Key takeaways
- Typical cost in Washington, D.C.: $11,000–$77,000 (for a minor to major remodel); national range $10,000–$70,000.
- Biggest local factors: hard water and high humidity.
- How long it takes: Minor remodels take 3–6 weeks.
- Permits: Electrical, plumbing, gas and wall changes need permits.
- Best timing: Kitchen remodels work year-round; book contractors early for spring starts.
- Before you hire: get at least three written, itemized quotes from licensed, insured District of Columbia contractors.
What Washington, D.C. homeowners should know
Washington's housing stock is old and dense. Rowhouses from the late 1800s and early 1900s fill neighborhoods like Capitol Hill, Shaw and Columbia Heights, with flat or low-slope roofs, shared party walls and original brick, so roof leaks, repointing and basement water are common projects.
Summers are hot and humid, and intense downpours can cause flash flooding in low-lying areas. Work in historic districts often needs review by the Historic Preservation Office in addition to a DC building permit.
How much does a kitchen remodel cost in Washington, D.C., DC?
Kitchen remodels typically cost $10,000–$20,000 for a minor refresh and $20,000–$70,000 for a major remodel. Full-gut upscale projects can reach $100,000–$130,000+. Cabinets and countertops are usually the largest line items. District of Columbia prices run 10% above the U.S. average, so a typical Washington, D.C. job lands around $11,000–$77,000. Local labor rates, permit fees and your home's specifics move the final number.
| Item | Typical cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Minor remodel | $10,000–$20,000 | Refaced/painted cabinets, counters, fixtures, paint |
| Major remodel | $20,000–$70,000 | New cabinets, counters, appliances, flooring |
| Full-gut, midrange | $30,000–$80,000 | Layout changes, new plumbing/electrical |
| Full-gut, upscale | $100,000–$130,000+ | Custom cabinetry, premium appliances |
| Stock cabinets | $100–$300 per linear ft | Installed |
| Semi-custom cabinets | $200–$650 per linear ft | Installed |
| Custom cabinets | $500–$1,200 per linear ft | Installed |
As a large city, Washington, D.C. has plenty of contractors competing for work, which helps on price, but busy seasons can mean longer waits. Book early after major storms.
How we calculate costs
National ranges come from published cost surveys (cited below). Local estimates apply an approximate state cost index. Read our methodology.
Kitchen Remodeling cost questions for Washington, D.C., DC
- What is the cost of minor remodel in Washington, D.C., DC? The typical cost of minor remodel in Washington, D.C., DC is $11,000–$22,000, adjusted for District of Columbia prices (national $10,000–$20,000). Refaced/painted cabinets, counters, fixtures, paint.
- What is the cost of major remodel in Washington, D.C., DC? The typical cost of major remodel in Washington, D.C., DC is $22,000–$77,000, adjusted for District of Columbia prices (national $20,000–$70,000). New cabinets, counters, appliances, flooring.
- What is the cost of full-gut, midrange in Washington, D.C., DC? The typical cost of full-gut, midrange in Washington, D.C., DC is $33,000–$88,000, adjusted for District of Columbia prices (national $30,000–$80,000). Layout changes, new plumbing/electrical.
- What is the cost of full-gut, upscale in Washington, D.C., DC? The typical cost of full-gut, upscale in Washington, D.C., DC is $110,000–$143,000+, adjusted for District of Columbia prices (national $100,000–$130,000+). Custom cabinetry, premium appliances.
- What is the cost of stock cabinets in Washington, D.C., DC? The typical cost of stock cabinets in Washington, D.C., DC is $110–$330 per linear ft, adjusted for District of Columbia prices (national $100–$300 per linear ft). Installed.
- What is the cost of semi-custom cabinets in Washington, D.C., DC? The typical cost of semi-custom cabinets in Washington, D.C., DC is $220–$720 per linear ft, adjusted for District of Columbia prices (national $200–$650 per linear ft). Installed.
- What is the cost of custom cabinets in Washington, D.C., DC? The typical cost of custom cabinets in Washington, D.C., DC is $550–$1,300 per linear ft, adjusted for District of Columbia prices (national $500–$1,200 per linear ft). Installed.
- What is the cost of granite countertops in Washington, D.C., DC? The typical cost of granite countertops in Washington, D.C., DC is $40–$110 per sq ft, adjusted for District of Columbia prices (national $40–$100 per sq ft). About $2,000–$4,000 typical.
- What is the cost of quartz countertops in Washington, D.C., DC? The typical cost of quartz countertops in Washington, D.C., DC is $60–$220 per sq ft, adjusted for District of Columbia prices (national $50–$200 per sq ft). About $1,500–$8,000 typical.
What affects a kitchen remodel in Washington, D.C.
Washington, D.C. has humid summers and cool-to-cold winters. Kitchen remodels work year-round; book contractors early for spring starts.
Common questions about a kitchen remodel in Washington, D.C.
How much does a small kitchen remodel cost in Washington, D.C., DC?
A minor or small kitchen remodel typically costs $10,000–$20,000 nationally. The full range, from minor updates to a major remodel, is about $11,000–$77,000 in Washington, D.C., DC.
What is the most expensive part of a kitchen remodel?
