The short answer
A mid-range remodel of a 150-square-foot kitchen in the Washington DC metro runs about $23,400 to $39,000 by our cost-adjusted figures. The jurisdiction your house sits in matters most: DC, Maryland and Virginia each have a different permit office, license class and contract rule.
What a kitchen remodel costs in Washington DC
The table starts from national remodeling cost data and applies the metro's construction cost factor of 1.04 from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. That puts the DC area about 4% above the US average for the same work.
| Job | Washington DC (typical range) | US average |
|---|---|---|
| Cosmetic refresh, 150 sq ft kitchen | $11,700–$23,400 | $11,250–$22,500 |
| Mid-range remodel, 150 sq ft kitchen | $23,400–$39,000 | $22,500–$37,500 |
| High-end remodel, 150 sq ft kitchen | $39,000–$70,200 | $37,500–$67,500 |
| Small kitchen (10×10 ft), mid-range | $15,600–$26,000 | $15,000–$25,000 |
| Large kitchen (15×15 ft), mid-range | $35,100–$58,500 | $33,750–$56,250 |
| Stock cabinets, installed | $105–$415/lin ft | $100–$400/lin ft |
| Semi-custom cabinets, installed | $155–$730/lin ft | $150–$700/lin ft |
| Custom cabinets, installed | $520–$1,250/lin ft | $500–$1,200/lin ft |
| Appliance package | $2,600–$20,800 | $2,500–$20,000 |
| Moving plumbing or walls (add-on) | $5,200–$26,000 | $5,000–$25,000 |
| Permits | $520–$1,550 | $500–$1,500 |
Estimates for 2026, including labor and standard parts. Washington DC prices use the metro's construction cost factor of 1.04 (US average = 1.00) from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Area Cost Factors. Your quote depends on access, materials and the condition of the home.
The spread in this metro comes mostly from the house itself. A rowhouse in Capitol Hill and a newer townhouse in Loudoun can carry the same cabinet package and land in very different budgets once you open the walls.
To price your own kitchen by size, finish and ZIP code, use the cost estimator. You can also open the full kitchen cost estimator.
Where the money goes in a DC kitchen
Cabinets are the largest single purchase. Installed, stock boxes cost about $105 to $415 per linear foot here, semi-custom $155 to $730, and custom $520 to $1,250. A galley with 20 feet of cabinets and a U-shaped kitchen with 35 feet are very different budgets at the same finish level.
Three other lines drive the total:
| Cost line | Why it shows up here | Typical effect |
|---|---|---|
| Moving plumbing, gas or walls | Open plans are popular in rowhouses and older colonials | About $5,200 to $26,000 on top of the remodel |
| Code upgrades | A permit brings in smoke and CO alarms, and trade permits for new circuits and gas | Depends on what the house already has |
| Hidden conditions | DC's housing is old; two thirds of its homes predate 1980 | Hold a contingency on pre-1980 houses |
Census figures put 66.3% of DC homes at built before 1980, with a median year of 1960. Arlington is at 52.7% and Alexandria at 54.8%. Fairfax is younger at 42.2%, and Loudoun is newer still, with a median year built of 2003 and only 11% of homes predating 1980. Opening an older kitchen wall in the District can reveal undersized wiring, galvanized supply lines or rot that no one priced beforehand.
Homes built before 1978 add one more rule. Under the EPA's Renovation, Repair and Painting program, a contractor who is paid to disturb painted surfaces in an older home must be a certified firm and follow lead-safe work practices. Tearing out old cabinets and plaster qualifies, and the rule applies in all three jurisdictions.
