These are typical Metro Detroit market ranges for 2026, drawn from local cost data and the industry Cost vs. Value report — not Done Right Homes' prices. Every kitchen is different and quoted individually.
The short answer: most kitchen remodels in Metro Detroit run between about $14,000 and $57,000, with the typical project landing around $28,000. That range is wide for a reason — what you spend depends almost entirely on scope. Here's the honest breakdown, with real local numbers.
What a kitchen remodel costs here, by scope
Cosmetic refresh — roughly $8,000–$25,000
New countertops, refaced or repainted cabinets, updated hardware, lighting, backsplash, and flooring — no layout changes. Dollar for dollar, this is where the most resale value lives.
Mid-range remodel — roughly $25,000–$45,000
New cabinets and countertops, new appliances, updated lighting and flooring, maybe a minor layout tweak. This is where most Metro Detroit homeowners land.
Full / custom remodel — roughly $50,000–$80,000+
A gut to the studs, layout changes, custom cabinetry, stone surfaces, premium finishes. Beautiful — but the return per dollar drops the higher you go.
Southeast Michigan runs about 5–15% below national averages on remodeling, so these already reflect local pricing.
What drives the cost
- Cabinets — the biggest line item, usually 30–40% of the budget. Stock runs a few thousand; semi-custom $8,000–$15,000; custom $15,000–$35,000+. Refacing existing boxes ($3,000–$8,000) is the budget-friendly move.
- Countertops — laminate is cheapest; granite or quartz typically runs $4,000–$10,000 depending on size.
- Layout changes — moving plumbing or electrical adds $3,000–$8,000; removing a load-bearing wall can add $5,000–$15,000.
- Older homes — if your house is pre-1950s (plenty are around here), budget an extra 15–25% for what's behind the walls: old wiring, plumbing, the occasional structural fix.
- Appliances — usually priced separately; budget for what you actually want.
Where the money pays back
Here's what we've learned renovating homes for resale: the kitchen is the room buyers judge first, but the return lives in the scope. A smart mid-range kitchen recoups most of its cost at resale and is consistently one of the highest-return projects in the house. A high-end gut recoups closer to half. The lesson isn't “spend less” — it's “spend where it pays,” and don't over-improve past what your neighborhood supports. A $90,000 kitchen in a $250,000 neighborhood doesn't get $90,000 back.
That's the difference between a remodel that's an investment and one that's a luxury. Both are fine — just know which one you're buying.
How long does it take?
It depends on scope. A cosmetic refresh can be a couple of weeks; a full gut with layout changes can run a few months once you add permits and material lead times. For a kitchen remodeling project, Mike gives you the timeline in writing, up front, with the price.
How to budget for yours
Ranges like these are good for getting your bearings — but your kitchen isn't an average. The only number that matters is the one for your kitchen, your home, and your finishes. That's what we give you: a free, written, itemized estimate, no obligation, and the number we quote is the number you pay.
Ready for a real number? Get your free estimate.