KITCHEN
Kitchen Remodel Estimate Checklist for Contractors
A contractor checklist for quoting kitchen remodels: size, finish, cabinets, counters, appliances, MEP and contingency.
Kitchen bids get eaten alive by the details homeowners never mention: new electrical runs, plumbing relocation and the 15% contingency that old houses demand.
THE SHORT ANSWER
What should a kitchen remodel estimate include?
Measure the room, then quote cabinets, countertops, appliances, plumbing, electrical and finish as separate line items, plus 10-15% contingency. A medium kitchen runs $25,000-$45,000 at standard finish.
Walk the job before pricing
See the actual layout, check ceiling condition, and confirm where the plumbing and electrical stub-outs are. Photos save you from the 'but it looked bigger online' conversation.
- Measure the floor plan
- Check countertop condition
- Locate water and gas lines
- Note load-bearing walls
Break the quote into line items
Cabinets, countertops, appliances, plumbing, electrical and finish are separate line items. A medium kitchen runs $25,000-$45,000 at standard finish; premium finishes push past $60,000.
Add the contingency
Old homes hide surprises behind walls. Add 10-15% contingency to the subtotal and state it in the proposal as a visible line — clients accept it when it is transparent.
Check with the calculator
Run the Kitchen Remodel Cost Calculator with the same inputs and confirm your bid is within 10% before adding markup.