Discover the Key Factors That Impact the Cost of a Kitchen Remodel in Fort Lauderdale, FL
What is the Average Cost of Kitchen Remodel in Fort Lauderdale, FL?
Renovating your kitchen in Fort Lauderdale is more than just a home improvement project. For many homeowners, it’s about creating a space that blends function with style while complementing the coastal lifestyle. Whether you live near Las Olas, Victoria Park, or one of the city’s many waterfront neighborhoods, a thoughtfully designed kitchen can add significant value to your home and make daily life more enjoyable.
Budgeting is one of the most important parts of planning a remodel. Fort Lauderdale has its own set of cost considerations compared to other parts of Florida, including higher demand for skilled contractors, the popularity of modern and coastal-inspired finishes, and local building requirements. Understanding these factors before you begin helps prevent surprises and ensures you get the most from your investment.
This guide breaks down the key elements that influence the cost of a kitchen remodel in Fort Lauderdale. From the size of your kitchen to the type of materials you choose, we’ll walk through the details that matter most so you can set a realistic budget and plan with confidence.
Table Of Contents:
- Overall Square Footage of the Kitchen
- Cabinet Height Preferences
- Cabinet Features
- Materials and Finishes
- Structural Changes
- Appliance Considerations
- Plumbing and Electrical Work
- Task Lighting Integration
- Expected Timeline
- Budget for Additional Permits and Inspections
- Contractor vs. Homeowner Work
- Custom Elements
- Regional Cost Variations
- Ordering Timeline for Cabinet Production
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Conclusion
Overall Square Footage of the Kitchen
The size of your kitchen is one of the biggest factors in determining overall cost. Larger kitchens require more flooring, cabinetry, countertops, and labor, which drives up the price. In Fort Lauderdale, the average cost of a kitchen remodel ranges from $120 to $325 per square foot, slightly higher than the statewide average because of higher labor rates and the demand for premium finishes.
For example, a small 100-square-foot kitchen in Fort Lauderdale may cost between $12,000 and $32,500, while a larger 250-square-foot space could run $30,000 to $80,000 or more, depending on design choices and upgrades.
Accurate measurements are essential when planning. Knowing your square footage helps estimate how much material you’ll need for essentials like countertops, flooring, and cabinetry. It also makes it easier to compare quotes from contractors and avoid under- or over-estimating your budget.
Cabinet Height Preferences
Choosing the right cabinet height does more than change how your kitchen looks. It affects storage, functionality, and cost. In Fort Lauderdale, many homeowners lean toward taller cabinets that extend to the ceiling, especially in homes with higher ceilings or modern coastal designs. These provide extra storage and a sleek, finished look that works well in both contemporary and transitional kitchens.
Standard cabinets are usually 30 to 36 inches tall but extending them to 42 inches or more will increase your budget. On average, taller cabinets can add 10 to 20 percent to the overall cabinetry cost. This is because they require more material, additional labor, and sometimes even custom installation.
The choice comes down to your priorities. If you want to maximize storage for cookware and pantry items, tall cabinets are often worth the investment. If keeping costs lower is your focus, standard-height cabinets can still deliver a functional, attractive kitchen without the added expense.
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Cabinet Features
The features you choose for your cabinets can significantly affect the overall cost of your remodel. Standard cabinets with simple finishes are the most budget-friendly, while custom upgrades and premium details can increase expenses quickly.
Glass Doors and Finished Interiors
Upgrading cabinets with glass doors, interior lighting, or custom finishes gives your kitchen a polished, high-end look. Glass doors require precise installation and are often paired with custom interior lighting to highlight the items inside.
Cost Impact: Cabinets with glass doors can raise costs by 15 to 30 percent compared to traditional solid fronts. Additional upgrades such as dovetail joints, soft-close hinges, and detailed moldings can also increase the price. These features enhance both appearance and functionality, but it’s important to balance them with your budget.
Materials and Finishes
The materials and finishes you choose for cabinets and countertops play a central role in your kitchen remodeling budget. Some materials bring long-lasting durability and a luxury feel but come at a higher price. Others provide more affordable options that can still deliver excellent quality and style.
Cabinets
Homeowners can choose from a wide range of cabinet styles, each with its own price point and visual appeal:
- Traditional: Often crafted from solid wood with intricate details and timeless charm. These typically cost $300 to $500 per linear foot.
