| 12 × 12 ft (144 sq ft) | $8,600–$21,600 | $21,600–$36,000 | $36,000–$50,400 |
| 15 × 15 ft (225 sq ft) | $13,500–$33,800 | $33,800–$56,300 | $56,300–$78,800 |
Where the money goes
HomeGuide's typical budget split for a kitchen remodel. Cabinets are the largest single share.
| Part of the budget | Share | Part of the budget | Share |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cabinets & shelving | 25% | Lighting | 5% |
| Installation & labor | 15% | Painting & drywall | 5% |
| Appliances | 15% | Designer | 5% |
| Countertops & backsplash | 10% | Sink & faucet | 5% |
| Flooring | 7% | Doors & windows | 4% |
| Plumbing | 3% | Miscellaneous, incl. permits | 1% |
Example on the Seattle figure: at these shares, cabinets would be about $8,068 of a $32,271 remodel, and appliances about $4,841 (our calculation).
What individual items cost
| Item | Cost installed (HomeGuide) |
|---|---|
| New cabinets | $4,500–$15,000 |
| Cabinet doors only | $2,200–$6,600 |
| Countertops, average kitchen | $1,500–$6,000 |
| Appliance package (fridge, dishwasher, range, microwave) | $2,500–$6,800 |
| Kitchen island | $3,000–$5,000 |
| Sink | $330–$1,300 |
| Faucet | $200–$600 |
| Light fixture, existing wiring | $80–$350 each |
| Six recessed lights | $700–$1,650 |
| Demolition | $500–$2,500 |
| Removing a non-load-bearing wall | $500–$2,000 |
| Removing a load-bearing wall | $4,000–$15,000 |
| Structural engineer | $1,900–$3,700+ |
Permits and sales tax in Seattle
When you need a permit
- The Seattle Department of Construction and Inspections (SDCI) says you don't need a permit for minor repairs or alterations that cost $6,000 or less in any 6-month period, counting labor and parts at fair market value, even if you do the work yourself.
- SDCI lists installing kitchen cabinets among projects that usually don't need a permit.
- You do need a permit for any work on load-bearing supports, changes to the building envelope, or work that reduces egress, light, ventilation or fire resistance, "no matter how small the project."
- Electrical and plumbing work have their own permit types at SDCI. Ask your contractor which permits your project needs and whether the fees are in the quote. HomeGuide puts kitchen permits at $500–$1,500 nationally.
Sales tax applies to the whole job
| Example | Amount |
|---|---|
| Minor midrange kitchen remodel, Seattle (Cost vs. Value 2025) | $32,271 |
| Sales tax at 10.55% | + $3,405 |
| Total if tax is not already included | $35,676 |
Before you sign
- Look the contractor up on L&I's Verify a Contractor tool: active license, bond, insurance and past violations.
- For jobs of $1,000 or more on a home, the contractor must give you a written disclosure statement before work starts (RCW 18.27.114).
- Compare quotes line by line: cabinet line and finish, countertop material, appliances, who pulls permits, and what happens if they find damage behind the walls.
- Plan for time: HomeGuide says kitchen remodels take 6 to 9 weeks on average, and 3 to 5 months with structural changes.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a kitchen remodel cost in Seattle?
The 2025 Cost vs. Value report puts a minor, midrange kitchen remodel in Seattle at $32,271. Nationally, HomeGuide lists $15,000 to $50,000 for a full remodel that keeps the layout, and $50,000 to $70,000+ for high-end work. Washington sales tax of 10.55% in Seattle applies to the whole contract.
How much does a kitchen remodel cost per square foot?
HomeGuide lists $60–$150 per square foot for a basic or partial remodel, $150–$250 for a full remodel and $250–$350 for high-end or layout changes.
Do I need a permit to remodel my kitchen in Seattle?
It depends on the work. SDCI says minor alterations costing $6,000 or less in any 6-month period don't need a permit, and installing kitchen cabinets usually doesn't. Work on load-bearing supports always needs one. Electrical and plumbing work have their own permit types.
Does a kitchen remodel add value in Seattle?
In the 2025 Cost vs. Value report, a minor midrange kitchen remodel in Seattle recoups an estimated 118.1% of its cost at resale. HomeGuide notes that major, high-end remodels typically recoup a smaller share.
How long does a kitchen remodel take?
HomeGuide says 6 to 9 weeks on average, and 3 to 5 months for full remodels with structural changes or new plumbing and electrical.
Sources
- Journal of Light Construction — Cost vs. Value 2025, Seattle, Washington
- HomeGuide — How Much Does a Kitchen Remodel Cost? (December 31, 2025)
- Seattle Department of Construction and Inspections — Do You Need a Permit?
- Washington Department of Revenue — Custom construction and Seattle rate change, January 1, 2026
- Washington L&I — Hiring a contractor
- Washington State Legislature — RCW 18.27.114, Disclosure statement
All sources accessed October 8, 2026.
These figures are estimates compiled from the published sources above. They are not quotes and can't account for your kitchen, your home or your contractor. Permit and tax rules can change, so confirm them with your contractor and the city. Get written estimates from licensed, bonded and insured contractors before deciding. See our disclosure and disclaimer.