If you’re a homeowner in Bellevue, Issaquah, Sammamish, or elsewhere on the Eastside, you’ve probably wondered what a kitchen remodel actually costs in this market. The short answer: it depends on scope. The real answer takes a bit more nuance.
At Prolific Design-Build and Restoration, we handle kitchen remodels across King County every month. Here’s what we’re seeing in 2026 based on actual project data from the greater Seattle Eastside.
Kitchen Remodel Cost Ranges in King County
Kitchen remodels in the Eastside market typically fall into three tiers. A cosmetic refresh — new countertops, cabinet refacing, updated fixtures, and a fresh coat of paint — generally runs between $25,000 and $45,000. This is ideal for homeowners who like their current layout but want a modern look.
A mid-range remodel that includes new cabinetry, countertops, flooring, appliances, and minor layout changes typically costs $50,000 to $90,000. This is the most common scope we see from homeowners in Redmond, Kirkland, and Woodinville.
A full gut renovation with structural changes, custom cabinetry, high-end finishes, and potentially moving plumbing or electrical will range from $90,000 to $150,000 or more. We see this most often in Bellevue and Sammamish where homeowners want to bring older homes up to the neighborhood standard.
What Drives the Cost Up (or Down)
Several factors influence your final number. Cabinetry is typically the single largest line item, accounting for 30-40 percent of the total budget. The difference between stock cabinets and custom can be $15,000 or more. Countertop material matters too — laminate versus quartzite can swing costs by $5,000 to $10,000.
Permit requirements vary by city. Issaquah, Bellevue, Renton, and Sammamish each have their own permitting processes and fee schedules. At Prolific, we handle all permitting as part of our project management so you don’t have to navigate that yourself.
Structural surprises — discovering water damage, outdated wiring, or inadequate framing once walls open up — can add 10-15 percent to a project. This is one reason we always build contingency into our estimates.
Why the Eastside Market Is Different
Labor costs in King County run higher than national averages, largely because of demand. The Eastside housing market remains strong, and many homeowners are choosing to remodel rather than move. That means skilled tradespeople are in high demand, which is reflected in pricing.
The upside is that kitchen remodels in this market consistently deliver strong ROI. A well-executed kitchen remodel in Bellevue or Sammamish can recoup 70-80 percent of its cost at resale, and in many cases it’s the factor that sells a home faster.
How to Get Started
The best first step is a free in-home consultation where we can assess your space, discuss your goals, and give you a realistic budget range. Every kitchen is different, and online calculators can’t account for your specific layout, structural conditions, or the permitting requirements in your city.
If you’re considering a kitchen remodel anywhere in King County — from Issaquah to Kirkland, Renton to Woodinville — contact Prolific Design-Build and Restoration for a free project consultation. We’ll walk you through the process from design to completion.