Kitchen remodeling is the most popular home renovation project in Oakland County, and for good reason. A well-executed kitchen remodel can return 60 to 80 percent of its cost in home value while dramatically improving your daily life. But the question everyone asks first is: how much will it cost?
After 50 years of remodeling kitchens across Waterford, Birmingham, Troy, Royal Oak, and Bloomfield Township, here's what we've seen in the current 2026 market.
Kitchen Remodel Cost Ranges in Oakland County
Budget Refresh ($12,000 to $25,000): New countertops, cabinet refacing or painting, updated hardware, new backsplash, and a fresh coat of paint. You keep the existing layout and cabinets but everything looks and feels new. This is the sweet spot for homes you're planning to sell in the next few years.
Mid-Range Remodel ($25,000 to $55,000): New cabinets, countertops (granite or quartz), new appliances, updated lighting, new flooring, and possibly minor layout changes. This is the most common kitchen remodel we do in Oakland County. You get a kitchen that feels completely new without going over budget.
High-End Renovation ($55,000 to $100,000+): Custom cabinetry, premium stone countertops, professional-grade appliances, custom lighting design, structural changes like removing walls, and high-end finishes throughout. Common in Birmingham, Bloomfield Hills, and Bloomfield Township where home values support the investment.
What Drives Kitchen Remodel Costs
Cabinets (30 to 40% of total cost): Stock cabinets run $5,000 to $15,000. Semi-custom cabinets run $10,000 to $25,000. Full custom cabinetry starts around $20,000 and goes up from there. Cabinet refacing is a budget-friendly alternative at $4,000 to $10,000.
Countertops (10 to 15%): Laminate runs $10 to $30 per square foot installed. Granite runs $40 to $80. Quartz runs $50 to $100. Marble runs $75 to $150. For a typical Oakland County kitchen with 40 to 50 square feet of counter space, expect $2,000 to $7,500.
Appliances (10 to 20%): A standard appliance package (refrigerator, range, dishwasher, microwave) runs $3,000 to $8,000. Professional-grade appliances can easily hit $15,000 to $30,000.
Labor (20 to 35%): Skilled labor in Michigan runs $50 to $85 per hour depending on the trade. A typical kitchen remodel involves carpentry, plumbing, electrical, tile work, and painting. Labor costs are higher in Oakland County than outstate Michigan due to cost of living.
Flooring (5 to 10%): Luxury vinyl plank runs $5 to $10 per square foot installed. Hardwood runs $8 to $15. Tile runs $10 to $20. For a 150 square foot kitchen, expect $750 to $3,000.
How to Get the Best Value
Keep the existing layout. Moving plumbing and electrical is expensive. If your current kitchen layout works well, keep the sink, stove, and refrigerator where they are and invest in better materials and finishes instead.
Invest in cabinets and countertops. These are the first things people notice and the last things to wear out. Spend more here and save on things like hardware and backsplash that are easy to upgrade later.
Get multiple estimates. We always recommend getting at least two or three quotes. Make sure you're comparing apples to apples, meaning same scope of work, same quality of materials, and same level of detail in the estimate.
Work with a licensed contractor. Michigan requires a residential builder's license for projects over $600. Make sure your contractor is licensed, insured, and willing to pull permits. This protects you legally and ensures the work is inspected.
Why Oakland County Homeowners Choose Lifestyle Building
We've been remodeling kitchens in Oakland County since 1976. The owner answers every call and oversees every project personally. We're fully licensed and insured with an A+ BBB rating. And we provide free, detailed estimates so you know exactly what you're getting before any work begins.
Ready to discuss your kitchen remodel? Call Bob at (248) 808-4505 or request an estimate online.