Layout changes and what triggers a permit
The metro has three permit offices, and the one that reviews your plan depends on the address.
| Where the house is | Permit office | Code in force |
|---|---|---|
| District of Columbia | DC Department of Buildings (DOB) | 2017 DC Construction Codes |
| Montgomery County, MD (Bethesda, Silver Spring) | Montgomery County Department of Permitting Services (DPS) | Maryland Building Performance Standards, 2021 IRC and IECC base |
| Arlington, Fairfax, Alexandria and the rest of Northern Virginia | Each county or city building official under the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code | 2021 USBC |
District of Columbia
DOB publishes a no-permit list. Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, floor covering, cabinets, countertops and similar finish work need no building permit, unless the property is in a historic district. Those items cover a cosmetic refresh.
Anything else goes through DOB: interior alterations need a permit. New and replacement gas appliances, new and replacement HVAC equipment, new plumbing fixtures and new electric appliances each need a permit too. Trade permits for plumbing, electrical and mechanical work can only be applied for by DC contractors licensed for that trade. Homeowners cannot pull trade permits in DC.
For a one- or two-family home, the DOB Homeowner's Center reviews interior remodeling up to 500 square feet, including kitchens without major structural change, load-bearing wall work or party-wall impact. DOB aims to issue those permits within five business days. The general line is (202) 671-3500. If you are removing a wall, check whether it is load-bearing before you sign a contract. Our page on permit drawings covers what a plan set needs.
Montgomery County, Maryland
DPS takes applications online and uploads plans through ePlans. A non-refundable filing fee is paid at application, and the approved permit and drawings must be on site. Inspections must be requested at least 24 hours ahead. DPS also offers in-office Fast Lane appointments for same-day permits when a project qualifies for the residential fast-track program, and you apply online before the appointment. Questions go to 240-777-6395, or MC311 at 240-777-0311.
Northern Virginia
The 2021 USBC requires a permit for alterations involving walls or partitions, structural components, means of egress, water supply, drainage or vent systems, electric wiring, and mechanical or fuel supply systems. Ordinary repairs that need no permit in a one- or two-family home include replacing plumbing fixtures without altering supply, drain or vent piping, replacing switches and receptacles, floor finishes, interior wall and ceiling finishes, cabinetry and trim, and paint and wallpaper.
Fairfax County goes further than the state minimum. Fairfax requires a permit for kitchen renovations, removing or adding walls including non-load-bearing ones, new window or door openings, and new or relocated electrical and plumbing fixtures. Fairfax does not require a permit for kitchen cabinets and countertops, tile and flooring replacement, or painting. Permits are filed in the PLUS system, and the LDS line is 703-222-0801. Arlington issues permits through Permit Arlington and its Accela portal at the Bozman Government Center, 2100 Clarendon Blvd.
What a kitchen permit costs
DC's fee schedule is the most detailed of the three. An alteration valued between $1,001 and $1 million costs $30 plus 2% of construction value, plus a 10% enhanced fee. A green building fee of 0.13% of construction value is added for alterations in that range. The filing deposit is 50% of the assessed permit fee, capped at $20,000. A signed construction contract is required before any permit is issued, and the estimated cost of construction is required at submittal.
Montgomery County publishes a DPS Fee Estimator, but final calculations are done by DPS staff. Across our price data, DC kitchen permits come to roughly $520 to $1,550.
Electrical, gas and ventilation rules in a DC kitchen
Inspectors check kitchens against the code edition the jurisdiction enforces. DC uses the 2017 DC Construction Codes, which are based on the 2015 ICC codes and the 2014 National Electrical Code. Maryland enforces the 2021 IRC and IECC through the Maryland Building Performance Standards. Virginia enforces the 2021 USBC, which references the 2021 I-codes.
Counter circuits and outlets
A kitchen remodel that adds or moves circuits needs an electrical permit and a licensed electrician. In DC, only a licensed and bonded master electrician can pull that permit. In Maryland, all electrical work must be performed by a licensed master, journeyperson or apprentice electrician, and apprentices must be supervised. In Virginia, electrical work is done by a DPOR-licensed tradesman or an electrical contractor.
