The most common frustration homeowners have with kitchen remodel quotes is that they don't know what drives the cost. "Why does it cost $60,000?" is a fair question if the contractor hasn't explained the breakdown. Here's where the money actually goes on a Northern Idaho kitchen renovation.
Demo and Preparation: $2,000 to $6,000
Demolition covers removal of existing cabinets, appliances, countertops, flooring, and any drywall that needs to come out. More complex if the project involves relocating a wall (additional structural work and engineering), changing the layout significantly, or dealing with hazardous materials in older homes (lead paint, asbestos tile adhesive).
Prep work includes any structural modifications, rough-in for new electrical circuits, plumbing relocation, and patching and leveling the subfloor.
Cabinets: $8,000 to $35,000 (material only)
This is typically the single largest line item in a kitchen remodel.
Stock cabinets (big-box retail): $3,000 to $8,000 for a typical kitchen. Limited size options, limited quality, quick availability.
Semi-custom cabinets (factory order, 4-6 week lead): $8,000 to $20,000 for a typical kitchen. More sizes, more configurations, better construction.
Custom cabinets (built to spec): $15,000 to $40,000+. Exact dimensions, furniture-quality construction, unlimited design options.
Cabinet installation labor is separate -- typically $2,000 to $6,000 depending on scope.
Countertops: $3,000 to $12,000
Quartz (Caesarstone, Silestone, MSI): $60 to $120 per square foot installed. The most popular choice in Northern Idaho for its combination of durability and appearance.
Granite: $50 to $100 per square foot installed. Natural stone with variation; requires periodic sealing.
Butcher block: $30 to $60 per square foot installed. Practical for island or prep areas; requires oiling.
Tile Work: $3,000 to $8,000
Backsplash tile in a typical kitchen runs 40 to 60 square feet. Material cost varies from $5/sq ft (subway tile) to $30+/sq ft (handmade tile, specialty patterns). Installation labor for tile work is $10 to $20 per square foot depending on tile size and pattern complexity.
Electrical: $2,500 to $6,000
Most kitchen remodels require electrical work: adding circuits for new appliances, under-cabinet lighting, recessed lighting, outlet placement per current code (GFCI outlets within 6 feet of the sink). Licensed electrician required.
Plumbing: $1,500 to $5,000
Sink relocation adds significant cost (moving the drain stack under the slab is expensive). Keeping the sink in the same location keeps plumbing costs low. Dishwasher connection, garbage disposal, and pot filler installation are common plumbing scope items.
Flooring: $2,000 to $5,000
See our flooring guide for material selection guidance. Typical kitchen floor is 150 to 250 square feet.
Finish Carpentry and Trim: $1,500 to $4,000
Includes toe-kick installation, crown molding above cabinets, trim around windows and range hood surround, and any built-in elements.
Appliances: $3,000 to $15,000+
Appliances are typically an owner-supplied allowance in Vandenberg Construction quotes. Mid-range appliance packages (range, dishwasher, refrigerator, microwave) run $3,000 to $6,000. High-end professional ranges alone can run $5,000 to $15,000.
Total Ranges
Mid-range kitchen renovation (semi-custom cabinets, quartz countertops, backsplash tile, updated appliances): $40,000 to $65,000.
Full gut renovation with custom cabinets and layout changes: $70,000 to $110,000.
What Vandenberg Provides
Every Vandenberg Construction kitchen quote is line-itemized to these categories. You see exactly what drives the cost. Call (208) 582-8733 to schedule your kitchen design consultation.