Kitchen Remodel Budget Planner
What to Expect in the South Puget Sound

In Washington State, particularly in the Olympia, Lacey, and Shelton areas, the average kitchen remodel costs between $25,000 and $65,000. Minor refreshes (cabinet painting, new hardware, quartz overlays) run $15,000-$25,000. Mid-range remodels with semi-custom cabinets and mid-tier appliances cost $30,000-$60,000. Major luxury transformations with custom cabinetry, structural changes, and professional-grade appliances start at $75,000 and can exceed $100,000. Regional labor rates in Thurston and Mason counties are slightly lower than Seattle but higher than rural Eastern Washington, impacting overall costs. High-end custom finishes and materials can significantly increase these ranges.

Start with the 10-15% rule: your kitchen budget should be 10-15% of your home's value. For a $400,000 Olympia home, that's $40,000-$60,000. Set aside a 20% contingency fund for unexpected issues—older Lacey homes often have subfloor rot, outdated electrical, or plumbing that needs rerouting. Prioritize your 'must-haves' (structural fixes, functional improvements) versus 'nice-to-haves' (luxury finishes, wine fridges). Get detailed quotes from at least two contractors to understand real costs. At D's Custom Woodworks, our design consultations ($250, credited to your project) help you understand exactly where your money goes before you commit.

Custom cabinetry typically consumes 30-40% of your total kitchen budget, making it the single largest expense. For a $50,000 remodel, expect $15,000-$20,000 for quality cabinets. Labor and installation costs are the second-largest expense at 20-30% ($10,000-$15,000), covering demolition, carpentry, electrical, and plumbing work. High-end appliances come third at 15-20% ($7,500-$10,000 for a professional-grade range, refrigerator, and dishwasher). Countertops (10-15%) and flooring (5-10%) round out the major categories. At D's Custom Woodworks, we help you balance these categories to get the best value.

Yes, but you'll need to focus on cosmetic updates and keep the existing layout. For $20,000 in the South Sound area, you can: repaint or reface existing cabinets ($3,000-$5,000), install new hardware and fixtures ($500-$1,000), add a quartz overlay on existing counters ($2,500-$4,000), update lighting ($1,500-$2,500), paint walls and add a tile backsplash ($2,000-$3,000), and keep your existing appliances. DIY demolition saves $2,000-$3,000. The key is avoiding layout changes—moving plumbing or electrical adds 15-20% to costs. D's Custom Woodworks specializes in value-engineering to maximize impact within tight budgets.

Big-box prefab cabinets have lower upfront material costs ($4,000-$8,000 for a standard kitchen) compared to custom cabinets ($12,000-$25,000+). However, installation labor is often similar because prefab cabinets require extensive modification to fit non-standard spaces, especially in older South Sound homes. Custom cabinets offer better fit (no gaps or fillers), superior materials (plywood vs. particle board), and longer lifespan (30-50 years vs. 10-15 years). When you factor in longevity and resale value, custom cabinets offer better cost-per-year value. At D's Custom Woodworks, we build cabinets that outlast two generations of prefab replacements.

Timeline varies by project scope. Minor cosmetic refreshes (painting cabinets, new hardware, backsplash) take 4-6 weeks including drying and curing time. Mid-range remodels with new cabinets and appliances take 8-12 weeks: design phase (2-3 weeks), cabinet fabrication (4-6 weeks), demolition and installation (2-3 weeks). Major structural overhauls requiring wall removal or layout changes take 3-5 months. In the South Sound, factor in Thurston County building permit timelines (2-4 weeks) and current lead times for specialty materials. At D's Custom Woodworks, we provide detailed schedules and keep you updated throughout the process.

Kitchen remodels offer some of the highest ROI in the Olympia and Shelton real estate markets. Minor kitchen updates recoup 70-80% of their cost at resale. Major upscale renovations recoup 50-60%—lower percentage but higher absolute value increase. Updated kitchens are the #1 feature local buyers look for, and homes with modern kitchens sell 30-40% faster than comparable homes with outdated kitchens. The key is quality craftsmanship that appeals to South Sound buyers—custom cabinetry, durable materials, and timeless design outperform trendy finishes. At D's Custom Woodworks, we design kitchens that serve you beautifully now and sell your home later.

Start by verifying Washington State contractor licensing on the L&I website—look for active general contractor licenses with no violations. Review local portfolios to see experience with kitchen projects specifically, not just general remodeling. Ask about experience with your home style—split-level homes common in Lacey require different approaches than ranches or two-stories. Get three detailed quotes that break down labor, materials, and contingencies. Check references from projects completed 2-3 years ago to see how work holds up. At D's Custom Woodworks, we're licensed, bonded, and specialize in kitchen cabinetry and remodels throughout Mason and Thurston counties.