A full kitchen renovation costs between $50,000 and $120,000 in Northern Virginia. The national average sits around $40,000 to $80,000. Your final price depends on kitchen size, material choices, and how much you change the layout.
This guide breaks down everything you need to know. You will learn what a full renovation includes, how long it takes, and whether this investment makes sense for your home.
What Is Considered a Full Kitchen Renovation?
A full kitchen renovation replaces nearly every element in the room. This goes beyond surface updates. You are starting fresh with new cabinets, countertops, appliances, flooring, lighting, and fixtures.
A full renovation typically includes:
- Complete cabinet replacement (not refacing)
- New countertops
- All new appliances
- Updated flooring throughout
- New plumbing fixtures including sink and faucet
- Electrical upgrades and new lighting
- Fresh paint and wall treatments
- New backsplash
- Updated ventilation and range hood
Many full kitchen remodels also involve layout changes. This might mean removing walls, relocating the sink, or adding an island.
Full Renovation vs. Partial Remodel
A partial remodel focuses on cosmetic updates. You might paint cabinets, swap hardware, and install new countertops. The layout stays the same. Most fixtures remain in place.
A full renovation changes the kitchen from floor to ceiling. Everything comes out. New everything goes in. This is a ground-up transformation of the space.
Signs you need a full renovation:
- Cabinets are warped, water damaged, or falling apart
- Layout does not work for how you cook and entertain
- Electrical system cannot support modern appliances
- Plumbing needs replacement
- You want to open the kitchen to other rooms
- The space has not been updated in 20+ years
How Much Does a Full Kitchen Renovation Cost?
Full kitchen renovation costs vary widely based on finish level. Here is what Northern Virginia homeowners can expect to spend in 2025.
Northern Virginia Cost Ranges:
- Mid-Range Full ($50,000 to $75,000): Semi-custom cabinets, quartz countertops, mid-range appliances, new flooring
- High-End Full ($75,000 to $120,000): Custom cabinets, premium stone, structural changes, professional-grade appliances
- Luxury Full ($120,000 to $160,000+): Bespoke cabinetry, imported materials, major layout changes, smart home integration
According to the 2024 Cost vs. Value Report, the Mid-Atlantic region sees midrange major kitchen remodels averaging $83,401. Upscale major remodels average $169,825.
Northern Virginia runs 10 to 20 percent higher than national averages. Labor costs, permitting fees, and material preferences all push prices up in Fairfax, Arlington, and surrounding areas.
National Cost Comparison
For perspective, here are national averages:
- Minor kitchen remodel: $27,492
- Major midrange remodel: $79,982
- Major upscale remodel: $158,530
The 2024 Houzz Kitchen Trends Study reports median costs of $18,000 for minor remodels and $55,000 for major remodels where all cabinets and appliances are replaced.
What Does a Full Kitchen Renovation Include?
Understanding where your money goes helps you budget smarter. Here is a typical cost breakdown for a full kitchen renovation.
Average Cost Breakdown:
- Cabinets and hardware (25 to 35%): $15,000 to $40,000
- Labor and installation (25 to 35%): $15,000 to $35,000
- Appliances (10 to 15%): $5,000 to $20,000
- Countertops (10 to 15%): $3,000 to $12,000
- Flooring (5 to 10%): $2,000 to $8,000
- Lighting and electrical (5 to 8%): $2,000 to $6,000
- Plumbing and fixtures (4 to 6%): $1,500 to $5,000
- Backsplash (3 to 5%): $1,000 to $4,000
- Painting and drywall (2 to 4%): $1,000 to $3,000
- Permits and design (3 to 5%): $1,500 to $4,000
Cabinets eat the largest portion of most budgets. Stock cabinets run $100 to $300 per linear foot. Semi-custom options cost $150 to $650 per linear foot. Custom cabinets range from $500 to $1,200 per linear foot.
