If you're planning a kitchen remodel in Massachusetts, the honest answer to "how much will this cost?" is: it depends on how much you're changing, not just the size of the room. A kitchen where cabinets and layout stay put costs a fraction of one where walls come down and plumbing moves. Below are the ranges we actually see on jobs across Central Massachusetts and MetroWest, so you can figure out roughly where your project lands before you call anyone for a formal quote.
Typical cost ranges by project type
These are all-in ranges — materials, labor, permits and typical Massachusetts labor rates — for an average-size kitchen (roughly 150–250 sq ft). Your number moves within (or outside) these ranges based on the finishes you pick and what's behind your walls.
| Project type | Typical range | What's included |
|---|---|---|
| Cabinet refresh | $8,000 – $18,000 | New doors/hardware or refacing, same layout, new countertop |
| Mid-range remodel | $35,000 – $60,000 | New cabinets, countertops, backsplash, appliances, lighting — layout mostly unchanged |
| Full remodel, layout changed | $60,000 – $110,000 | Everything above, plus moved plumbing/electrical, new flooring, structural or wall changes |
| High-end / large format | $110,000+ | Custom cabinetry, waterfall islands, natural stone, opened-up floor plans |
What actually moves the price
Moving the sink, stove, or a wall
This is the single biggest cost driver. Relocating plumbing or a gas line means permits, licensed trades, and often opening up the floor or ceiling. A kitchen that keeps its existing footprint is dramatically cheaper than one that gets reconfigured, even if the finishes are identical.
Cabinet material and construction
Stock cabinets, semi-custom, and fully custom cabinetry can differ by two or three times in price for the exact same layout. Soft-close hinges, dovetail drawers, and plywood boxes (vs. particleboard) all add up — but they're also what holds up over 15+ years of daily use.
Countertop material
Laminate and butcher block sit at the affordable end. Quartz is the current mid-to-high range standard for durability and low maintenance. Natural stone (marble, granite) and waterfall-edge islands push costs higher, both in material and in installation labor.
What's behind your walls
Older Massachusetts homes — especially anything pre-1980 — sometimes have outdated wiring, knob-and-tube, or plumbing that doesn't meet current code once it's exposed. We flag this during the estimate walk-through so it's a known number, not a surprise mid-project.
Permits and inspections
Any Massachusetts kitchen remodel involving electrical, plumbing, or structural work requires permits through your local building department. Budget for this as part of the timeline, not just the cost — a straightforward permit can take one to a few weeks depending on the municipality, and it's not something worth skipping even when a contractor offers to.
How to get an accurate number for your kitchen
Ranges are useful for budgeting, but the only way to get a real number is a walk-through: your layout, your home's age, and what you actually want changed. That's what our free estimate covers — no obligation, and you'll know your realistic range before you decide anything.
Thinking about a kitchen remodel?
We'll come look at your space and give you a real number — not a guess.
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