Gas lines to the range
Extending or adding a gas line to a range or cooktop is gasfitting work under the permit. In DC, a licensed and bonded master plumber or gasfitter pulls it. In Montgomery County, gas work runs through WSSC Water, which licenses the gasfitters and issues the permit. A WSSC Water permit is required for each gas appliance installation, and the installer must hold a WSSC Water license. Verify a WSSC license at 301-206-8588. In Northern Virginia, gasfitting is a DPOR tradesman license.
Range hoods and ventilation
A ducted range hood is mechanical work and needs a permit in all three jurisdictions. In DC, mechanical permits are trade permits issued only to licensed master trade professionals. In Fairfax, new or relocated mechanical fixtures need a permit. If you cook on gas, ask your remodeler how the hood will be ducted and where it terminates.
Smoke and carbon monoxide alarms
A kitchen permit brings in life-safety items outside the kitchen. In Prince George's County, hard-wired smoke detectors need an electrical permit. In DC, the alteration permit process brings the house up to current requirements for the work being done. Ask your remodeler what the inspector will look for before the walls close.
How long a DC kitchen remodel takes
| Phase | Same layout | Wall removed or layout changed |
|---|---|---|
| Permit | Days to a few weeks, depending on the office | Plan review, longer if structural |
| Inspections | Rough and final | Framing, rough and final |
| Total, start to finish | About 2 to 3 months | About 4 to 6 months |
The permit review sets the pace. DC's Homeowner's Center aims for five business days on qualifying interior remodels. Montgomery County reviews plans against local and state codes and requires 24-hour notice for inspections. Fairfax and Arlington each run their own review queues. Semi-custom and custom cabinets usually take the longest after that, so the order goes in as soon as measurements are final.
How to check a kitchen remodeler before you hire
A kitchen remodel touches several trades, and the license you check depends on the state.
District of Columbia. The contractor should hold a Home Improvement Contractor license from the Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection (DLCP). Every applicant posts a $25,000 Home Improvement Surety Bond for the two-year license period. License fees are $99 for a two-year license and $198 for a four-year license. Look the business up in Scout and the trade licenses in the Access DC license search. Complaints go to (202) 671-4500.
Maryland. The contractor should hold a Maryland Home Improvement Commission (MHIC) license. Since June 1, 2024, every MHIC contractor must carry general liability insurance of at least $500,000. Only MHIC-licensed pros may contract directly with homeowners. Look up the license number in the MHIC online search, and leave off any dash and two-digit suffix. MHIC is at 410-230-6231 or 1-888-218-5925.
Virginia. The contractor should hold a DPOR Board for Contractors license. The class sets the dollar value of jobs allowed: Class C is over $1,000 but less than $30,000 per contract, Class B is $30,000 to under $150,000, and Class A is $150,000 or more. Fairfax County says any project valued at $1,000 or more must be performed by a contractor licensed to work in Virginia. Look up the license at the DPOR License Lookup, or call (804) 367-8511.
Payment terms also change at the state line.
- Maryland caps the deposit at one-third of the contract price, and no payment may be taken before the contract is signed. The contract must name the MHIC license number, the start and completion dates, and the price.
- Virginia requires a written contract that states the amounts and schedule of progress payments, including the down payment, and the contractor's license number, class and specialties. It must also include a notice of the Virginia Contractor Transaction Recovery Fund.
- DC requires a written contract signed by both parties before payment is accepted, listing the contractor's DC license number. Verify that permits were issued by DOB before work begins.
Maryland's Guaranty Fund can pay a homeowner up to $30,000 for losses caused by a licensed contractor, and Virginia's Transaction Recovery Fund can pay up to $30,000 per claimant per transaction after a court judgment. More on safe payments is in our guide to paying a contractor.
Areas we cover
GOLDGCP kitchen remodelers work across the Washington DC metro, including:
- Washington DC, from Capitol Hill and Shaw to Chevy Chase and Anacostia
- Arlington and Alexandria
- Fairfax County, including Fairfax, McLean, Reston and Vienna
- Bethesda and Silver Spring in Montgomery County
- Northern Virginia more broadly, including Loudoun and Prince William counties
Each area has its own building official and license board, so the permit path and contract rules change when you cross the Potomac or the district line. To see prices for your exact ZIP code, start with the search below.
