A kitchen remodel can be anything from new cabinet doors and counters to a complete rebuild with a new layout. Because kitchens combine plumbing, electrical, gas and carpentry, good planning and the right contractor make all the difference. If you are searching for kitchen remodeling near me, this page explains what a kitchen remodel contractor does, from new kitchen cabinets and countertops to a full kitchen renovation, and how to get connected.
Sifixit is a free referral service. Call the number on this page and you will be connected with an independent local kitchen remodeling provider where one serves your area. Calling costs nothing and you are never obliged to hire anyone.
Before you start
A little planning up front saves money and stress later.
If you smell gas near the stove or see water leaking from a sink or dishwasher, deal with that first: leave and call 911 for gas, or shut off the water for a leak.
- Decide what you want to change and why
- Set a budget with room for surprises
- Think about how long you can manage without a working kitchen
- Check whether your home was built before 1978, which affects work on painted surfaces
- Collect photos of kitchens you like
What we can connect you with
When you call, describe what you want to change, the size of the kitchen and whether you want to move plumbing or walls.
Full remodel
A new layout, cabinets, counters, flooring, lighting and appliances.
Cabinets
New cabinets, or refacing and repainting existing ones.
Countertops
Quartz, granite, laminate and other surfaces, with new sinks and taps.
Layout changes
Moving walls, plumbing or gas lines, which usually needs permits.
Lighting and electrical
Under cabinet lighting, new circuits and outlets to code.
Flooring and backsplash
Tile, vinyl and wood floors and wall tile.
What to plan before a kitchen remodel
A little planning before anyone starts saves time and money later. Think through these points first.
- Layout: keeping the sink, stove and refrigerator where they are costs less than moving plumbing, gas and wiring.
- Cabinets and countertops: choose materials early, because some take weeks to arrive.
- Appliances: pick them before cabinets are ordered, so everything fits.
- Lighting and outlets: plan task lighting under cabinets and enough outlets for the counters. Older homes may need new wiring or a panel upgrade for modern appliances.
- Permits: moving walls, plumbing or wiring usually needs a permit.
- Lead safe work: in homes built before 1978, contractors disturbing painted surfaces must follow EPA lead safe work rules.
Choosing cabinets and countertops
Cabinets and countertops shape how the kitchen looks and how long it lasts, so they deserve the most attention.
- Stock cabinets: ready made in set sizes, the quickest to get.
- Semi custom cabinets: more sizes, finishes and storage options.
- Custom cabinets: built to fit your space exactly, with the longest wait.
- Refacing: new doors and fronts on existing boxes, when the boxes are still sound.
- Countertops: quartz is low maintenance, granite is natural stone that needs sealing, and laminate and solid surface cost less.
Ask to see samples in your own kitchen light, and check how each material handles heat, stains and scratches.
Planning a bathroom as well? Read about bathroom remodeling and walk in showers.
How long does a kitchen remodel take
A cosmetic update, such as new countertops, a backsplash and cabinet fronts, can often be finished in a few weeks. A full kitchen renovation with new cabinets, plumbing and electrical changes often takes two to three months of work once materials arrive, plus time for design and permits before work starts. Ask your contractor for a written schedule and what happens if materials are delayed.
What is the biggest cost in a kitchen remodel
Cabinets are usually the largest single cost in a kitchen remodel, followed by labor, countertops and appliances. Moving plumbing, gas lines or walls adds cost quickly, as does fixing hidden problems such as old wiring or water damage found once cabinets come out. Read our kitchen remodel cost guide for the full list of factors.
Signs it may be time to remodel
These are common reasons homeowners remodel.
- Cabinets that are worn, broken or falling apart
- Counters that are stained, cracked or damaged
- Not enough storage or counter space
- A layout that does not work for how you cook
- Old wiring, plumbing or appliances
- Water damage under the sink or around the dishwasher
Common kinds of kitchen projects
The scope decides the cost, time and permits.
