Kitchen remodel cost guide
Kitchen Remodel Cost in Fargo-Moorhead: What Really Drives the Price
By The Home Authority, Inc. design-build team · Updated October 2026 · 8 min read
There’s no honest one-size price for a kitchen. Two kitchens the same size can land far apart based on layout, cabinetry and selections. Here’s what moves the number, so you can plan with confidence
How much does a kitchen remodel cost in Fargo-Moorhead?
It depends mostly on five things: your cabinetry, whether the layout changes, your countertops, your appliances and any structural work. Size matters less than most people think. With The Home Authority, Inc., your kitchen is designed first, then priced at one fixed number before construction begins.
- Biggest driver
- Cabinetry and layout changes
- Easiest savings
- Keep plumbing and appliances in place
- Often overlooked
- Electrical, lighting and hidden conditions
- Our pricing
- One fixed price before we build
What kind of kitchen project is yours?
Scope is the biggest thing that separates one project's investment from another's. Pick the one closest to yours.
A fresh look, same layout
Updating surfaces and finishes while cabinets, plumbing and appliances stay where they are.
Cost drivers usually in play
- Countertops
- Backsplash
- Finish selections
Usually includes
- Cabinet refinishing by The Coatings Authority
- New countertops and backsplash
- New hardware, faucet and sink
- Updated lighting
The 10 factors that shape a kitchen budget
Ranked roughly by how much they tend to move the investment. Every kitchen is different, but these are the decisions that matter most.
- 01
Cabinetry
Big impact
Cabinets cover the most surface in a kitchen and set the style, storage and durability for decades.
- Stock, semi-custom or custom
- Box construction
- Storage accessories
- Specialty cabinets
- Finish
- Crown and trim
Studio A tip: Refinishing solid boxes and adding a few new custom pieces can give you a new look for less. The Coatings Authority and The Cabinet Authority do both.
- 02
Layout changes
Big impact
Keeping the sink, range and fridge where they are is usually simplest. Moving them ripples into plumbing, electrical, flooring and cabinetry.
- Moving the sink
- Relocating appliances
- Adding an island
- Changing traffic flow
- Expanding the footprint
Studio A tip: Often one well-placed move, like shifting the range, fixes the flow without moving everything.
- 03
Structural changes
Big impact
Opening up a kitchen often means removing or reworking walls, which can require beams, engineering and permits.
- Load-bearing walls
- Beams and posts
- Wider openings
- Ceiling changes
- Engineering
Studio A tip: We check what's in a wall during design, so wall removal is planned and priced, not a surprise.
- 04
Countertops
Moderate impact
Material, size, seams, edge details and cutouts all affect fabrication and installation.
- Quartz
- Granite
- Natural stone
- Porcelain
- Solid surface
- Butcher block
Studio A tip: Mixing materials, like quartz on the perimeter and wood on the island, adds character and helps the budget.
- 05
Appliances
Moderate impact
Built-in and professional-grade appliances can change cabinetry, ventilation, electrical and gas needs.
- Built-in refrigeration
- Pro-style ranges
- Wall ovens
- Ventilation hoods
- Beverage centers
Studio A tip: Choose appliances during design. Cabinets are built around exact appliance sizes.
- 06
Lighting & electrical
Moderate impact
Today's kitchens need more circuits, outlets and layered lighting than many older homes have.
- Recessed lighting
- Under-cabinet lighting
- Pendants
- Dedicated circuits
- Panel capacity
Studio A tip: Layered lighting changes how a kitchen feels more than almost any finish.
- 07
Flooring
Moderate impact
The material and how far it runs into nearby rooms affect the scope, plus any subfloor prep.
- Luxury vinyl plank
- Hardwood
- Engineered wood
- Tile
- Subfloor prep
Studio A tip: If walls move, plan flooring for the whole open area so it flows without patches.
- 08
Backsplash & walls
Can vary
From simple tile to full-height slab, the backsplash is a big look for a small area.
- Subway tile
- Large-format tile
- Full-height slab
- Mosaics
- Accent walls
Studio A tip: A full-height backsplash behind the range alone makes a big statement.
- 10
Finish selections
Can vary
Hardware, faucets, sinks, lighting fixtures and trim are small choices that add up.
- Hardware
- Faucets
- Sinks
- Light fixtures
- Trim and paint
Studio A tip: Your Studio A designer helps you choose where to splurge and where to save.
Kitchen cost drivers: simpler vs. more involved
| Cost driver | Usually simpler | Usually adds scope |
|---|---|---|
| Cabinetry | Refinish solid cabinets | New custom cabinetry with specialty storage |
| Layout | Keep sink, range and fridge in place | Relocate plumbing, gas and appliances |
| Walls | Walls stay where they are | Remove load-bearing walls for an open plan |
| Countertops | Standard edges, few seams | Large islands, thick edges, waterfall ends |
| Appliances | Standard sizes in the same spots | Built-in, pro-style or new ventilation |
| Electrical | Updated fixtures on existing circuits | New circuits, panel upgrade, layered lighting |
| Flooring | Kitchen area only | Continuous flooring through open spaces |
Get more kitchen for your budget
Smart ways our designers help homeowners put their budget where it matters most.
Keep the footprint
Leaving the sink, range and fridge in place keeps plumbing, gas and electrical simpler.
Refinish + add custom
Refinish solid cabinets and add a new custom island or pantry wall to match.
Splurge where you touch
Put the budget into counters, faucets and hardware you use every day.
Decide before we build
Making every selection during design avoids changes once construction starts.
Mix your materials
Pair a statement island with simpler perimeter counters for a custom look.
Plan for the long term
Durable finishes and good storage mean you won't redo it in a few years.
Know your number before construction starts
Every remodel is different, so we don't quote off a chart. We design your project first, help you make your selections, then give you one fixed price for exactly that. Studio A interior design is included.
Fixed-price vs. cost-plus, explained →Free consult
Talk through your goals, your space and a comfortable budget range.
Design with Studio A
Your designer plans the layout and helps you choose every selection.
Your fixed price
With the design and selections set, you get one fixed price.
Build
Our team builds exactly what was designed and priced.
FAQ
Kitchen remodel cost questions
Have one we didn't answer? Ask it at your free consult.
How much does a kitchen remodel cost in Fargo-Moorhead?
It depends on cabinetry, layout changes, countertops, appliances, structural work and finish selections more than size. We design your kitchen first, then give you one fixed price before construction begins.
What is the biggest factor in kitchen remodel cost?
Cabinetry and layout changes usually have the biggest impact, followed by structural work like wall removal, countertops and appliances. Every kitchen is different.
Is it cheaper to keep my existing kitchen layout?
Often, yes. Keeping the sink, range and refrigerator in place avoids moving plumbing, gas and electrical, which reduces complexity.
Is refinishing cabinets cheaper than replacing them?
Refinishing solid cabinets is usually a lighter scope than new cabinetry. If the layout and storage work for you, refinishing by The Coatings Authority can give you a whole new look.
Does removing a wall add a lot to a kitchen remodel?
It can. Load-bearing walls may need beams, engineering and permits, plus patching floors and ceilings. We plan and price it during design.
Do appliance choices affect kitchen remodel cost?
Yes. Built-in or professional-grade appliances can change cabinetry, ventilation, electrical and gas needs, so we choose them during design.
Why don’t you list average kitchen remodel prices?
National averages rarely match a real kitchen in a real home. A free consult and design give you a number for your kitchen, not someone else’s.
Can I finance a kitchen remodel?
Yes. Many homeowners finance their remodel. Our remodel financing page has a payment calculator and explains your options.
Get a real number for your kitchen.
A free 15-minute call about your project. You'll leave with:
- A clear plan for your project
- Where your budget matters most
- Answers to all your questions
- What happens next, start to finish
Ready when you are
Bring photos, a budget range or just your wish list.
Book My Free Remodel ConsultPrefer to talk now? 218-620-9126