How GOLDGCP works
- Tell us about your kitchen through the form, a call or WhatsApp: its size, what you want to change and your budget.
- We match you with up to 3 vetted, licensed remodelers who work in your area, and you see ZIP-based prices before anyone visits.
- If you are removing a wall, our in-house architects can prepare the drawings for plan review.
- Your remodeler pulls the permits and books the inspections.
- You pay in milestones, each one after you approve that stage, and track progress in the client portal.
If you are sourcing cabinets or stone from overseas, our GCP Source and Ship service handles sourcing, factory inspection, shipping, customs and delivery to the jobsite.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a kitchen remodel cost in Washington DC?
By our cost-adjusted figures, a 150-square-foot kitchen costs about $11,700 to $23,400 for a cosmetic refresh, $23,400 to $39,000 for a mid-range remodel and $39,000 to $70,200 for high-end work. A small 10 by 10 kitchen at mid-range runs $15,600 to $26,000, and a 15 by 15 kitchen $35,100 to $58,500.
Do I need a permit to remodel a kitchen in Washington DC?
Not for paint, counters, flooring or cabinets set in the same spots, unless the property is in a historic district. You do need one for interior alterations, new circuits, a moved sink, a gas line or a ducted hood. DC's Homeowner's Center reviews qualifying one- and two-family interior remodels up to 500 square feet.
Which office reviews my kitchen plan in Northern Virginia?
It depends on the address. Arlington issues permits through Permit Arlington, Fairfax County through its PLUS system and Land Development Services, and Alexandria through its own building official. All of them enforce the 2021 Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code, and Fairfax requires a permit for kitchen renovations even when no walls move.
Can I pull my own permits for a kitchen in DC?
For the building permit, yes, if you own a single- or two-family home and self-identify as the contractor of record. For trade permits, no. DC issues plumbing, mechanical and electrical permits only to licensed and bonded master trade professionals, and homeowners cannot apply for them.
What does a kitchen permit cost in the DC metro?
DC charges $30 plus 2% of construction value for alterations between $1,001 and $1 million, plus a 10% enhanced fee and a green building fee of 0.13% of construction value. The filing deposit is 50% of the assessed fee. Across our price data, DC kitchen permits come to roughly $520 to $1,550.
How do I check a kitchen remodeler in Maryland?
Look up the license number in the MHIC online search, leaving off any dash and two-digit suffix. Confirm the contractor carries at least $500,000 in general liability insurance, and check that the contract names the MHIC license number and caps the deposit at one-third of the price.
Is a kitchen remodel worth it in the DC area?
The DC metro has a mix of old and new housing, so the answer depends on the house. A same-layout refresh on a straightforward permit is the safer spend if you plan to sell soon. A full gut with a new layout costs more and takes longer, so weigh it by how long you plan to stay.
How we calculate these prices
GOLDGCP starts from national price ranges for each job, taken from published 2026 cost guides and checked against local price guides where they exist. To get a local price, we multiply the national range by the construction cost factor for the metro from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Area Cost Factors (US average = 1.00). Where that table has no entry for a metro, we use the nearest listed location or the state value. For ZIP codes outside the 50 largest metros, the cost estimator uses the state's price level from the Bureau of Economic Analysis Regional Price Parities. Ranges include labor and standard materials but not unusual site conditions, so a written quote after an inspection is always the final price.
Sources
- U.S. EPA
- dob.dc.gov
- Maryland Department of Labor · Maryland Department of Labor
- Maryland Department of Labor · Maryland Department of Labor
- Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation
- U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
- U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis
About this guide
Written by the GOLDGCP editorial team. Prices come from national cost guides adjusted with official construction cost factors for Washington DC; rules and statistics come from the agencies and reports linked in the text. We update this page when prices or codes change.