5 Min Read
When you start dreaming about a new kitchen, one of the first questions that comes to mind is, “how much will it cost?” Whether you’re hoping to refresh your cabinets and countertops or completely reimagine your layout, understanding your budget is the best first step toward a smooth and successful remodel.
At Cabinet Creations, we believe in transparency. Every kitchen we create is unique, but we’ve guided enough homeowners through the remodeling process to know what a realistic budget looks like when planning a kitchen remodel in Oakland County, Michigan.
Below, you’ll find a clear breakdown of what to expect. We will cover everything from average regional costs to real-life examples at the $30K, $40K, $80K, and $100K+ investment levels.
Quick Guide: What You’ll Find in This Blog
In this guide, we’ll cover:
- Regional Kitchen Remodel Costs (Oakland County area)
- What You Get for $30K - A Smart Refresh
- What You Get for $40K - A Balanced Upgrade
- What You Get for $80K - Custom Transformation
- What You Get for $100L+ - Luxury without Limits
- Local Factors That Affect Pricing
- What’s Not Included in These Remodel Costs
- Common Questions People Ask
- Why Homeowners Trust Cabinet Creations
Regional Kitchen Remodel Costs (Detroit & Oakland County)
Each year, Remodeling Magazine releases its Cost vs. Value Report, an industry-standard study comparing average project costs. While there isn’t a specific report showing kitchen remodel cost in Oakland County, the Detroit metro data provides a strong regional benchmark for Michigan homeowners.
According to the 2025 Cost vs. Value Report:
- Kitchen Refresh: ~$28,100
- Major Kitchen Renovation: ~$86,000
- Major Luxury Kitchen Renovation: ~$167,000 — recoups about 32%.
For most homeowners looking to complete a kitchen renovation in Oakland County, actual costs may run slightly higher due to upgraded finishes and suburban labor rates.
What You Get for $30K, $40K, and $80K Remodels
Over years of experience remodeling in Oakland County, we understand how design, materials, and craftsmanship affect your investment, and you can see this reflected in our work. Here’s a closer look at what each price range typically includes, along with real project videos that walk you through the details. While the details may not be exactly 1:1 for your situation, this can give you a basic idea of what you can get with your investment.
$30,000 Kitchen Remodel: A Smart Refresh
A $30K remodel focuses on aesthetic upgrades that make your kitchen feel new again without changing the footprint.
Typical features include:
- Painted, full-overlay maple cabinetry with standard construction
- Simple crown molding and 5-piece drawer fronts
- Standard quartz countertops
- Midrange plumbing fixtures (e.g., Kohler faucet, composite sink)
- No major lighting or backsplash work
This level is perfect if your cabinets are still in good condition and you want a clean, fresh look without structural changes.
Watch: $30,000 Kitchen Renovation | Pricing Breakdown of a Complete Kitchen Remodel
$40,000 Kitchen Remodel: A Balanced Upgrade
In the $40K range, you begin to see customization, functionality, and design details come to life.
Typical features include:
- Frameless, full-overlay maple cabinetry
- Farmhouse sink and microwave drawer
- Floating shelves and decorative feet
- Quartz countertops and ceramic tile backsplash
- Under-cabinet and sconce lighting
- Basic layout updates or minor electrical adjustments
This range offers the best of both worlds and combines meaningful visual transformation with smart spending.
Watch: $40,000 Kitchen Renovation – Pricing Breakdown of a Complete Kitchen Remodel
$80,000 Kitchen Remodel — Custom Transformation
An $80K remodel is a complete reimagination of your space. Every detail is custom-crafted, creating a truly high-end kitchen.
Typical features include:
- Inset, stained maple cabinets with plywood construction
- Stacked cabinetry and a furniture-style island
- Luxury quartz countertops and designer plumbing fixtures
- Air switch for disposal, reverse osmosis faucet
- Custom lighting: recessed, in-cabinet, pendant, and pantry
- Extensive finish carpentry and possible gas line relocation
This level delivers exceptional craftsmanship and personalization and provides the kind of kitchen that elevates your entire home.
Watch: $80,000 Kitchen Renovation – Pricing Breakdown of a Complete Kitchen Remodel
$100,000+ Kitchen Remodel — Luxury Without Limits
A six-figure kitchen remodel is where form and function truly meet artistry. Every inch of your space is reimagined with top-tier materials, custom-built cabinetry, and elevated design details that make the kitchen feel like the heart of a luxury home.