- Transitional: A balance of modern and traditional, featuring clean lines softened with warmth. Expect to pay $200 to $400 per linear foot.
- Contemporary: Sleek and minimal, often using laminates or metal finishes for a modern feel. Prices usually range from $250 to $450 per linear foot.
- European: Frameless designs with an emphasis on function and a streamlined look. These generally cost $400 to $600 per linear foot.
Countertops
Countertops are one of the most visible elements in any kitchen and play a big role in both design and functionality. The material you choose will affect not only the appearance but also maintenance and long-term durability.
- Quartz: A strong, low-maintenance surface that resembles natural stone. Quartz typically costs between $50 and $150 per square foot, depending on the brand and finish.
- Quartzite: A natural stone prized for its marble-like beauty and greater durability. Prices usually range from $60 to $120 per square foot.
- Granite: A classic option known for its durability and natural variation. Expect to pay between $40 and $100 per square foot.
- Sintered stone: A newer material valued for its strength, heat resistance, and ease of care. Costs generally fall between $60 and $120 per square foot.
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Kitchen Design: Creating Your Dream
Our team of expert designers understands that every homeowner has unique preferences and needs when it comes to their kitchen. That's why we work closely with you to design a kitchen that perfectly aligns with your style, budget, and requirements. From choosing the right cabinets and countertops to selecting the ideal lighting and appliances, our experts guide you through every step of the process to ensure your dream kitchen becomes a reality.
Kitchen Remodeling: Bringing Your Vision to Life
With years of experience in the industry, our skilled team of craftsmen is equipped with the expertise and tools needed to transform your kitchen into a beautiful, functional space. We handle everything from demolition and structural modifications to installation and finishing touches, ensuring every detail is executed flawlessly.
Bathroom Remodeling: Creating a Relaxing Retreat
Take your bathroom from outdated to elegant with our expert bathroom remodeling services. Our team will work with you to create a design that suits your needs and style while using top-quality materials and finishes to bring the vision to life. From luxurious showers and bathtubs to custom vanities and lighting, we have all the elements to create a spa-like retreat in your own home.
Structural Changes
Altering the structure of your kitchen can have one of the biggest impacts on remodeling costs. Changes such as removing or moving walls, relocating plumbing, or shifting the overall layout require additional labor, engineering, and permits. For example, taking down a load-bearing wall involves careful planning and support work, which adds to both time and expense.
Depending on the complexity, structural changes can add anywhere from $5,000 to $15,000 or more to the total project cost. Homeowners who want to create an open-concept layout often find this investment worthwhile, but it’s important to account for it in your budget from the start. A clear plan with a qualified contractor will help you understand the scope of work and avoid unexpected costs.
The appliances you choose will influence both the cost and overall performance of your kitchen. High-end models come with advanced features and a polished look, but they also carry a higher price tag and often require specialized installation.
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Selection and Model Numbers
Providing appliance model numbers early in the design process is essential. This allows your design team to plan cabinetry, electrical, and plumbing layouts around the exact dimensions of your appliances. Taking this step helps prevent expensive last-minute adjustments.
High-end brands such as Sub-Zero, Wolf, or Viking can cost $10,000 or more for a complete set. Mid-range brands like KitchenAid or GE Profile are more budget-friendly, typically ranging from $3,000 to $8,000 for a full suite.
Installation Types
How your appliances are installed also affects your budget. Surface-mount options are standard, while flush-mount installations, which align perfectly with surrounding cabinetry, provide a seamless, built-in look. The latter requires custom cabinetry and more precise work.
Expect to pay an additional $1,000 to $3,000 for flush-mount installations compared to standard setups, depending on the number of appliances and the level of customization required.
Plumbing and Electrical Work
Plumbing and electrical upgrades are often part of a kitchen remodel, especially when appliances or major fixtures are moved. These tasks require licensed professionals to ensure everything is safe and up to code. Trying to cut corners here can create costly problems down the road, so it’s best to leave this work to experienced tradespeople.
In Fort Lauderdale, plumbing and electrical work for a kitchen remodel typically ranges from $2,000 to $6,000, depending on how much needs to be done. Relocating a sink, dishwasher, or multiple lighting fixtures will increase the cost. If you’re adding new outlets, installing under-cabinet lighting, or upgrading to modern appliances, expect these updates to take a larger share of the budget.
