How Much Does a Kitchen Remodel Cost in Washington, D.C.? [2026 Data]

Kitchen and bathroom remodel costs depend on your project and location. Check with a local pro for your specific job.

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Cost Insights
  • A standard kitchen remodel in Washington, D.C., costs $26,865 on average, depending on your specific project's overall scope.

  • Your final project price will depend heavily on the overall room size, layout changes, and chosen material quality.

  • If you plan a minor kitchen remodel, expect to spend between $10,900 and $21,800 for the project.

  • Hiring a local kitchen remodeling pro in Washington, D.C. provides reliable help with your kitchen remodel and saves you time.

This article was created using automation technology and produced in accordance with our AI policy, which includes editorial quality standards.

Your kitchen remodel cost in Washington, D.C., runs $26,865 on average, and ranges from $16,472 to $40,297. Your total price varies based on the quality of your cabinet materials, the size of your space, and local labor rates. Before starting a kitchen remodel, understanding the cost helps you plan a project that fits your home and budget.

Kitchen Remodel Cost Factors

Planning a kitchen upgrade in Washington, D.C., involves navigating a wide range of material choices, layout changes, and labor rates. Hiring a local kitchen remodeling contractor helps you manage these variables, ensuring your new space meets your needs while accounting for the specific cost factors in this market.

Kitchen Remodel Cost by Project Scope

The scale of your renovation is the biggest driver of your total price. In Washington, D.C., a complete gut renovation naturally runs much higher than a simple cosmetic refresh.

Scale of ProjectLocal Average Cost in 2026National Average Cost in 2026
Minor$10,900–$21,800$10,000–$20,000
Major$21,800–$70,800$20,000–$65,000
Complete$70,800–$141,600+$65,000–$130,000+

Minor Kitchen Remodel Costs

A minor refresh focuses on cosmetic updates rather than structural changes. In Washington, D.C., you pay $10,900 to $21,800 for this level of work. This includes painting walls, upgrading your faucet, or keeping your existing layout while swapping out old appliances.

Major Kitchen Remodel Costs

Stepping up to a major remodel involves semi-custom cabinetry, high-end countertops, and new flooring. This scope of work ranges from $21,800 to $70,800. It is a great option if your current footprint works well but your finishes and fixtures are outdated.

Complete Kitchen Remodel Costs

A complete overhaul means tearing the space down to the studs, moving plumbing lines, and installing luxury materials. For this extensive work, homeowners pay between $70,800 and $141,600 or more.

Kitchen Remodel Cost by Square Foot

The size of your space directly impacts the amount of materials and labor required. Larger kitchens demand more flooring, longer countertop runs, and additional cabinets, which drives up the total price.

Kitchen Size (Square Feet)Local Average Kitchen Remodel Cost in 2026National Average Kitchen Remodel Cost in 2026
75$6,100–$19,100$5,600–$17,500
100$8,170–$27,300$7,500–$25,000
150$12,300–$40,900$11,250–$37,500
200$16,400–$54,500$15,000–$50,000

For example, remodeling a compact 75-square-foot kitchen averages $6,100 to $19,100, while a spacious 200-square-foot layout ranges from $16,400 to $54,500.

Cabinet Costs

Cabinetry consumes the largest portion of a remodeling budget. Whether you choose budget-friendly stock units or fully custom builds dramatically sways your final total.

Custom CabinetsLocal Stock CabinetsNational Stock Cabinets
More expensive optionBudget-friendlyBudget-friendly
$500 to $1,200 per linear foot$110 to $330 per linear foot$100 to $300 per linear foot
Can personalize all aspectsPre-made with little personalizationPre-made with little personalization
Can take 6-8 weeks to buildCan ship when orderedCan ship when ordered

Local stock cabinets run $110 to $330 per linear foot, making them a cost-effective choice. If you opt for custom cabinets, the price jumps to $500 to $1,200 per linear foot, but you gain complete control over the design and fit. When budgeting, remember that the cabinet installation cost also factors into your final total.

Cabinet Hardware Costs

Knobs, pulls, and hinges seem like minor details, but they add up quickly depending on the style and finish you select. Basic hardware costs just a few dollars per piece, while designer or custom-forged handles reach several hundred dollars each.

Countertop Costs

Your choice of countertop material affects both the aesthetic and the durability of your kitchen. Premium stones command higher prices, while laminates offer a budget-friendly alternative.

