What a Kitchen Remodel Actually Costs in Central Ohio (2026)
I got tired of homeowners telling me 'the internet says a kitchen costs $30k' and then being blindsided when reality hits. So here's what a kitchen remodel actually costs in Columbus, Newark, and the surrounding towns in 2026 — from someone who quotes and builds them every week.
Tier 1 — Cosmetic refresh: $12k–$25k
You keep the layout, the cabinets, and the appliances. We paint or reface the cabinet boxes, swap doors and hardware, install quartz or a mid-tier granite, redo the backsplash, and usually update the sink and faucet. This is the highest-ROI kitchen job we do — a tired kitchen looks like a new one for the price of a used car.
Tier 2 — Mid-range remodel: $35k–$60k
New cabinetry (semi-custom, not big-box builder grade), quartz counters, new LVP or tile flooring, all new appliances, updated lighting, new backsplash and sink. Same footprint — we're not moving walls. This is where most of our clients end up.
Tier 3 — Full remodel with layout changes: $70k–$120k+
Wall comes down, island goes in, plumbing gets moved, electrical panel might get upgraded, custom cabinetry, high-end appliances. Every wall move triggers permit work, drywall, paint, and usually flooring patching. That's where the number climbs fast.
Cabinets are usually 30–40% of the total. Labor is another 25–30%. Countertops — the thing everyone focuses on — are typically under 10%. If your budget is tight, cabinet choice is the lever with the most travel.
Where I see people waste money
- Ordering cabinets from a designer with no install crew of their own — you pay retail markup and inherit the coordination headache.
- Buying appliances before the layout is final — I've had clients stuck with a 36" range they can't fit.
- Chasing a Pinterest photo without pricing the specific finish (waterfall quartz edges alone can add $2–4k).
- Skipping under-cabinet lighting to save $600 and regretting it every night.
How long it takes
Cosmetic: 1–2 weeks on site. Mid-range: 4–6 weeks. Full remodel with structural changes: 8–14 weeks including permit lead time. Cabinets are the long lead item — semi-custom lines are running 6–10 weeks from order in 2026, so we order early.
"The kitchens that turn out great are the ones where the homeowner made every big decision before we swung a hammer. The kitchens that go sideways are the ones where we're picking finishes at week 3."
— What I tell every client at the first meeting
Frequently asked
Yes. Anything involving electrical relocation, plumbing moves, or structural work gets pulled through the local building department. We handle the paperwork and inspections.
Usually yes. We can rig a temporary kitchen (fridge + microwave + sink in a utility room) for 4–8 weeks. It's not fun, but it saves $2–5k in short-term rental cost.
Constantly. We have a spec'd-out rental kitchen package (durable LVP, mid-tier cabinets, quartz remnant counters, black stainless appliances) that we can turn in about 3 weeks per unit.
If you're within an hour of Columbus, I'll come out, walk your kitchen, and give you a written estimate for free. No design retainer, no pressure. (614) 304-1726.
Alan is the owner of Elite Home Renovations, a family-owned roofing and remodeling company serving Columbus, Newark, Johnstown, and Pataskala since 2024. He's on the roof with the crew almost every day.
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