The kitchen is where families cook, do homework, and gather on holidays, so it's no surprise it's the room homeowners most want to update. Before you start pinning cabinet colors, it helps to have a realistic budget. Here's what kitchen remodels typically cost across the Richmond area in 2026, including Chesterfield, Midlothian, Chester, and Colonial Heights, from the team at Solutions General Contractor.
Typical Kitchen Remodel Costs Around Richmond
These are general planning ranges. Size, layout, and finishes make a big difference.
- Refresh / minor remodel: about $15,000 to $35,000. New counters, paint or refaced cabinets, backsplash, fixtures, and possibly flooring, with the same layout.
- Mid-range remodel: about $35,000 to $75,000. New semi-custom cabinets, quartz or granite counters, new appliances, flooring, lighting, and some layout changes.
- Major or high-end remodel: $75,000 to $150,000 or more. Custom cabinetry, moving walls, plumbing, or gas lines, an island with seating, premium appliances, and upgraded electrical.
Where Your Kitchen Budget Goes
A rough breakdown for a typical mid-range kitchen:
- Cabinets and hardware: about 30% to 35%
- Labor and installation: about 20% to 30%
- Countertops: about 10% to 15%
- Appliances: about 10% to 15%
- Flooring, lighting, plumbing fixtures, backsplash: the rest
Cabinets are almost always the biggest line item. That's why choosing between stock, semi-custom, and custom cabinets is the most important budget decision you'll make.
What Makes a Kitchen Remodel Cost More
Moving things around
Keeping the sink, range, and fridge where they are saves a lot of money. Moving plumbing, gas, or ductwork, or taking out a wall, adds structural, electrical, and permit work.
Older homes
Many homes in Richmond and Petersburg were built decades ago. Opening up walls can reveal outdated wiring, old plumbing, or uneven floors that need to be fixed before the new kitchen goes in.
Permits and code updates
Electrical, plumbing, and structural changes usually need permits through your city or county, whether that's the City of Richmond or Chesterfield County. A licensed contractor handles those for you.
Tips to Keep Your Kitchen Remodel on Budget
- Set a number, then add a 10% to 15% cushion for surprises behind the walls.
- Keep the layout if it already works. Put the savings toward better cabinets or counters.
- Pick your finishes before work starts. Changing your mind mid-project is one of the most common reasons budgets grow.
- Get an itemized estimate so you can see where every dollar goes and adjust.
- Think about the whole house. If the kitchen is one of several rooms you want to update, a whole-home renovation can sometimes be more efficient than separate projects.
How Long Does a Kitchen Remodel Take?
A simple refresh can take two to four weeks. A full remodel with layout changes usually takes six to twelve weeks once materials are on site. Cabinet lead times are often the biggest factor, so ordering early matters.
Your Local Kitchen Remodeling Team
Solutions General Contractor is a family-owned Class A general contractor in Chester, run by father-and-son team Sigfredo and Misa. For 17 years we've helped Central Virginia families with every kind of kitchen remodel, from simple refreshes to full gut-and-rebuild projects. We also handle bathrooms, whole-home renovations, and home additions if you need more space.
Get a Free Kitchen Remodel Estimate
Ready to see what your kitchen would cost? Call (804) 312-5617 for a free estimate, financing available. We'll come out, listen to what you want, and give you a clear, itemized price.