How Much Should I Expect to Pay to Remodel My Kitchen?
A kitchen remodel is no small investment — but it can significantly increase both the value of your home and the quality of your everyday life.
One of the first questions clients ask during an initial consultation is: “How much does it cost to remodel a kitchen?”
The honest answer is: It depends.
My follow-up question is usually, “What budget range are you considering?” And I understand why that question can feel uncomfortable. Many homeowners worry that if they share their budget, it simply becomes the number that will be spent — whether necessary or not.
In reality, I ask because I want to determine whether expectations and goals align with what is realistic.
When people ask what I do for a living, I often say:
“I manage expectations.”
Transparency is always my priority — and that includes discussing remodeling costs and design fees upfront. Knowing your budget allows me to guide you toward a finished result that matches your goals, without surprises.
What Does a Kitchen Remodel Cost in Asheville?
One resource I often share with clients is the Cost vs. Value Report published by the Journal of Light Construction. It outlines national and regional averages for renovation projects and includes estimated return on investment.
In Asheville, a minor kitchen remodel typically ranges from $25,500–$27,500, while a major upscale kitchen remodel can range from $150,000–$160,000.
Of course, there is significant flexibility between those numbers depending on scope, finishes, and layout.
Kitchen Remodel- Montford Historical Kitchen
What Impacts the Cost of a Kitchen Renovation?
Several factors influence your overall kitchen renovation budget:
1. Design Fees
Professional design services ensure the space functions beautifully and cohesively. Design also helps prevent costly mistakes down the line.
2. Contractor & Subcontractor Labor
Your general contractor oversees demolition, construction, electrical, plumbing, and coordination of trades.
3. Materials & Finishes
Cabinetry, countertops, appliances, fixtures, lighting, flooring, and hardware all significantly affect cost.
As a designer, I help manage the design and finishes portion of the budget. The general contractor directs construction costs, and together we work toward keeping everything aligned.
Layout Changes vs. Keeping Existing Infrastructure
One of the biggest cost drivers is whether the layout changes.
If the existing kitchen layout works and plumbing or electrical lines remain in place, costs can stay relatively controlled.
However, if walls are removed, plumbing relocated, or infrastructure reconfigured, you can expect a higher investment.
Older homes may also reveal hidden surprises once demolition begins. For that reason, I always recommend a contingency plan — often 20–30% of the project budget — to account for the unexpected.
Questions to Ask Before Setting Your Kitchen Budget
Is This My Forever Home or a Resale Project?
If this is your long-term home, it’s worth investing in:
● durable, high-quality finishes
● appliances that perform beautifully
● timeless design choices that won’t feel dated
If the remodel is for resale, consider:
● neutral palettes
● broadly appealing finishes
● design choices that attract a wide range of buyers
How Will I Use the Kitchen?
If you are an avid home cook or aspiring chef, investing in:
● professional-grade appliances
● durable countertop materials
● highly functional cabinetry and storage inserts
● layered lighting design
can significantly improve daily use.
If the kitchen functions primarily as a gathering space or for simple meal prep, costs can be adjusted accordingly.
Are There Other Renovations Planned?
Combining projects can save both time and money. Coordinating contractors and subcontractors simultaneously often streamlines the process and reduces disruption.
Remodeling can be stressful. Many homeowners are hesitant to start again once a major project is complete, so thoughtful planning upfront can ease that burden.
The True Value of a Kitchen Remodel
Whether you pursue a minor update or a full-scale renovation, a well-designed kitchen almost always increases both:
● your home’s market value
● your daily quality of life
A kitchen is more than cabinetry and countertops — it’s where routines unfold, meals are shared, and memories are made.
When expectations, budget, and design vision are aligned from the beginning, the result is a space that truly supports the way you live.
When Design, Budget & Intention Align
Understanding your investment is only one part of the process. A successful kitchen remodel also considers how your home feels — how energy flows, how you move through the space, and how it supports your daily routines.
For homeowners who want to take that deeper step, incorporating Feng Shui principles into a kitchen renovation can be transformative. Evaluating placement, flow, and balance within your home ensures the space not only functions beautifully but also feels calm, grounded, and supportive.
If you're curious about how Feng Shui could enhance your renovation plans, I would be happy to share with you about Align Design’s adjustment sessions. Contact me.
A Kitchen Remodel in Action: Montford Historical Kitchen
A recent example of thoughtful renovation is the Montford Historical Kitchen project in Asheville.
The owners of a beautiful Craftsman-style home in a historic district felt their kitchen had been treated as an afterthought. It was tucked into the back corner of the house, disconnected from the main living areas, with poor lighting, limited counter space, and a layout more suited to 1800s living than modern life.
The redesign balanced respect for the home’s history with present-day functionality.
A stairway that once bisected the kitchen and living/dining space was opened to improve sight lines and allow natural light to flow more freely. The layout was reconfigured to create generous counter space and a more effective work triangle.
Cabinetry combined painted and stained maple with brass accents, echoing the handcrafted feel of historic homes while elevating the overall aesthetic. The paint color — Sherwin Williams Rookwood Shutter Green from the Historic Collection — offered a timeless nod to the past.
Spectrum Quartz Impeccable countertops with soft gold veining complemented the brass details, bringing cohesion and warmth to the space.
Today, the owners love working in their kitchen — a space that now feels intentional, functional, and beautifully integrated with the rest of their home.
“We chose Align Design for a total kitchen renovation and two bathrooms, including our primary bath. We are thrilled with the results… These new spaces are both incredibly functional and beautiful. Her suggested choices for design elements, color choices, materials, and accessories are items we could never have found on our own… We’d recommend Align Design to anyone looking to refresh or renovate their spaces.”
— Andy & Carolyn
You can view the full project here:
Kitchen Remodel - Montford Historical Kitchen
Ready to Begin?
If you're considering a kitchen remodel — whether a thoughtful update or a full transformation — the first step is an honest conversation about your goals, lifestyle, and investment range.
When expectations, design vision, and budget align from the beginning, the result is a kitchen that not only adds value to your home, but truly enhances the way you live in it.
If you’d like to explore what’s possible in your space, reach out to schedule a consultation.