Typical features include:
- Fully custom, furniture-grade inset cabinetry with detailed moldings and integrated appliance panels
- Natural stone countertops such as quartzite or marble with full-height backsplash
- Designer flooring featuring wide-plank hardwood, large-format tile, or heated floors throughout the kitchen and adjoining spaces
- Architectural lighting design, including layered task, accent, and ambient lighting zones
- Expanded layouts that often include removing walls, adding windows, or opening into adjoining living spaces
- Custom millwork and finish carpentry throughout, including beams, built-ins, and trim continuity
- Enhanced functional upgrades such as hidden pantries, smart-home integrations, and undercabinet power solutions
This investment level allows you to design a kitchen that’s entirely your own with no compromises on quality, materials, or craftsmanship. Every selection reflects both your taste and the skill of our in-house design and installation team.
Local Factors That Affect Pricing
The cost of your Oakland County kitchen remodel depends on more than square footage. A few key local factors can influence pricing:
Labor and Permits: Skilled trades and licensed contractors may charge higher rates in areas like Rochester and Bloomfield Hills, but that expertise ensures code compliance and lasting results.
Home Age: Many homes in Oakland County have unique layouts or structural quirks that require additional prep work. Read our blog on why changing a kitchen layout costs more than you expect for more helpful information.
Material Selection: Michigan homeowners often choose durable materials like quartz, hardwood, and custom wood cabinetry to handle seasonal humidity changes.
Lifestyle Preferences: Open-concept kitchens, larger islands, and walk-in pantries continue to trend locally.
Understanding these local influences helps you budget more accurately. Proper planning ensures your remodel feels cohesive with your home and community.
What’s Not Included in These Remodel Costs
While every project is unique, the following items are typically not included in the price ranges outlined above:
Appliances: Refrigerators, ovens, dishwashers, and other major appliances are priced separately to give you full flexibility on brand and model selection.
Structural changes beyond the kitchen footprint: If your project requires removing load-bearing walls, adding square footage, or relocating plumbing or HVAC systems, those items will be quoted separately.
Specialty finishes and materials: Custom metalwork, imported tile, or bespoke materials outside standard cabinetry and countertop options.
Permit fees: Local permit requirements vary by municipality and are billed based on actual costs.
Furniture and décor: Barstools, window treatments, or decorative accessories are not part of the core remodeling scope.
We’ll walk through all inclusions and exclusions in detail during your design consultation, so you’ll know exactly what your budget covers before construction begins.
Common Questions People Ask
What is the 30% rule for renovations?
The 30% rule suggests that you shouldn’t spend more than 30% of your home’s current value on renovations. This guideline helps homeowners invest wisely without over-improving for their neighborhood. For example, if your home is valued at $400,000, keeping your total renovation costs under $120,000 can help ensure you see a solid return when it’s time to sell.
What is a reasonable budget for a kitchen remodel?
A reasonable kitchen remodel budget generally falls between 10% and 20% of your home’s value. That range allows you to enhance function, design, and resale value without overspending. For many Oakland County homeowners, this means planning anywhere from $30,000 to $70,000 for a full remodel, which is enough to achieve a thoughtful balance of quality materials and lasting design.
Is $30,000 enough for a kitchen remodel?
Yes… but with some caveats. A $30,000 budget can deliver a beautiful, well-planned kitchen update if you’re focusing on midrange materials, keeping your existing layout, and working with a skilled renovation team that can help you prioritize. It’s ideal for smaller kitchens or refreshes that don’t require major structural changes. For larger spaces or fully custom cabinetry, you may need to plan for a higher investment to achieve your vision.
How long Does a kitchen remodel take?
Most kitchen remodels take 5 to 10 weeks once construction begins, depending on the project’s scope and material lead times. Smaller refreshes can be completed in about a month, while full custom renovations with cabinetry, flooring, and layout changes may take closer to three months from start to finish.
Why Trust Cabinet Creations for your Oakland County Kitchen Remodel?
For more than two decades, Cabinet Creations has helped homeowners in Oakland County design kitchens that balance timeless style with lasting craftsmanship. Our in-house team focuses on:
- Custom cabinetry: Designed to fit your home perfectly
- Transparent pricing: Clear estimates, no surprises
- Collaborative design: Every project is tailored to your lifestyle
Ready to start planning your kitchen remodel? Whether you’re still exploring ideas or ready for a detailed quote, our design team is here to help you every step of the way.
Schedule your design consultation today and let’s create a kitchen that’s beautiful, functional, and uniquely yours.