Countertop MaterialLocal Average Cost per Square FootNational Average Cost per Square Foot
Granite$11–$155$10–$140
Soapstone$22–$77$20–$70
Marble$16.25–$210$15–$190
Slate$33–$99$30–$90
Limestone$11–$77$10–$70
Travertine$12–$39$11–$35
Quartz$16.25–$77$15–$70
Corian$22–$82$20–$75
Laminate$8.75–$39$8–$35
Ceramic or porcelain$1–$44$1–$40
Wood$19.50–$42$18–$38
Stainless steel$66–$110$60–$100

In Washington, D.C., installing laminate surfaces averages $8.75 to $39 per square foot. If you prefer the elegance of natural stone, marble countertops range from $16.25 to $210 per square foot.

Backsplash Costs

A new backsplash protects your walls from spills and adds a finished look to the room. The price depends heavily on the material you choose and the complexity of the pattern.

Backsplash MaterialLocal Average Cost per Square FootNational Average Cost per Square Foot
Tile$28$25
Marble$11–$105$10–$95
Tin$11–$33$10–$30
Brick$11–$44$10–$40
Glass$33$30
Stainless steel$22$20

Standard tile is a popular and accessible option, averaging $28 per square foot. For a more industrial or modern aesthetic, stainless steel runs about $22 per square foot.

Flooring Costs

Kitchen floors must withstand heavy foot traffic, spills, and dropped utensils. The material you select dictates both the upfront price and the long-term maintenance requirements.

Budget-Friendly Flooring MaterialsLocal Average Cost per Square FootNational Average Cost per Square Foot
Sheet vinyl$3.25$3
Vinyl tileLess than $1Less than $1
Luxury vinyl plank (LVP)$3.25–$7.50$3–$7
Linoleum$3.25–$7.50$3–$7
Laminate$3.25–$11$3–$10
High-End Flooring MaterialsLocal Average Cost per Square FootNational Average Cost per Square Foot
Ceramic tile$4.25–$44$4–$40
Hardwood$6.50–$24$6–$22
Natural stone$6.50–$22$6–$20

Budget-friendly luxury vinyl plank (LVP) costs $3.25 to $7.50 per square foot and holds up well to the extreme humidity often experienced during a Washington, D.C. summer. On the higher end, hardwood flooring ranges from $6.50 to $24 per square foot. You also need to account for the floor installation costs when finalizing your budget.

Appliance Costs

Upgrading your refrigerator, oven, and dishwasher significantly increases your overall expenses. High-end, smart appliances cost much more than standard models, and you also need to budget for appliance installation costs to ensure everything connects safely.

Cost of Installing a New Sink and Faucet

Swapping out your sink and faucet is a standard part of most kitchen upgrades. A basic drop-in sink keeps costs low, while a heavy farmhouse sink requires specialized mounting and higher labor fees.

Cost of Installing New Pipes

If you change your kitchen layout, you need to move water lines and drains. The material used—such as copper versus CPVC—and the hourly rate of your plumber determine the final bill. If your pro discovers hidden leaks behind the walls, you need to budget for unexpected plumbing repair costs before the new drywall goes up.

Electrical Costs

Modern kitchens require dedicated circuits for large appliances and ample outlets for countertop gadgets. Upgrading an old electrical panel or running new wiring increases your labor costs, but it is essential for safety and code compliance.

Lighting Costs

A well-lit kitchen utilizes a mix of ambient fixtures and targeted task lighting. Installing recessed cans or under-cabinet LED strips involves running new wiring, which adds to both material and labor expenses.

Gas Line Costs

Moving a gas stove to a new wall means relocating the gas line. This hazardous work must be handled by a licensed professional, making it a flat one-time cost that increases your overall budget.

Costs for Wall and Ceiling Renovation

Tearing down walls to create an open concept or repairing drywall after plumbing updates adds to your total. Once the structural work is done, you also need to factor in interior painting costs to give the room a cohesive, finished look.

Storage and Organization Costs

Maximizing your storage with custom pantry shelving or pull-out cabinet organizers improves functionality but adds to the bottom line. Simple wire racks are inexpensive, while custom-built wooden built-ins require a larger investment.

Labor Costs for Kitchen Remodels

Professional labor makes up a significant portion of your total budget. In Washington, D.C., the overall kitchen remodel cost averages $26,865, with most homeowners spending between $16,472 and $40,297. Complex layouts or rush scheduling during busy seasons drive these labor rates higher.

Design Costs for Kitchen Remodels

Hiring an interior designer helps ensure your layout is efficient and your finishes coordinate perfectly. Designers charge an hourly rate or a flat fee per square foot, which adds an upfront expense but prevents costly mistakes later.

