The Charlotte Kitchen Planning Guide
What it really costs, how long it takes, and the 7 most expensive mistakes, from a designer who has seen them all. Real numbers for the Charlotte market and a planning checklist. No pressure, even if you take it and run.
The four questions every Charlotte kitchen comes down to.
What a Charlotte kitchen really costs
Refresh $25k–$50k, full renovation $50k–$100k, custom/luxury $100k–$250k+. Most designer-led kitchens land $75k–$200k+. Cabinetry is 30–40% of the budget. Add a 10–20% contingency.
How long it really takes
Design 4–8 weeks, ordering/lead times 6–12 weeks, construction 6–12 weeks. