The Ultimate Kitchen Remodel Guide

We understand that remodeling your kitchen is a huge decision. We aim to empower you with kitchen cost information to help you budget for your project. 

How Much Does a Kitchen Remodel Cost in St. Louis?

If you’ve ever asked the question “How much does a kitchen remodel cost?” you’ve probably gotten one of two answers:

  1. A vague “it depends,” or

  2. A number so general it doesn’t help you at all.

We think you deserve better.

The truth is, remodel costs do depend on many factors—size of your kitchen, quality of finishes, and whether or not you’re moving walls. But that doesn’t mean you should be left in the dark.

At Everstead, we’ve created three clear levels—Good, Better, and Best—to give you a real sense of what your investment might look like here in St. Louis.

Good Remodel

($35,000–$45,000)

For homeowners who want a fresh, functional kitchen without breaking the bank.

  • New stock or semi-custom cabinets

  • Durable quartz

  • New flooring (LVP or tile)

  • Entry-level appliance package

  • Updated lighting and paint

  • Minimal or no layout changes

Best for: Homeowners who like their kitchen’s current layout but want updated finishes that will last.

Better Remodel

($45,000–$65,000)

For families who want upgraded finishes and improved functionality.

  • Semi-custom cabinetry with more style choices

  • Premium quartz or granite countertops

  • Mid-grade appliance package (GE Café, KitchenAid)

  • Hardwood, tile, or premium LVP flooring

  • Pendant and under-cabinet lighting

  • Possible minor wall removal or small layout adjustments

Best for: Homeowners planning to stay in their home for years and wanting a mix of style and performance.

Best Remodel

($65,000+)

For those who want a dream kitchen that checks every box.

  • Fully custom cabinetry

  • High-end stone or specialty countertops (waterfall quartz, marble)

  • Luxury appliance package (Sub-Zero, Wolf, Thermador)

  • Premium hardwood, natural stone, or designer tile floors

  • Statement lighting fixtures with layered lighting plans

  • Open-concept layouts, major wall removals, or structural changes

  • Smart home integrations

Best for: Homeowners who see their kitchen as the heart of the home and want to maximize both lifestyle and resale value.

What Drives the Cost of a Remodel?

  1. Cabinets – usually 40% of the total budget.

  2. Countertops – material and edge details matter.

  3. Layout Changes – removing or moving walls adds both time and cost.

  4. Appliances – a Sub-Zero fridge alone can cost $10,000+.

Pro Tip from Everstead

Think of your remodel budget like a pie. The bigger the slice you give to one area (like custom cabinets or luxury appliances), the smaller the slice left for others. A clear plan at the start will save you from sticker shock later.

Cabinets – The Heart of Your Kitchen

When most homeowners picture their dream kitchen, what do they see first? The cabinets.

Cabinetry defines the look, feel, and function of your kitchen—and it also happens to be the largest single investment in a remodel, often accounting for 40% of the total cost.

That’s why understanding your cabinet options is so important before you choose a design direction.

The Three Main Types of Cabinets

Stock Cabinets

  • Pre-manufactured in set sizes, finishes, and styles.

  • Fastest turnaround and lowest cost.

  • Limited customization—what you see is what you get.

💰 Cost Range: $8,000–$15,000 (for a standard kitchen)

Best for: Budget-conscious homeowners who want a quick update and don’t need unique layouts.

Semi-Custom Cabinets

  • Built to order, with more flexibility in sizes, finishes, and features.

  • Wide range of door styles and colors.

  • Higher quality materials and hardware than stock.

💰 Cost Range: $15,000–$30,000

Best for: Homeowners who want a balance of style, function, and cost, with the ability to customize some features without going fully custom.

Custom Cabinets

  • Built from scratch to your exact specifications.

  • Unlimited styles, finishes, and layouts.

  • Can maximize every inch of storage with specialty inserts and unique designs.

  • Longest lead time and highest price point.

💰 Cost Range: $30,000+

Best for: Homeowners who want their kitchen to be one-of-a-kind and plan to stay in their home long-term.

Cabinet Finishes

Your cabinet finish sets the tone of the entire space.

  • Painted Cabinets (white, gray, bold colors): Clean and modern, but show wear more easily.

  • Stained Wood (oak, maple, walnut): Warm and timeless, with natural grain.

  • Specialty Finishes (two-tone, glazed, distressed): Adds character, often at higher cost.

Style Trends We See in St. Louis

  • Shaker Style: The #1 request—simple, versatile, timeless.

  • Slab Doors: Clean and modern, often paired with minimalist designs.

  • Glass Inserts: Perfect for display cabinets or breaking up a wall of solid doors.

  • Open Shelving: Popular in modern farmhouse and contemporary homes, though less storage.

Storage Solutions Worth Considering

  • Deep drawers for pots and pans

  • Pull-out spice racks and tray dividers

  • Soft-close hinges and drawer glides

  • Trash/recycling pull-outs

  • Pantry cabinets with roll-outs

Pro Tip from Everstead

Cabinet decisions should start with function first, style second. A kitchen that looks beautiful but lacks storage or durability will frustrate you every single day.

Countertops – Choosing the Right Surface

Countertops aren’t just a work surface—they’re a centerpiece. The right material balances beauty, durability, and budget, making it one of the most important decisions in your kitchen remodel.

Popular Countertop Materials

Quartz

  • Man-made from natural stone + resins.

  • Extremely durable, non-porous, and stain-resistant.

  • Huge range of colors and patterns.

  • Minimal maintenance—no sealing required.

💰 Cost Range: $60–$120 per sq. ft. installed
Most popular choice in St. Louis kitchens

Granite

  • 100% natural stone, unique veining in every slab.

  • Durable, but porous—requires periodic sealing.

  • Resistant to heat and scratches.

  • Can have more variation in color and pattern than quartz.

💰 Cost Range: $50–$100 per sq. ft. installed

Butcher Block (Wood)

  • Warm, natural look that adds character.

  • Softer surface—can scratch and stain, but easy to sand/refinish.

  • Must be sealed regularly to prevent damage.

  • Works well as an accent countertop.

💰 Cost Range: $40–$80 per sq. ft. installed

Marble

  • Elegant, timeless, and luxurious.

  • Softer and more porous than granite or quartz.

  • Susceptible to stains, etching, and scratches.

  • Often used as an accent (like on an island) instead of throughout.

💰 Cost Range: $80–$150 per sq. ft. installed

Solid Surface (Corian, etc.)

  • Seamless look with integrated sinks.

  • Non-porous and easy to maintain.

  • Less heat- and scratch-resistant than quartz or granite.

💰 Cost Range: $40–$80 per sq. ft. installed

Edge Profiles

The shape of your countertop edge changes the look and feel of your kitchen:

  • Eased/Flat: Clean, modern, standard choice.

  • Beveled: Angled cut, adds dimension.

  • Ogee: Curved, traditional, more ornate.

  • Waterfall: Countertop continues down the side of the cabinets—modern statement piece.

Matching Counters to Lifestyle

  • Busy family with kids? Quartz = worry-free.

  • Love to cook and bake? Granite or butcher block islands are great choices.

  • Want timeless luxury? Marble is unmatched (just know the upkeep).

  • On a tighter budget? Solid surface or butcher block can look high-end without breaking the bank.

Pro Tip from Everstead

Countertops look different in every light, so don’t rely on a tiny showroom sample under fluorescent lighting. We bring large samples right to your home so you can see the true veining, movement, and color variation in your own space.

Appliances – Where Function Meets Investment

Appliances are more than tools—they shape how you use your kitchen every single day. Whether you’re a casual cook, a busy parent, or a weekend entertainer, the appliances you choose can make or break your experience.

And while appliances don’t have to eat up your budget, they often do. A full kitchen appliance package can range anywhere from $5,000 to $40,000+, depending on your choices.

Appliance Categories & Options

Refrigerators

  • Top Freezer/Bottom Freezer: Most budget-friendly.

  • French Door: Popular choice for families; wide shelves and drawer freezer.

  • Built-In/Panel Ready: Seamlessly integrates with cabinetry for a luxury look.
    💰 Range: $1,500 – $12,000

Ranges & Ovens

  • Freestanding: Affordable, easy to install.

  • Slide-In: Sleeker look; overlaps countertop for seamless fit.

  • Dual Fuel: Gas cooktop + electric oven = pro-level performance.
    💰 Range: $1,200 – $15,000

Dishwashers

  • Quietness is key—measured in decibels (dB). Anything under 45 dB is whisper-quiet.

  • Options include panel-ready fronts and advanced drying technology.
    💰 Range: $800 – $2,500

Microwaves

  • Over-the-Range: Doubles as vent hood.

  • Drawer Microwave: Built into island or lower cabinets for convenience.
    💰 Range: $500 – $2,000

Appliance Packages vs. À La Carte

Most remodels include packages (fridge, range/oven, microwave, dishwasher) because they create a consistent look and are often more cost-effective.

  • Entry-Level Packages ($5,000–$10,000): Whirlpool, Frigidaire, Samsung

  • Mid-Grade Packages ($10,000–$20,000): GE Café, KitchenAid, Bosch

  • Luxury Packages ($20,000+): Sub-Zero, Wolf, Thermador, Miele

Energy Efficiency & Smart Appliances

  • Look for the Energy Star label to save on utilities.

  • Smart features: Wi-Fi connectivity lets you preheat ovens, check fridge temps, or run diagnostics from your phone.

Tier

Brands

Price Range

Whirlpool, Samsung, Frigidaire

Entry-Level

$5k–$10k

GE Café, Bosch, KitchenAid

Mid-Grade

$10k–$20k

Sub-Zero, Wolf, Thermador, Miele

Luxury

$20k–$40k+

Budget-conscious, starter homes

Typical Customer

Families & home cooks

High-end, custom kitchens

Everstead Picks

  • Best Overall Value: GE Café – stylish, reliable, mid-range cost.

  • Best for Quiet Dishwashers: Bosch – consistently top-rated for low noise.

  • Luxury Dream Setup: Sub-Zero refrigerator + Wolf range combo.

Pro Tip from Everstead

Don’t overspend on appliances you’ll rarely use. A $12,000 range looks impressive, but if you mostly reheat leftovers, you may want to shift that money into cabinets or countertops instead.

Flooring Options

Flooring is the foundation of your kitchen—literally. It ties the whole design together and has to withstand daily foot traffic, spills, and the occasional dropped pan. In a remodel, flooring is one of the biggest style-defining and lifestyle-driven decisions you’ll make.

Popular Kitchen Flooring Choices

Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP)

  • Durable, waterproof, and budget-friendly.

  • Mimics the look of wood or stone.

  • Softer underfoot than tile.

  • Easy to replace if damaged.

💰 Cost Range: $5–$10 per sq. ft. installed
Most popular choice for busy families

Tile (Porcelain or Ceramic)

  • Extremely durable and water-resistant.

  • Available in endless styles, colors, and sizes.

  • Hard and cold underfoot (may require rugs or heated flooring).

  • Great for custom patterns (herringbone, hexagon, etc.).

💰 Cost Range: $7–$20 per sq. ft. installed

Hardwood

  • Classic, warm, and timeless.

  • Can be refinished multiple times.

  • Susceptible to moisture if spills aren’t wiped quickly.

  • Pairs beautifully with open-concept layouts.

💰 Cost Range: $8–$15 per sq. ft. installed

Natural Stone (Slate, Travertine, Marble)

  • High-end, unique, and stunning.

  • Requires sealing and maintenance.

  • Can chip or etch over time.

  • Works best in luxury remodels.

💰 Cost Range: $15–$30 per sq. ft. installed

Everstead Picks

  • Best All-Around Value: LVP – especially for families with kids or pets.

  • Best Long-Term Investment: Hardwood – adds resale value and can last decades.

  • Best Luxury Look: Large-format porcelain tile – sleek, modern, and nearly indestructible.

Matching Flooring to Lifestyle

  • Families with kids & pets? LVP wins for durability + easy cleanup.

  • Love to cook barefoot? Hardwood feels warmer and softer underfoot.

  • Want a designer kitchen? Large-format porcelain tile or stone sets a statement.

Pro Tip from Everstead

Don’t forget to factor in transition points. If your kitchen flows into other rooms, you’ll want flooring that creates a seamless look—or a transition strip that feels intentional, not accidental.

Brand Tiers at a Glance

Wide (wood/stone look)

Flooring

Durability

Maintenance

LVP

High

Tile

Stone

$$

Softer

High

$$-$$$

Warm

$$$+

Hard/Cold

Cost Range

High

High

Endless options

Medium

Luxury

Style

Hardwood

Hard

Low

Low

Medium (refinishing)

Timeless

Comfort

$

Lighting & Electrical Upgrades

Lighting is one of the most overlooked parts of a kitchen remodel—but it shouldn’t be. The right lighting not only makes your kitchen more functional, it also sets the entire mood of the space.

Think of lighting in layers: task, ambient, accent, and decorative. A well-designed lighting plan blends all four.

Types of Kitchen Lighting

Recessed Lighting (Ambient)

  • Provides general illumination across the kitchen.

  • Works best in grids spaced 4–6 feet apart.

  • LED recessed lights are energy-efficient and long-lasting.

💰 Cost Range: $150–$300 per fixture installed

Electrical Upgrades Worth Considering

  • Dedicated Circuits for Appliances: Prevents tripping breakers.