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Task Lighting Integration
Lighting does more than set the mood in your kitchen. It also improves functionality by making cooking and preparation areas brighter and easier to use. Task lighting, such as under-cabinet strips or pendant fixtures above the island, ensures you have the right amount of light exactly where you need it.
The cost of adding task lighting generally falls between $500 and $2,000, depending on the number of fixtures and the type of system you choose. LED lights, dimmable switches, and custom designs will be on the higher end of the range, but they provide flexibility and long-term energy savings.
Expected Timeline
Most kitchen renovations take between 6 and 12 weeks to finish, though the timeline depends on the size of the project and the materials you select. Projects that include custom cabinetry or high-end finishes often take longer, since these items need additional time for production and installation.
Several factors can affect the schedule:
Custom cabinetry may require 8 to 12 weeks to be built and delivered.
Appliance or specialty material orders that arrive late can delay progress.
Contractor or subcontractor scheduling conflicts may extend the project timeline.
Planning and ordering materials early is one of the best ways to keep your remodel on track.
Budget for Additional Permits and Inspections
When a remodel includes structural changes, plumbing, or electrical work, permits and inspections are usually required to meet local building codes. These steps ensure the work is completed safely and up to standard, but they also add to the project cost and timeline.
In Fort Lauderdale, permit fees for kitchen renovations typically range from $1,000 to $3,000, depending on the scope of work. Structural changes or major electrical updates usually fall on the higher end of that scale. Planning for these costs in advance helps avoid budget surprises and keeps your project moving forward without unnecessary delays.
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Contractor vs. Homeowner Work
One of the key decisions in a kitchen remodel is how much of the work you plan to do yourself and how much to leave to a contractor. Simple tasks such as painting walls or installing hardware can be handled by homeowners looking to save money. However, specialized work like plumbing, electrical, or cabinetry installation should be left to professionals to ensure safety and quality.
Homeowners who take on smaller projects may save on labor costs, which often range from $50 to $150 per hour. Still, experienced contractors bring the knowledge and skills needed for more complex jobs, helping you avoid mistakes that could cost more to fix later. Knowing where to step in and where to hire help is an important part of managing both budget and results.
Custom Elements
Adding custom features is a way to make your kitchen truly your own. Built-in wine racks, specialized cabinetry, and unique storage solutions can add convenience and personality while setting your space apart. These upgrades provide both function and style, but they also increase the overall project cost.
Custom elements typically add between $2,000 and $10,000 to a remodel, depending on the design and materials involved. Popular options include custom kitchen islands, detailed backsplash designs, and tailored storage solutions for cookware or appliances. While these additions can raise your budget, they also create a kitchen that better fits your lifestyle and enhances the value of your home.
Regional Cost Variations
Remodeling costs can differ widely across Florida, and Fort Lauderdale often falls on the higher end compared to smaller towns. Factors such as higher labor rates, demand for skilled contractors, and the popularity of premium finishes contribute to increased pricing in this area. Homes near the waterfront or in higher-value neighborhoods may also influence costs, especially when specialized materials or coastal-resistant features are used.
To get an accurate estimate, it’s important to research local pricing and request quotes from several Fort Lauderdale contractors. Comparing options not only helps you understand the range of costs but also ensures you find a professional who can deliver quality work within your budget.
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Ordering Timeline for Cabinet Production
Cabinets often take the longest to arrive, which makes ordering them early in the renovation process essential. Custom cabinetry and high-end finishes typically require more time for production, with most orders taking 8 to 12 weeks before delivery.
Planning ahead is the best way to avoid unnecessary delays. Once you're kitchen design and layout are finalized, place your cabinet order right away. This ensures the cabinets arrive on schedule and allows the rest of the remodel to move forward without interruptions.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
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Conclusion
A kitchen remodel in Fort Lauderdale can be one of the most rewarding investments you make in your home. Understanding the costs involved and planning carefully helps ensure the process goes smoothly and delivers results that match both your vision and your budget. By setting priorities and exploring options that balance style with value, you can achieve a kitchen that feels fresh, practical, and inviting.
A well-designed kitchen is more than a place to cook. It becomes a central space where family and friends gather, and where lasting memories are made. With thoughtful planning and the right team, your remodel can create a space that fits your lifestyle while adding value to your property.
At Kitchen Designs & More, we take pride in helping Fort Lauderdale homeowners bring their kitchen ideas to life. Our experienced team is here to guide you through every step of the process. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward your new kitchen.
