Kitchen remodels are the biggest home improvement investment most Westchester homeowners make — and also the one with the widest cost range. A $15,000 refresh and a $100,000 transformation are both called "kitchen remodels." Here's how to understand what you're actually getting at each price point.
I'm Cristian Poblete, licensed contractor (WC-34542-H21) based in Ossining. We remodel kitchens throughout Westchester — Scarsdale, White Plains, Hartsdale, Dobbs Ferry, and beyond. These are real numbers from projects we've completed.
Kitchen Remodel Cost by Scope (Westchester 2026)
| Scope | Typical Cost Range | What's Included |
|---|---|---|
| Cosmetic Refresh | $8,000 – $18,000 | Cabinet painting, new hardware, counters, backsplash, lighting |
| Mid-Range Full Remodel | $25,000 – $45,000 | Semi-custom cabinets, stone counters, new appliances, tile backsplash, flooring |
| High-End Full Remodel | $50,000 – $85,000 | Custom or high-end semi-custom cabinets, premium stone, designer fixtures, custom tile |
| Luxury / Full Custom | $85,000 – $150,000+ | Fully custom cabinetry, premium appliances, structural changes, high-end everything |
Westchester reality: Labor costs here are 25–40% higher than national averages. A mid-range kitchen that costs $30,000 in suburban Philadelphia will typically run $38,000–$42,000 in Westchester. This is driven by higher insurance costs, licensing requirements, and the local wage market.
The Four Biggest Cost Drivers
1. Cabinets (40–50% of total cost)
Cabinets are almost always the largest single cost in a kitchen remodel. The tiers:
- Stock cabinets (Home Depot, IKEA): $3,000–8,000 installed for an average kitchen. Limited sizes and finishes.
- Semi-custom cabinets (Kraftmaid, Merillat, Fabuwood): $8,000–20,000 installed. More size options, better quality, longer lead times.
- Custom cabinets (local cabinetmakers): $20,000–45,000+. Any size, any finish, 8–12 week lead time.
2. Countertops
The range is enormous:
- Laminate: $1,500–3,000 installed
- Quartz (engineered stone): $4,000–8,000 installed for average kitchen
- Granite: $3,500–7,000 installed
- Marble or quartzite: $6,000–14,000+ installed
3. Layout Changes
Moving walls, relocating the sink, or changing appliance placement requires licensed plumbing and electrical work and permits. This adds $5,000–15,000 to a project. Keeping the existing layout is the single biggest cost-saving decision you can make.
4. Appliances
Appliances are typically purchased separately and not included in contractor quotes. Budget $5,000–12,000 for a standard package (refrigerator, range, dishwasher, microwave) at mid-range brands like Bosch or KitchenAid. High-end Sub-Zero/Wolf packages run $25,000–40,000.
Westchester Home Improvements handles the full permit process for you — drawings, engineer coordination, and building department submission. Free estimates, no obligation.
📅 Get a Free EstimateWhat You Get at Each Price Point
$25,000–35,000 — The Solid Mid-Range
At this range in Westchester, you're looking at: semi-custom cabinets in a standard finish, quartz countertops, tile backsplash, new sink and faucet, recessed lighting, and refinished or new hardwood flooring. This is the most common remodel scope in Ossining, Tarrytown, and Ardsley — and it genuinely transforms the kitchen.
$45,000–65,000 — The Upgrade
At this range: higher-end semi-custom or entry custom cabinets, premium quartz or natural stone countertops, designer tile backsplash, under-cabinet lighting, new flooring, and higher-end appliances. This is the range we see most often in White Plains, Hartsdale, and Scarsdale.
$75,000+ — The Renovation
Full custom cabinets, structural changes (removing walls, adding islands), premium appliances, stone or custom tile, professional lighting design. More common in Scarsdale, Armonk, and Bedford.
What to Ask Any Contractor
Before hiring for a kitchen remodel, get clear answers on:
- Are appliances included in the quote?
- What cabinet line are you specifying, and what's the lead time?
- Is countertop templating and installation included?
- Who handles permits if they're required?
- What does the payment schedule look like?
- Do you carry workers' comp and general liability insurance?
Every WHI estimate is itemized so you see exactly where each dollar goes — no surprises, no vague line items.