The most common question we get before a project starts: "What's this going to cost?" It's also the hardest to answer without seeing the space — but we can do better than vague. Here's how we actually price kitchen remodels in the East Valley, with real ranges from real jobs.
The Short Answer: Three Tiers
Kitchen remodels in Gilbert, Chandler, Mesa, and the broader East Valley generally fall into three tiers:
- Cosmetic refresh — $12,000 to $28,000. New countertops, cabinet refacing or repainting, updated hardware, backsplash, and appliance swaps. The layout stays the same. This is the right move if your bones are good.
- Mid-range gut remodel — $35,000 to $65,000. Full cabinet replacement, new countertops, flooring, lighting, backsplash, appliances, and sometimes a layout adjustment like removing a peninsula or opening a wall to the living room.
- High-end or luxury build — $70,000 to $120,000+. Custom cabinetry to ceiling height, premium appliances (Wolf, Sub-Zero, Miele), quartzite or high-end quartz counters, structural changes, and finished details throughout. This is where resale value and craftsmanship align.
"The biggest mistake we see is homeowners budgeting for a mid-range remodel but specifying luxury appliances. The appliances alone can consume 30–40% of the budget."
What Actually Drives the Price
Cabinetry (30–40% of your budget)
No single line item moves the needle more than cabinets. Stock cabinets from a big-box store run $150–$350 per linear foot installed. Semi-custom (most of our mid-range jobs) runs $350–$700. Full custom — built to your exact dimensions and specifications — starts at $800 per linear foot and goes up from there.
For a 200-square-foot kitchen with a typical U-shape or L-shape layout, that's roughly 20–30 linear feet of cabinetry. Do the math and you can see why cabinets are where the budget either holds or blows.
Countertops (10–20%)
Laminate is $15–$40/sq ft installed and still has a place in cosmetic refreshes. Quartz (the most popular choice in the East Valley right now) runs $65–$120/sq ft. Quartzite and marble start at $90 and go well past $200 for premium slabs. A typical kitchen has 40–60 sq ft of countertop area.
Labor (20–35%)
This varies more than any other line item depending on the complexity of your project. Opening a wall to the living room requires an engineer's sign-off, a permit from the city, and a structural header — add $3,000–$8,000 for that alone. Relocating a sink or range (moving plumbing or gas lines) adds $2,000–$5,000. Flat, uncomplicated installs cost less.
Appliances (10–25%)
We supply and install, or we work with what you've purchased. Entry-level package (matching stainless suite): $3,000–$6,000. Mid-range (GE Profile, KitchenAid): $6,000–$12,000. Luxury (Wolf range, Sub-Zero refrigerator, Bosch dishwasher): $20,000–$40,000 just for the appliances.
Permits
Any structural work, electrical panel upgrades, or gas line changes require permits. Gilbert, Chandler, Mesa, and Tempe all process residential permits — typical turnaround is 2–4 weeks for a kitchen remodel. We handle all permit coordination as part of our project management. Budget $500–$2,000 for permit fees depending on scope.
East Valley Market Specifics
A few things that are true specifically in the Phoenix metro that may differ from national averages you find online:
- Labor costs here are lower than coastal markets. The same kitchen that costs $80K in Los Angeles often runs $55–65K here. That's a genuine advantage if you're relocating from California or the Pacific Northwest.
- Material lead times have normalized. Coming out of 2022–2023 when cabinet orders were backed up 20+ weeks, we're now seeing 6–10 week lead times for semi-custom and 12–16 for full custom. Plan accordingly.
- Open-concept layouts are still commanding a premium. East Valley homes from the 1990s and early 2000s often have galley kitchens closed off from the main living area. Opening that wall — even partially — is one of the highest-ROI moves you can make before a sale.
How to Get an Accurate Number
The only way to get a real number is to walk the space. We offer written estimates within 7 days of an initial walkthrough — no cost, no commitment. We'll tell you exactly what's driving the price, what you can cut if needed, and what's worth spending more on for your specific situation.
We've completed 500+ projects across the East Valley since 1994. We're not guessing at these numbers.