What Drives Costs Up
Several factors can push your renovation into higher price brackets:
- Structural changes. Removing load-bearing walls costs $1,400 to $11,500 depending on complexity. Moving plumbing and gas lines adds thousands more.
- Custom elements. Built-in pantries, specialty storage, and custom range hoods increase costs significantly.
- Premium materials. Marble countertops cost $75 to $250 per square foot. Compare that to laminate at $10 to $40 per square foot.
- High-end appliances. A professional-grade range can cost $7,000 or more. A luxury refrigerator might run $10,000 or higher.
- Layout changes. Relocating the sink, stove, or dishwasher requires new plumbing, electrical, and possibly gas line work.
How Does Kitchen Size Affect Full Renovation Costs?
Larger kitchens need more materials, more labor, and more time. Square footage directly impacts your bottom line.
Cost by Kitchen Size:
- Small (Under 100 sq ft): $25,000 to $50,000
- Medium (100 to 175 sq ft): $40,000 to $75,000
- Large (175 to 250 sq ft): $60,000 to $100,000
- Extra Large (250+ sq ft): $100,000 to $150,000+
The average U.S. kitchen measures 160 to 180 square feet. Most Northern Virginia kitchens fall in the medium to large range.
Price per square foot typically runs $150 to $350 for full renovations. High-end projects can exceed $400 per square foot.
Mid-Grade vs. Luxury Full Renovations
Material quality creates the biggest price difference between renovation tiers. Here is what each level typically includes.
Mid-Grade Full Renovation ($50,000 to $75,000)
This level gives you quality materials that will last 15 to 20 years. Most Northern Virginia homeowners choose this range.
Typical selections:
- Semi-custom cabinets with soft-close doors
- Quartz or granite countertops
- Stainless steel appliances from brands like GE, Whirlpool, or KitchenAid
- Ceramic or porcelain tile flooring
- Subway tile or ceramic backsplash
- Standard lighting fixtures with some under-cabinet options
- Chrome or brushed nickel hardware
You get a beautiful, functional kitchen without the premium price tag. These materials appeal to most buyers if you sell later.
Luxury Full Renovation ($120,000+)
Luxury renovations use top-tier everything. These kitchens become showcases.
Typical selections:
- Custom cabinets in exotic woods or with specialty finishes
- Natural stone countertops like marble or quartzite
- Professional-grade appliances from Sub-Zero, Wolf, or Thermador
- Hardwood or premium large-format tile flooring
- Designer tile or natural stone backsplash
- Smart home integrated lighting systems
- Designer hardware and specialty fixtures
- Custom range hoods
- Built-in beverage centers or wine storage
Luxury renovations make sense for high-value homes in McLean and Great Falls where buyers expect premium finishes.
How Long Does a Full Kitchen Renovation Take?
A full kitchen renovation is a major project. Plan for your kitchen to be out of commission for two to four months minimum.
Typical Timeline Breakdown:
- Planning and design: 2 to 4 weeks
- Permitting: 1 to 4 weeks
- Ordering materials: 2 to 8 weeks
- Demolition: 1 to 2 weeks
- Rough construction (framing, electrical, plumbing): 1 to 2 weeks
- Drywall and finishing: 1 to 2 weeks
- Cabinet installation: 1 to 2 weeks
- Countertop templating and installation: 2 to 3 weeks
- Finishing work (backsplash, painting, trim): 1 to 2 weeks
- Final touches and punch list: 1 week
Total: 3 to 6 months from start to finish.
Custom cabinets extend timelines significantly. They can take 6 to 12 weeks to manufacture after your design is finalized.
What Causes Delays
Unexpected issues add time and cost. Common surprises include:
- Hidden water damage or mold behind walls
- Outdated electrical not up to code
- Plumbing problems discovered during demolition
- Material back-orders or shipping delays
- Permit approval taking longer than expected
- Weather delays for any exterior work
Budget an extra 10 to 15 percent in both time and money for contingencies.
Should You Move Out During a Full Kitchen Renovation?
Most homeowners stay home during kitchen renovations, but it requires planning. The 2019 Houzz Kitchen Trends Study found 66 percent of homeowners remained in their homes throughout the project.
Staying Home During Renovation
If you stay, expect significant disruption to daily life. Here is how to manage:
- Set up a temporary kitchen. Create a cooking station in another room with a microwave, toaster oven, hot plate, and small refrigerator.
- Protect living spaces. Good contractors create dust barriers between the construction zone and the rest of your home.
- Adjust expectations. Plan for takeout, simple meals, and some inconvenience.
Interestingly, the Houzz study found homeowners who stayed home reported less regret than those who partially moved out. Only 16 percent of those who stayed had regrets compared to 23 percent who partially relocated.
What Permits Are Required for Full Kitchen Renovations?
Virginia requires permits for most full kitchen renovations. Skipping permits creates problems when you sell and can compromise safety.
Permits Typically Required:
- Building permit. Required for any structural changes including wall removal, additions, or major alterations.
- Electrical permit. Needed for new circuits, outlets, or wiring. Modern kitchens often require electrical panel upgrades.
- Plumbing permit. Required when moving or adding plumbing fixtures. This includes relocating sinks or adding pot fillers.
- Mechanical permit. Needed for changes to ventilation, HVAC modifications, or gas line work.
What Does Not Require Permits:
- Painting walls and ceilings
- Replacing cabinets in the same locations
- Swapping countertops without plumbing changes
- New flooring over existing subfloor
- Replacing fixtures in the same location
- Cabinet hardware and pulls
Permit fees vary by jurisdiction. In Fairfax County, expect $300 to $1,000 depending on project scope.
Are Full Kitchen Renovations Worth the Investment?
Kitchen renovations consistently rank among the best home improvements for return on investment. The 2025 Cost vs. Value Report confirms kitchens remain valuable.
ROI by Renovation Type:
- Minor kitchen remodel ($27,492): 113% ROI
- Major midrange kitchen ($79,982): 50 to 60% ROI
- Major upscale kitchen ($158,530): 38 to 50% ROI
Minor remodels deliver the highest percentage return. However, major renovations add more total dollars to home value.
A $80,000 midrange renovation at 55% ROI adds $44,000 to home value. A $27,000 minor remodel at 113% ROI adds $30,500. Both are worthwhile, but the major renovation adds more equity.
Northern Virginia Market Considerations
The local real estate market affects renovation value significantly. Northern Virginia's median home price of $729,710 (2024 data) supports higher-end renovations.
Buyers in Reston, Chantilly, and Ashburn expect updated kitchens. Outdated spaces can hurt your listing price and extend time on market.
Local contractors report 60 to 80 percent ROI on full kitchen renovations in the DC metro area. This return comes from both direct value increase and faster selling times.
How to Finance a Full Kitchen Renovation
Most homeowners do not pay cash for full renovations. Several financing options make these projects accessible.
Home Equity Loan
A home equity loan provides a lump sum with fixed interest rates. You borrow against the equity in your home and repay over a set term. Best for projects with defined budgets where you know the exact amount needed.
Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC)
A HELOC works like a credit card backed by your home equity. You draw funds as needed during a 10-year period, then repay. Best for projects where costs may vary or you want flexibility.
Personal Loan
Unsecured personal loans do not require home equity. Approval depends on credit score and income. Best for smaller renovations or homeowners without sufficient equity.
Cash-Out Refinance
This replaces your current mortgage with a larger one, giving you the difference in cash. Best for homeowners with significant equity and favorable current rates.
Get Started on Your Kitchen Renovation
A full kitchen renovation transforms how you use your home every day. Northern Virginia homeowners consistently find this investment worthwhile.
Whether you need guidance on what level of renovation fits your situation or you are ready to discuss specific plans, professional input helps you make confident decisions.
Contact Mayflower Kitchen and Bath to discuss your kitchen renovation project. Our team has helped Northern Virginia families create beautiful, functional kitchens for over 25 years.