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- Remodeling Costs
- Washington, DC
Written by
Dan Simms
How Much Does Kitchen Remodeling Cost in Washington, D.C., in 2025?
The average cost of a kitchen remodel in Washington, D.C., is $35,775. Click below to connect with a contractor and receive an accurate estimate for your project.
The average kitchen remodel cost in Washington, D.C., is $35,775, with prices ranging from $12,720 for a simple update to $318,000 for a luxury renovation. Your kitchen remodel cost will vary based on the materials you select, the need for structural changes, and local labor rates.
Quick Takeaways
The average kitchen remodel in Washington, D.C., costs around $35,775.
Cut costs by keeping your existing kitchen layout, updating fixtures with refacing or refinishing instead of replacing them, and tackling any DIY projects you're confident with.
To maximize value, choose durable materials that can withstand D.C.'s humid subtropical climate.
Calculate Your D.C. Kitchen Remodel Costs
Kitchen remodels in Washington, D.C., can range from $12,720 to $318,000. With such a broad price range, estimating your total cost requires careful planning and comparing material prices. Here’s a breakdown of the key factors that will impact your kitchen remodel budget in D.C.
Kitchen Square Footage
The average kitchen in Washington, D.C., measures between 90 to 120 square feet. With an average remodeling cost of $195 per square foot, the total average cost for a kitchen remodel in the city comes to $35,775. If your kitchen is larger or smaller, you can estimate your cost based on this per-square-foot rate.
Utility Updates
Updating or adding utility lines is another significant expense to factor in. This includes work like relocating a kitchen sink, installing a gas line for a new stove, or adding electrical wiring for a built-in microwave. Here’s a look at the average rates for certified plumbers and electricians in D.C.
Professional | Hourly Cost in Washington, D.C. |
|---|---|
Plumber | $191 |
Electrician | $119 |
Most D.C. residents pay between $1,590 and $6,360 to replace electrical fixtures, reroute plumbing, and run a new gas line for a stove.
Kitchen Cabinets
In Washington, D.C., new kitchen cabinets cost an average of $12,720, but the material you choose will impact the final price. The four main options are solid wood, plywood, medium-density fiberboard (MDF), and particle board.
Washington, D.C., falls in a humid subtropical climate zone and sees hot, humid summers and relatively dry winters. The fluctuating humidity levels can be problematic for cabinets made out of MDF or particleboard, which are more reactive to changes in humidity. Most D.C. residents choose plywood cabinets, as they have a high moisture resistance and are also more affordable than solid wood cabinets.
Kitchen Appliances
Replacing appliances will cost you an average of $7,950 in Washington, D.C. The actual pricing will depend on the type and quality of appliances you choose.
The humid climate in Washington, D.C., can wreak havoc on budget refrigerator and freezer brands. If you don't have a dehumidifier installed in your home, upgrade to a high-end fridge brand for longevity and better performance.
Kitchen Counters
New kitchen countertops cost an average of $6,360 to install in D.C., but as with other aspects of a remodel, this varies depending on the material you choose.
Granite is the most popular countertop material for kitchens in Washington, D.C. It's a more durable and high-end material than quartz, and since it's mined somewhat nearby in Massachusetts, the shipping costs are lower than they would be in many other states.
You do have other options, though, which you can price out based on the table below.
Material | Cost per Square Foot |
|---|---|
Granite | $70 to $140 |
Marble | $70 to $190 |
Quartzite | $60 to $100 |
Quartz | $50 to $75 |
Stainless | $50 to $150 |
Butcher block | $50 to $150 |
Laminate | $8 to $30 |
Kitchen Floors
Kitchen flooring costs in Washington, D.C., can range from $3 per square foot for sheet vinyl and laminate to $25 per square foot for premium hardwood. Luxury vinyl tile (LVT) is a popular choice in the city, with prices between $4 and $16 per square foot.
Here are a few other popular options and their cost ranges:
Material | Cost per Square Foot |
|---|---|
Hardwood | $7 to $25 |
Luxury vinyl tile (LVT) | $4 to $16 |
Luxury vinyl plank (LVP) | $4 to $16 |
Sheet vinyl | $3 to $10 |
Ceramic tile | $15 to $20 |
Laminate | $3 to $11 |
Labor Prices
Labor typically makes up 50% to 60% of the total cost for a kitchen remodel, which amounts to around $8,300 to $28,600 in D.C. Costs are generally higher in major cities with a higher cost of living, so expect to pay toward the higher end of that range for a remodel in Washington, D.C., proper.
Other Kitchen Remodel Costs in Washington, D.C.
While your kitchen’s size and material choices will have the biggest impact on your Washington, D.C., kitchen remodel cost, here are some factors that will be included in an estimate.
Remodel Add-Ons
Since remodeling a kitchen is a major project, many homeowners take the opportunity to include extra upgrades while the work is underway.
Here are some popular add-ons that can enhance the value, functionality, and convenience of your kitchen:
Garbage disposal: $300 to $600
Trash compactor: $1,400
Custom backsplash: $800 to $1,500
Wine cooler: $500 to $1,500
Building Permits
In Washington, D.C., most kitchen remodels require building permits, and you may also need separate plumbing and electrical permits, depending on the scope of your renovation. The average cost for building permits for a full kitchen remodel is $1,500 in the city, but this can vary.
