How Much Does a Kitchen Remodel Cost in Georgia?

One of the first questions homeowners ask us is what a kitchen remodel costs in Georgia. The honest answer is: it depends on more variables than most people expect, and contractors who quote a number before seeing your kitchen aren’t doing you any favors. What we can do is walk through the real cost drivers, explain what drives prices up or down, and give you realistic ranges based on what we’re actually bidding across Alpharetta, Johns Creek, and Duluth right now.

Kitchen Remodel Cost Ranges in Georgia for 2026

Entry-Level: $20,000–$40,000

This range covers cosmetic refreshes — new cabinet fronts or refacing, stock or semi-custom cabinets, quartz or laminate countertops, basic tile backsplash, and updated fixtures. Layout stays the same. No structural work. Appliances are typically mid-tier.

• Cabinet refacing rather than full replacement saves $8,000–$15,000
• No wall moves, no plumbing relocation
• Stock or semi-custom cabinets from suppliers like IKEA or Home Depot
• Suitable for smaller kitchens under 150 square feet

Mid-Range: $45,000–$80,000

This is where most of our kitchen remodeling projects land. Full cabinet replacement with semi-custom or custom lines, quartz countertops, new appliances, updated electrical and lighting, and quality tile work. Minor layout changes may be included.

• Semi-custom cabinetry with soft-close hardware and full-extension drawers
• Quartz countertops with undermount sink
• New appliances — mid to upper-tier ranges, refrigerators, dishwashers
• Recessed lighting, under-cabinet lighting, pendant fixtures
• Tile backsplash, updated flooring

High-End: $85,000–$150,000+

Custom cabinetry, premium stone (quartzite, marble), high-end appliance packages (Sub-Zero, Wolf, Miele), structural modifications, and designer finishes. These projects are common in Milton and Buckhead.

• Fully custom cabinetry built to spec
• Natural stone countertops — quartzite, marble, or premium granite
• Professional-grade appliance suites
• Structural changes: opening walls, raising ceilings, adding windows
• Custom range hood, pot filler, integrated refrigeration columns

What Drives the Cost of a Kitchen Remodel

Cabinetry: The Biggest Line Item

Cabinets and their installation typically account for 40–50% of a kitchen remodel budget. The difference between stock, semi-custom, and custom is significant — both in price and in what you get.

• Stock cabinets: $3,000–$8,000 for materials on an average kitchen
• Semi-custom: $10,000–$25,000 for materials
• Full custom: $25,000–$60,000+ for materials and fabrication

Structural and MEP Work

Moving a wall, relocating a sink, upgrading electrical panels, adding circuits for new appliances — this work adds up fast and is non-negotiable once you decide to do it. See our guide to the renovation process for more on what these phases involve.

• Removing a load-bearing wall with beam installation: $8,000–$18,000
• Plumbing relocation: $2,500–$6,000 depending on distance and access
• Electrical panel upgrade: $3,000–$7,000 if required for new appliance circuits

Countertops and Backsplash

• Laminate: $25–$50/sq ft installed
• Quartz: $75–$130/sq ft installed
• Quartzite or marble: $100–$200/sq ft installed
• Subway tile backsplash: $15–$35/sq ft installed
• Handmade or specialty tile: $40–$100+/sq ft installed

Why Georgia Labor Costs More Than You Might Expect

North Atlanta’s remodeling market is competitive and busy. Skilled tradespeople — particularly finish carpenters, tile setters, and licensed electricians — charge premium rates in Gwinnett, Fulton, and Forsyth counties. Any contractor quoting dramatically below market is either cutting corners on materials, using unlicensed labor, or will find reasons to add costs mid-project.

• Licensed general contractor overhead runs 15–25% of project cost
• Permit fees in Gwinnett County add $500–$2,000 depending on scope
• Material lead times have stabilized but can still affect project timelines

How to Budget Smart for a Kitchen Remodel

Set a Real Number, Then Add a Contingency

Whatever your budget is, hold back 10–15% as a contingency. Hidden conditions — old plumbing, out-of-spec electrical, water damage behind walls — show up in older homes, and they cost money to fix before finish work can begin. This is especially relevant in older neighborhoods in Brookhaven and Tucker where homes were built in the 1960s and 70s.

• 10% contingency for newer homes in good condition
• 15–20% contingency for homes built before 1990
• Never spend your contingency unless conditions require it

Know Your Non-Negotiables

• List the three things you absolutely must have — and protect that budget
• Identify what you can compromise on if costs run over
• Discuss phasing with your contractor if budget is tight — some work can be done later

FAQ: Kitchen Remodel Costs in Georgia

Is a kitchen remodel worth it in Georgia?

Generally yes — kitchens are consistently one of the highest-ROI renovation categories. In North Atlanta markets, a well-executed mid-range kitchen remodel typically recoups 60–80% of cost at resale, and the daily enjoyment factor is hard to put a number on. Our full post on increasing home value with remodeling covers this in detail.

How long does a kitchen remodel take in Gwinnett County?

A mid-range full remodel typically runs 6–10 weeks from demo to final walkthrough, assuming materials are ordered before demo begins. Structural work, custom cabinets, or specialty stone can extend that timeline. See our article on what to expect during a renovation.

Do I need a permit for a kitchen remodel in Georgia?

Yes — any work involving electrical, plumbing, or structural changes requires a permit in Gwinnett County and most surrounding jurisdictions. We pull all permits as part of our process. Unpermitted work creates problems at resale and can affect your homeowner’s insurance.

Can I save money by supplying my own appliances?

Yes, and many clients do. Just coordinate timing carefully — appliances need to be on-site before certain finish work is completed, and delivery delays can hold up the whole project. We work with client-supplied appliances regularly.

What’s the biggest cost mistake homeowners make?

Underestimating cabinetry. Clients often budget for stock cabinets but fall in love with semi-custom options during the design phase. Know your cabinet budget before you start looking at samples — it’s easier to stay disciplined that way.

Ready to get a real number for your specific kitchen? Schedule a consultation with Hill Residential Contractors and we’ll walk through your space, understand your goals, and put together a detailed estimate with no surprises.