  • USB/Smart Outlets: Great for charging devices at an island or command center.

  • Under-Cabinet Outlets: Keeps backsplash clean by hiding outlets beneath cabinets.

  • Dimmer Switches: Adjust brightness for cooking vs entertaining.

  • Smart Lighting Systems: Control your whole kitchen’s lighting with your phone or voice.

Pendant Lighting (Task + Decorative)

  • Commonly hung over islands or peninsulas.

  • Adds style and personality to your kitchen.

  • Can provide task lighting for prep work.

💰 Cost Range: $200–$1,500 per fixture installed

Under-Cabinet Lighting (Task)

  • Illuminates countertops for food prep.

  • Can be hardwired or plug-in LED strips.

  • Also doubles as subtle evening/“night light” ambiance.

💰 Cost Range: $500–$1,500 total

Chandeliers & Statement Fixtures (Decorative)

  • Perfect above islands or dining areas.

  • Instantly elevate the style of your kitchen.

  • Scale matters—fixture size should complement room proportions.

💰 Cost Range: $500–$5,000+

Everstead Picks

  • Best Value Task Lighting: Hardwired LED under-cabinet strips.

  • Best Style Statement: Oversized pendants (12–18” wide) over an island.

  • Smart Upgrade Worth It: Dimmable recessed LEDs tied to a smart system.

Pro Tip from Everstead

Lighting should be planned before cabinets are ordered. Many homeowners regret not pre-wiring for under-cabinet or island pendants early on—retrofits are more expensive.

Side-by-Side: Lighting Layers

Layer

$$

Examples

chandeliers, designer pendants

General brightness

Purpose

Ambient

Decorative

Task

Style + wow factor

Accent

$$

Toe-kick lighting, in-cabinet

Focused light for work areas

Pendants, under-cabinet

$

Adds depth, highlights features

Recessed cans, flush mounts

Price Range

$$-$$$

Layout Changes & Structural Considerations

When people dream of their “new kitchen,” they’re usually not just imagining new cabinets and counters—they’re imagining a different flow.

Layout changes can transform a dark, cramped kitchen into an open, welcoming hub. But they’re also one of the biggest factors that drive up cost, time, and complexity in a remodel.

The Kitchen Work Triangle

For decades, kitchens were designed around the work triangle: sink, stove, and refrigerator forming three points of a triangle. While still useful, today’s kitchens often include additional “zones” (prep, entertaining, cleanup, coffee/bar) to match modern lifestyles.

Common Layout Changes

Removing a Wall

  • Opens the kitchen to the dining or living area.

  • Creates brighter, more social spaces.

  • May involve structural beams if the wall is load-bearing.

💰 Cost Range: $5,000–$20,000+ depending on structural complexity

Adding or Expanding an Island

  • Adds seating, prep space, and storage.

  • Can house sinks, cooktops, or microwaves.

  • Requires electrical and sometimes plumbing.

💰 Cost Range: $3,000–$15,000+

Relocating Appliances or Plumbing

  • Moving a sink, fridge, or range requires new plumbing/electrical runs.

  • Increases flexibility but adds cost.

  • Best done when you’re already reconfiguring walls or flooring.

💰 Cost Range: $1,000–$5,000 per move

Open Concept to Defined Zones

  • Trend is shifting slightly: homeowners want open kitchens, but still defined “zones” for cooking, dining, or work-from-home.

  • Half walls, oversized islands, or cabinetry can create these boundaries.

💰 Cost Range: Highly variable ($5,000–$20,000)

Everstead Picks

  • Best Value Change: Adding or expanding an island—functionality for the price is unbeatable.

  • Most Transformative: Removing a wall to open the kitchen to living/dining.

  • Most Overlooked: Adding pantry cabinetry—often easier (and cheaper) than moving plumbing.

Real-Life Example

Before: A closed-off 1980s kitchen with a small doorway and limited counter space.
After: Wall removed, island added with seating for four, under-cabinet lighting, and open sightlines to the living room. The result? A family-friendly space perfect for entertaining.

Pro Tip from Everstead

If you’re considering removing walls, bring in a professional early. Structural beams, HVAC rerouting, and electrical lines can turn a “simple” wall removal into a major engineering project. Knowing this upfront prevents surprises.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Kitchen remodels are exciting—but they’re also a major investment. After working with countless homeowners, we’ve seen patterns of mistakes that can cost extra time, money, and frustration.

Here are the Top 10 Mistakes to Avoid (and how to dodge them).

  • Many homeowners set a budget for cabinets and counters but forget flooring, lighting, appliances, and labor.