Dumping Fees
With a major kitchen remodel, you'll need to budget for the removal and proper disposal of old materials. In Washington, D.C., the average cost for hauling away materials is $636.
Dumping fees may be higher in more remote or more congested areas due to the distance from disposal sites.
Financing Your D.C. Kitchen Remodel
Kitchen remodels in Washington, D.C., can exceed $318,000 for a full luxury upgrade, but even with more affordable remodels, many homeowners may not be able to pay the full cost upfront. If that’s the case for you, here are some key financing options to help fund your dream kitchen:
Home improvement loan: These loans typically offer lower rates than personal loans, providing you with the cash needed to complete your kitchen remodel.
HELOC: A home equity line of credit is a second mortgage that leverages your home’s equity as collateral, allowing you to use your equity to build more through the remodel.
FHA 203k loan: If you’re purchasing a home, this loan allows you to finance additional repairs. While your principal will be higher, it can help you gain immediate equity through the remodel.
Tips to Save Money on a Kitchen Remodel in Washington, D.C.
The cost of a kitchen remodel can be overwhelming. To keep your estimate within budget, consider these money-saving tips and strategies to help you achieve your ideal remodel cost.
Select Your Materials Wisely
Choosing low-quality materials for flooring, countertops, and cabinets can bring your kitchen makeover costs down significantly, but be wary of overly cheap options that may require replacement or refinishing every few years. These will likely cost you more over time.
You don’t need to invest in the highest-end materials, but it’s important to consider more than just the sticker price. Mid-range materials often strike a good balance between quality and affordability.
Maintain Your Current Kitchen Layout
Changing your kitchen layout by relocating plumbing, electrical, and gas lines can quickly increase your costs by $1,200 or more. To avoid these extra expenses, keep your existing floor plan.
If you’re adding an island, consider leaving the sink and appliances in their current spots and using the island for additional storage and workspace. You might be able to handle the plumbing and electrical fixture changes yourself, which could save you around $191 per hour for plumbers and $119 per hour for electricians in D.C.
Refinish Your Cabinets
If you have plywood or hardwood cabinets, you could save a few thousand dollars by refinishing or refacing your cabinets rather than replacing them.
Along with typical wear and steam resistance, make sure to factor in Washington, D.C.'s high summer humidity when selecting a new finish. A high-gloss polyurethane or polyaspartic coating would be a good choice for durability.
DIY What You Can
The average labor cost for a kitchen remodel in Washington, D.C., is $17,888, but you can reduce that amount by handling some tasks yourself. While it's best to leave cabinet and countertop installation to the professionals, you could save money by taking on projects like laying new flooring, installing plumbing and electrical fixtures, and painting the walls and ceiling.
Look Into Efficiency Incentives
When upgrading electrical fixtures, plumbing, or appliances to more energy-efficient models, you might be eligible for grants, rebates, and other incentives.
Look into federal programs, like the Residential Energy Efficiency Tax Credit, to see if you can save with energy-efficient appliances or fixtures. Also, check for Residential Green Incentives and for any utility company incentives available in your area.
Even without incentives, opting for Energy Star-certified appliances is always a more eco-friendly choice.
Finding a Kitchen Remodeler in Washington, D.C.
The first step in researching kitchen remodeling companies is to ensure they are properly licensed in the state. In D.C., the Department of Licensing and Consumer Protectionissues and manages contractor licenses. You can visit the department's website to verify that the contractor you're considering is licensed.
If your remodel involves plumbing or electrical work, make sure the contractor holds the appropriate licenses for those services as well.
Next, it's important to interview potential contractors. Ask about pricing and timelines, request references, and review their previous work to ensure they’re a good fit for your project. If something feels off, move on — there are plenty of contractors to choose from.
When in doubt, or to save time, you can the tool below to find certified and pre-qualified professionals to get your project underway in D.C.
FAQ: How Much Does Kitchen Remodeling Cost in Washington, D.C.?
A kitchen remodel in Bethesda costs an average of $43,200, which is much higher than in DC. Disparities are mostly due to higher labor and material quality costs.
In D.C., cabinets, countertops, and a backsplash typically make up the largest part of your kitchen remodel costs, often ranging from $8,000 to $12,000 or more. Next, an appliance package is usually the second-largest expense, typically costing between $2,500 and $7,000.
Winter is the off-season for kitchen remodelers in Washington, D.C., so scheduling your project during this time can help you save money. Since most D.C. homeowners begin their kitchen remodels in the summer, you may face 1% to 5% higher costs during this period due to increased demand.
Dan was a property manager from 2015 to 2020, during which time he managed and oversaw the upkeep and repairs of over 2,000 residential properties. He uses that experience, as well as his extensive DIY knowledge, to bring reliable information to homeowners about renovations and home-related projects. Since 2020, he has been using his experience to write about home improvement, and his work has appeared on sites like USA Today, CNN, Angi, and Today’s Homeowner.