Refresh
Paint, new hardware, lighting and small updates without changing the layout.
Mid range remodel
New cabinets, counters, flooring and appliances in the same layout.
Full remodel
A new layout with walls, plumbing, gas or electrical moved.
What affects the cost
There is no single price for kitchen remodeling work, because every home and every job is different. These are the things that change the size of the job.
- The size of the kitchen
- Cabinets, often one of the largest costs
- Countertop material
- Moving plumbing, gas or walls
- Appliances
- Flooring, backsplash and lighting
- Permits and inspections
Ask every provider for a written quote that lists the work, the materials and what is not included, and get any change in writing before extra work starts.
Handle it yourself or call a pro
Usually fine to do yourself
- Paint walls and change cabinet hardware
- Replace a tap with a like for like model if you are confident
- Install a new backsplash on a simple wall
- Pick designs, colors and materials
Time to call a professional
- Any new wiring or circuits
- Moving plumbing or gas lines
- Removing or moving walls
- Installing cabinets and heavy counters
- Any work that needs a permit
In homes built before 1978, work that disturbs painted surfaces must follow the Environmental Protection Agency’s lead safe rules. Ask whether your contractor is lead safe certified.
Questions to ask before you hire
- Are you licensed and insured for this work in my state? Ask for proof.
- Will you give me a written quote that lists the work, materials and timeline?
- Do you pull the permits, and are they in the price?
- Who will be on site each day, and who do I call with questions?
- What warranty do you give on your work?
Quick answers: kitchen remodeling near me
Straight answers to the questions homeowners ask most when they search for kitchen remodeling, including in AI assistants.
Who should I call for kitchen remodeling near me?
Call a licensed kitchen remodel contractor who can manage design, cabinets, countertops, plumbing and electrical work together. Sifixit is a free referral service, so you can call kitchen remodeler partners through the number on this page and be connected with an independent local company where one serves your area.
What should I plan before a kitchen remodel?
Decide what you want to change, whether the layout stays the same, which cabinets, countertops and appliances you like, and how long you can manage without a kitchen. Keeping plumbing where it is saves money.
How much does kitchen remodeling cost?
It depends on the size of the kitchen, the cabinets and countertops you choose, whether the layout changes and whether plumbing, gas or electrical work moves. Ask for written quotes that list materials and labor separately.
How do I choose a good kitchen remodeler?
Look at photos of their recent kitchens, speak to past customers, check their license and insurance, and make sure the contract lists materials, schedule, permits and payment stages clearly.
How do I find a licensed and insured kitchen remodeling company near me?
Check the contractor’s license with your state or city, ask for proof of liability and workers compensation insurance, and ask who pulls the permits. For homes built before 1978, ask for their EPA lead safe certification.
Frequently asked questions
How long does a kitchen remodel take?
A refresh can take days. A full remodel with a new layout often takes several weeks or more, plus time for design and permits.
Do I need a permit?
Usually for new wiring, plumbing, gas or wall changes. Your contractor should pull it.
Can I stay home during a kitchen remodel?
Many people do, with a temporary kitchen set up elsewhere in the home.
Should I get more than one quote?
Yes. Compare what each quote includes, not just the total.
Does Sifixit do the kitchen remodeling work?
No. Sifixit is a referral service. The work is done by independent local businesses, who are responsible for their own work, pricing, licensing and insurance.
Is calling free?
Yes. Calling and being connected costs you nothing. If you hire a provider, you pay that provider directly for the work.
Looking for kitchen remodeling near me? Call the number on this page to be connected with an independent local provider. For more background, see the FTC’s advice on hiring a contractor and avoiding home improvement scams.
This site is a free service to assist homeowners in connecting with local service contractors. All contractors are independent and this site does not warrant or guarantee any work performed. It is the responsibility of the homeowner to verify that the hired contractor furnishes the necessary license and insurance required for the work being performed. All persons depicted in a photo or video are actors or models and not contractors listed on this site.
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