    💡 Fix: Always include a 10–15% contingency for unexpected costs.

  • That Pinterest-worthy kitchen may look amazing, but if it doesn’t fit your lifestyle, you’ll regret it.

    💡 Fix: Prioritize storage and workflow before aesthetics.

  • Waiting until the last minute to pick counters, flooring, or hardware stalls the schedule.

    💡 Fix: Finalize selections before job is scheduled.

  • Moving the fridge too far from the sink or stove makes cooking frustrating.

    💡 Fix: Think in zones—prep, cook, clean, store.

  • A single overhead light won’t cut it. Too many homeowners regret skipping under-cabinet or pendant lighting.

    💡 Fix: Plan ambient, task, and accent lighting before cabinets are ordered.

  • Spending $150,000 on a kitchen in a $250,000 home won’t give you the return you expect.

    💡 Fix: Remodel in proportion to your home’s value and resale market.

  • That beautiful range deserves a proper hood. Skipping ventilation can lead to lingering odors and grease buildup.

    💡 Fix: Invest in a quality vent hood with the right CFM for your range.

  • Islands are amazing—but too big or poorly placed, and they disrupt flow.

    💡 Fix: Leave at least 36–42” of walkway clearance around all sides.

  • Outlets, trash pull-outs, drawer dividers—little things that make a big daily difference.

    💡 Fix: Walk through your daily kitchen routine during design.

  • The biggest mistake isn’t about cabinets or counters—it’s hiring the wrong team. Low bids can hide shortcuts that cost more in the long run.

    💡 Fix: Choose a contractor with transparency, communication, and a proven process.

Everstead Insight

The homeowners who enjoy their remodel the most aren’t the ones who spend the most money—they’re the ones who plan the best upfront.

Financing & Payment Options

A kitchen remodel is one of the biggest investments you’ll make in your home. The good news? You don’t have to pay for it all at once. There are several smart ways to finance your remodel depending on your budget, goals, and timeline.

Q: Can I finance a kitchen remodel?

A: Yes! In fact, most homeowners do. Whether you’re updating for resale or creating your dream kitchen, financing spreads the cost into manageable monthly payments.

Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC)

  • Uses the equity in your home as collateral.

  • Flexible “credit line” you draw from as needed.

  • Typically lower interest rates than personal loans.

💰 Best for: Homeowners with strong equity who want flexibility.

What are my financing options?

Home Equity Loan

  • Lump sum loan against your home’s equity.

  • Fixed payments and interest rate.

  • Great for larger, one-time remodels.

💰 Best for: Homeowners who prefer predictable payments.

Personal Loan

  • Unsecured loan (no collateral required).

  • Faster approval, but higher interest rates.

  • Amount and terms vary by lender.

💰 Best for: Smaller remodels or homeowners without much equity.

Everstead’s 0% Financing

  • We’re proud to offer 0% financing for qualified customers.

  • Break your remodel investment into easy monthly payments—without interest.

  • Keeps your project moving without the financial stress.

💰 Best for: Homeowners who want the remodel now and prefer to spread out payments with no added cost.

Q: Should I pay cash if I can?

A: If you can comfortably pay cash, that’s always the simplest option. But financing can make sense if:

  • You’d rather keep savings for emergencies.

  • You want to take advantage of 0% interest.

  • You’re confident the remodel will increase your home’s value.

Pro Tip from Everstead

A well-done kitchen remodel can return 60–75% of its cost in added home value. Financing isn’t just about spreading payments—it’s an investment in both your lifestyle and your home’s worth.

Conclusion & Next Steps

Remodeling your kitchen is more than a project—it’s an investment in your home, your lifestyle, and your family’s daily life.

By now, you’ve seen:

  • Real cost ranges for St. Louis kitchens

  • The differences in cabinets, countertops, appliances, and flooring

  • How lighting, layouts, and structural choices shape your remodel

  • A clear step-by-step process so you know exactly what to expect

  • The mistakes to avoid and how to finance your project with confidence

With the right partner, your dream kitchen isn’t just possible—it’s achievable.

At Everstead Design + Build, we believe in honesty, transparency, and craftsmanship. No gimmicks, no surprises—just a proven process and a team who treats your home like their own.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

Here are a few ways to get started:

  1. Schedule Your Free Consultation – Meet with our design team and get a customized plan for your kitchen.

  2. Complete the Everstead Kitchen Design Assessment – the questionnaire will help us design a kitchen that doesn’t just look beautiful—it fits the way you live, cook, and gather.

  3. Ask About 0% Financing – Make your remodel possible now with easy, interest-free payments.