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Kitchen Remodel Cost in Maryland: 2026 Guide

A kitchen remodel is typically the largest single home improvement investment a homeowner makes. It's also one of the most variable — a cosmetic refresh and a full custom renovation can differ by $60,000 or more in the same house. Here's what Maryland homeowners in Anne Arundel and Howard Counties are spending in 2026, and what drives the cost.

How Much Does a Kitchen Remodel Cost in Maryland?

A kitchen remodel in Anne Arundel or Howard County typically costs between $15,000 and $90,000+ depending on scope and material selections. Minor refreshes average $15,000–$25,000, mid-range remodels run $30,000–$60,000, and full custom renovations start at $65,000 and can exceed $100,000 for large kitchens with premium finishes.

Minor Kitchen Refresh ($15,000 – $25,000)

A minor refresh keeps your existing layout and cabinet boxes and updates the visible surfaces. This typically includes new cabinet doors and hardware, new countertops, updated backsplash, new sink and faucet, new light fixtures, and fresh paint. The layout stays the same — appliances remain in place and plumbing isn't moved. It's the most cost-effective way to significantly change the look of a kitchen.

Mid-Range Kitchen Remodel ($30,000 – $60,000)

A mid-range remodel replaces the cabinets entirely, upgrades countertops (often to quartz or granite), includes new appliances, updated electrical for additional outlets and lighting, and may involve minor layout adjustments that don't require moving load-bearing walls. This is the most popular scope for Maryland homeowners — it delivers a genuinely new kitchen without the cost of structural changes.

Full Custom Kitchen Renovation ($65,000 – $100,000+)

A full custom renovation may involve opening walls, moving plumbing, reconfiguring the layout, and specifying custom or semi-custom cabinetry with premium countertop materials like quartzite or marble. Large kitchens with high-end appliance packages (Sub-Zero, Wolf, Miele) and extensive custom work easily exceed $100,000.

What Are the Biggest Cost Drivers in a Kitchen Remodel?

Cabinets

Cabinets typically represent 30–40% of total kitchen remodel cost. There are three tiers:

  • Stock cabinets: Pre-made in standard sizes, available at big box stores. Most affordable option but limited in configuration and finish options.
  • Semi-custom cabinets: Made to order in a wider range of sizes and finishes. The most popular choice for mid-range Maryland remodels — significantly better quality and more flexibility than stock.
  • Custom cabinets: Built to your exact specifications by a cabinet maker. Maximum flexibility and the highest quality, at a premium price that can be 3–5x the cost of stock cabinets for the same kitchen footprint.

Countertops

  • Laminate: Most affordable. Has improved significantly in appearance but remains a budget option.
  • Quartz: The most popular choice in Maryland remodels. Durable, low-maintenance, consistent in appearance, and available in a wide range of colors. Mid-range pricing.
  • Granite: Natural stone with unique variation in each slab. Similar pricing to quartz.
  • Quartzite or marble: Premium natural stone options that add significant cost and require more care.

Appliances

Appliances can range from $3,000 for a basic package to $25,000+ for professional-grade appliances. Mid-range appliance packages from brands like KitchenAid, Bosch, or GE Café typically run $6,000–$12,000 for a full suite.

Layout Changes and Structural Work

Moving the sink requires re-routing drain lines — add $2,000–$5,000 depending on complexity. Moving a gas range involves gas line work — add $1,500–$3,000. Opening a wall between the kitchen and dining room adds $5,000–$15,000 if structural work is required.

What Are Kitchen Permit Costs in Anne Arundel and Howard Counties?

Kitchen remodels involving electrical, plumbing, or structural changes require permits in both counties. Permit fees for a kitchen remodel typically range from $200–$600 depending on the scope and estimated construction value. We handle all permitting as part of every project.

What's the ROI on a Kitchen Remodel in Maryland?

Kitchen remodels consistently rank among the highest-ROI home improvements in the Mid-Atlantic region. A mid-range kitchen remodel in Maryland typically recoups 60–75% of its cost at resale. Updated kitchens are one of the top factors buyers consider — in competitive markets like Annapolis, Columbia, and Ellicott City, an outdated kitchen can meaningfully affect your sale price and time on market.

How Do I Get an Accurate Kitchen Remodel Estimate?

Use our free kitchen estimate calculator to get a rough range, or schedule a free in-home consultation for a detailed line-item quote. We remodel kitchens throughout Annapolis, Columbia, Ellicott City, and across Anne Arundel and Howard Counties. See all our kitchen remodeling services.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does a kitchen remodel take in Maryland?

A minor refresh takes 2–3 weeks. A mid-range remodel typically takes 4–8 weeks of construction once permits are in hand and materials are ordered. A full custom renovation can take 10–16 weeks. Add 2–4 weeks for permit approval before construction begins, and factor in material lead times — custom cabinets often have 6–10 week lead times.

What's the most cost-effective kitchen upgrade?

Cabinet refacing or replacing cabinet doors and hardware while keeping existing box frames is the most cost-effective way to significantly change your kitchen's appearance. Paired with new countertops, it delivers most of the visual impact of a full remodel at roughly half the cost.

Do I need a permit for a kitchen remodel in Anne Arundel or Howard County?

If your remodel involves electrical work, plumbing changes, or structural modifications, yes — you need a permit. Cosmetic-only updates (new cabinet doors, countertops, backsplash, paint) typically don't require permits. We handle all permitting as part of every project.

Should I remodel my kitchen before selling my home in Maryland?

It depends on the current condition and your market. In Anne Arundel and Howard Counties, an obviously outdated kitchen can affect buyer perception and sale price. A targeted refresh — new countertops, paint, hardware, fixtures — often delivers better ROI than a full remodel before selling.

What kitchen layout changes add the most value?

Opening the kitchen to an adjacent dining or living area is the layout change that delivers the most value in Maryland's current market. Open-concept kitchens are strongly preferred by buyers. Adding an island where space allows is the second most impactful layout change.