Short answer
A kitchen remodel in Bellevue and the Eastside costs about $45,000 to $75,000 for a refresh, $75,000 to $120,000 for a full gut, $100,000 to $150,000 if you change the layout, and $150,000 to $250,000+ for a luxury kitchen in 2026. Most take 8 to 18 weeks of construction.
Written and reviewed by the Renovision Design & Build team, a Bellevue design-build contractor (WA license RENOVDB768D7). Prices reflect our 2026 project pricing on the Eastside. Updated October 2026.
What does a kitchen remodel cost on the Eastside in 2026?
These are Renovision’s 2026 price tiers for kitchens in Bellevue, Kirkland, Redmond and nearby cities. They include design, permits where needed, materials, labor and cleanup.
| Kitchen project | Typical 2026 cost | Construction time |
|---|---|---|
| Kitchen refresh (same layout, new cabinet fronts or counters, fixtures) | $45,000 to $75,000 | 8 to 12 weeks |
| Full gut remodel (down to studs, same footprint) | $75,000 to $120,000 | 12 to 18 weeks |
| Layout change or open concept (walls or plumbing move) | $100,000 to $150,000 | 12 to 18 weeks |
| Luxury kitchen (custom cabinetry, pro appliances) | $150,000 to $250,000+ | Quoted per project |
Want a number for your own kitchen? Try our free kitchen remodel cost estimator or call (425) 276-6501.
Why do Bellevue kitchens cost more than national averages?
National articles often quote much lower numbers. Eastside kitchens run higher for four reasons:
- Labor rates. Puget Sound trade labor is among the highest in the country.
- Home age. Many Bellevue, Kirkland and Mercer Island homes were built from the 1950s to the 1980s. Opening walls often means updating wiring, venting and plumbing to current code.
- Finish expectations. Stone or quartz counters, panel-ready appliances and custom cabinets are the norm here.
- Permits and inspections. Moving walls, gas, plumbing or circuits needs city permits and inspections, which add time and fees.
What drives the price the most?
- Layout changes. Moving a sink, range or wall moves plumbing, venting and sometimes a beam. It is the single biggest jump in cost.
- Cabinets. Cabinetry is one of the largest line items, and custom cabinets add cost and lead time.
- Appliances. A pro range and integrated refrigerator can add $20,000 or more on their own.
- Counters and tile. Stone slabs and full-height backsplashes add up quickly.
- Hidden conditions. Old wiring, water damage or undersized ducting found during demolition. In older homes, testing for lead and asbestos may be needed too (see our guide to remodel toxins).
Do you need a permit for a kitchen remodel in Bellevue?
You usually do not need a building permit to replace cabinets, counters, flooring or a faucet in the same place. You do need permits when you remove or move walls, add or move plumbing or gas, add circuits or change ventilation. Many Eastside cities, including Bellevue, Kirkland and Redmond, take applications through MyBuildingPermit.com. Renovision pulls and manages the permits on every remodel.
How long does a kitchen remodel take?
Plan on a few weeks of design and selections, then permit review if needed, then 8 to 12 weeks of construction for a same-layout kitchen or 12 to 18 weeks for a full gut or layout change. Ordering cabinets and appliances before demolition is the best way to avoid a kitchen sitting unfinished.
How to keep a kitchen remodel on budget
- Keep the sink and range where they are if the layout already works.
- Pick cabinets and appliances before construction starts, not during.
- Hold a 10 to 15 percent contingency for hidden conditions in older homes.
- Use a design-build firm so design, pricing and construction sit on one contract.
Planning a project? Get a free consultation with Renovision Design & Build. Call (425) 276-6501 or send us your project details. Learn more about Kitchen remodeling in Bellevue.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a kitchen remodel cost in Bellevue, WA?
In 2026 a Bellevue kitchen remodel costs about $45,000 to $75,000 for a refresh, $75,000 to $120,000 for a full gut, and $150,000 to $250,000+ for a luxury kitchen.
What is the average cost of a full kitchen renovation in the Seattle area?
A full gut renovation that keeps the same footprint usually runs $75,000 to $120,000 on the Eastside. Moving walls or plumbing pushes it to $100,000 to $150,000.
How long does a kitchen remodel take in Bellevue?
Construction takes 8 to 12 weeks for a same-layout remodel and 12 to 18 weeks for a full gut or layout change, plus design time and any permit review.
Can I live in my house during a kitchen remodel?
Yes, most families do. Set up a temporary kitchen with a microwave, refrigerator and access to a sink in a laundry room or bathroom.
Do I need a permit to remodel my kitchen?
Not for like-for-like replacements of cabinets, counters or fixtures. Yes if you move walls, plumbing, gas lines or add electrical circuits.