Cabinets are usually the largest single line item, often around 30% of the budget, followed by labor, countertops and appliances. Moving plumbing, gas or walls adds the most unexpected cost.
How can I remodel a kitchen on a budget?
Keep the existing layout, paint or reface cabinets instead of replacing them, choose mid-range counters and do the painting and demolition yourself. Moving sinks and ranges is what blows budgets.
Which kitchen upgrades add the most value?
National cost-versus-value studies consistently show minor, mid-range kitchen updates recouping a larger share of their cost than major upscale remodels.
Quartz or granite: which countertop is better?
Quartz is nonporous and never needs sealing. Granite handles heat well but should be sealed periodically. Prices overlap, so choose on look and maintenance.
What order is a kitchen remodel done in?
Design and order materials, then demolition, plumbing and electrical rough-in, inspections, drywall, flooring, cabinets, countertop templating and install, backsplash, appliances and final inspection.
How do I live without a kitchen during a remodel?
Set up a temporary kitchen with a microwave, coffee maker, fridge and a folding table, and plan simple meals. Minor remodels take 3–6 weeks; major ones 2–4 months.
Do I need a designer for a kitchen remodel?
Not for a like-for-like refresh. A designer or design-build firm earns their fee when you change the layout, and removing a load-bearing wall needs an engineer.
Timeline, permits and DIY in Washington, D.C.
How long it takes
Minor remodels take 3–6 weeks. Major remodels with layout changes take 2–4 months.
Permits
Electrical, plumbing, gas and wall changes need permits. Purely cosmetic updates usually don't. Check with the Washington, D.C. building department for local rules.
DIY or hire a pro?
Painting, hardware, backsplash tile and demolition are realistic DIY jobs. Electrical, plumbing and gas work need licensed trades.
Questions to ask Washington, D.C. contractors
Ask every bidder the same questions so you can compare quotes apples to apples.
- Is this a fixed-price or cost-plus contract?
- What allowances are included for cabinets, counters and fixtures?
- Who orders materials, and what happens if items are back-ordered?
- What milestones is the payment schedule tied to?
Maintenance that prevents costly repairs
- Reseal natural stone counters once a year
- Check under-sink connections for drips twice a year
- Clean range hood filters monthly
How to hire for a kitchen remodel in Washington, D.C.
- Check the contractor's license and insurance where District of Columbia requires them.
- Ask for photos and references from kitchen projects of similar size.
- Get fixed-price written bids with a clear scope and allowance list.
- Confirm who pulls permits and schedules inspections.
- Tie payments to milestones, not dates.
Kitchen Remodeling in Washington, D.C.: FAQs
How much does a kitchen remodel cost in Washington, D.C., DC?
Most Washington, D.C. homeowners spend $10,000–$20,000 on a minor kitchen remodel and $20,000–$70,000 on a major one. Local labor rates, permits and finishes decide where you land.
Do I need a permit to remodel a kitchen in Washington, D.C.?
In Washington, D.C., as in most cities, permits are typically required for plumbing, electrical, gas or wall changes. Contact the Washington, D.C. building department or have your contractor pull permits.
How long does a kitchen remodel take in Washington, D.C.?
Plan on 2–6 weeks for a minor remodel and 2–4+ months for a major one, including permit review and cabinet lead times.
How much does a kitchen remodel cost in Washington, D.C. compared to the national average?
With District of Columbia's regional cost index of 1.10, expect roughly $11,000–$77,000 in Washington, D.C., versus $10,000–$70,000 nationally.
How long does a kitchen remodel take in Washington, D.C.?
Minor remodels take 3–6 weeks. Major remodels with layout changes take 2–4 months. Permit and inspection scheduling in Washington, D.C. can add a few days.
Do I need a permit for a kitchen remodel in Washington, D.C.?
Electrical, plumbing, gas and wall changes need permits. Purely cosmetic updates usually don't. Confirm with the Washington, D.C. or county building department.
Which Washington, D.C. ZIP codes does this guide cover?
This guide applies to Washington, D.C. ZIP codes 20004, 20006, 20013, 20020, 20024, 20026, 20027, 20029, 20030, 20032, 20033, 20035, 20037, 20038, 20039, 20040, 20041, 20042, 20043, 20044, 20045, 20046, 20047, 20049, 20050 and more, plus the surrounding area.
Kitchen Remodeling near Washington, D.C.
4 mi away · pop. 207,627Shaw, DC
1 mi away · pop. 17,639Adams Morgan, DC
2 mi away · pop. 15,830Rosslyn, VA
2 mi away · pop. 9,599Bloomingdale, DC
2 mi away · pop. 4,980Mount Rainier, MD
5 mi away · pop. 8,475Chevy Chase, DC
5 mi away · pop. 9,545Chillum, MD
5 mi away · pop. 33,513Brentwood, MD
5 mi away · pop. 3,191
Other home services in Washington, D.C.
Sources: HomeLight — Kitchen remodel cost (compiles Angi, HomeGuide, Fixr, JLC Cost vs. Value). Ranges are rounded estimates; see our editorial policy.
Local risk factors reflect general District of Columbia climate patterns; check FEMA's National Risk Index for county-level ratings. Local estimates apply an approximate regional cost index to national ranges.