General Contractor Fees

A general contractor oversees the entire project, coordinating plumbers, electricians, and carpenters. They charge a percentage of the total project cost, which covers their project management expertise and ensures the work stays on schedule.

Appliance Moving and Storage Costs

If you keep your existing appliances, you need a safe place to store them during demolition. Renting a storage pod or hiring movers to relocate heavy items to another room is a flat one-time cost to include in your planning.

Accessibility

Modifying a kitchen for aging in place or specific mobility needs involves custom counter heights, specialized hardware, and wider clearances. These universal design features require precise planning and custom fabrication, which increases the overall price.

Kitchen Remodel

A true remodel involves changing the structure and layout of the room. Because it requires moving walls, plumbing, and electrical systems, it is the most expensive path to updating your space.

Kitchen Renovation

A renovation focuses on updating the finishes while keeping the existing footprint intact. By avoiding major structural changes, this approach is much more affordable than a full remodel.

Kitchen Expansion

Expanding your kitchen by bumping out an exterior wall or absorbing an adjacent room requires extensive framing, roofing, and foundation work. This intensive construction makes it one of the most costly home improvement projects.

Kitchen RemodelKitchen RenovationKitchen Expansion
Change kitchen structureRestore kitchen to look newIncrease size of kitchen
Significant updates to look and functionality without structural changesLayout stays the same, with focus on repairs and replacementsNot as involved as remodel, but requires intensive structural changes
Costs are moderate to highCosts are low to moderateCosts are moderate to high

Kitchen Remodeling Pro Costs

Hiring a general contractor in Washington, D.C., ensures your kitchen renovation runs smoothly. Labor typically accounts for about 25% of your total budget. General contractors usually charge $300 to $500 per day for their project management expertise, plus an additional $150 to $250 per day for each extra laborer. Keep in mind that materials and certain services may also be subject to the local 6% sales tax, which can slightly increase your final project total.

Licensing

Before hiring a kitchen remodeling professional, verify they hold the required kitchen remodeling license for Washington, D.C., and ask for proof of liability insurance and workers' comp if they have employees. Hiring an unlicensed kitchen remodeling professional can leave you with little protection if something goes wrong and may make it harder to recover payments or hold them accountable. To verify the type of licensing required, visit the Washington, D.C. government's official licensing board website for more information.

Permits

Before starting a kitchen remodel, confirm whether your project requires permits in your area and who is responsible for obtaining them. Permit requirements and costs vary by location, but most kitchen remodel permits range from $460 to $2,770, depending on the scope of work and your local municipality. Working without the proper permits can lead to fines, project delays, or complications when selling your home. If you're hiring a kitchen remodeling professional, review your contract to ensure they will handle the permitting process and inspections. To verify permit requirements, visit your city or county's official building department website for the most accurate and up-to-date information.

Why You Should Hire a Kitchen Remodeling Pro

Hiring a kitchen remodeler in Washington, D.C. saves you countless hours while ensuring your investment adds lasting value to your home. We recommend working with an expert to keep your household safe during heavy demolition.

  • Local experts possess deep knowledge of Washington, D.C. building codes to guarantee your project passes inspection.

  • Contractors seamlessly coordinate specialized trades, keeping electricians and plumbers on a strict schedule.

  • Experienced crews utilize commercial-grade tools to achieve flawless cabinet alignment and precise countertop installations.

Does a Kitchen Remodel Increase Home Value?

When you invest in upgrading your cooking space, you secure a solid return on investment. Nationally, kitchen remodels boast an impressive ROI of about 70% to 80% when it comes time to sell your home. In a highly competitive real estate market like Washington, D.C., an updated kitchen makes your property stand out to potential buyers. While many homes in Washington, D.C. feature historic charm, buyers still demand modern functionality, energy-efficient appliances, and durable countertops that handle daily life. Whether you tackle a minor refresh with new cabinet hardware or a complete overhaul with a new layout, these upgrades enhance your daily routine while protecting your property's resale potential. Even if you do not plan to move anytime soon, the improved layout and fresh design make your house more enjoyable for years to come. We recommend thinking about how these smart updates maximize the long-term value of your home in Washington, D.C.

How Angi Gets Its Cost Data

Home is the most important place on earth, which is why Angi has helped more than 150 million homeowners transform their houses into homes they adore. To help homeowners with their next project, Angi provides readers with the most accurate cost data and upholds strict editorial standards. We’ve surveyed over 10,000 real Angi customers about their project costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We pair this data with research from reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects. 

Want to help us improve our cost data? Send us a recent project quote to [email protected]. Quotes and personal information will not be shared publicly.

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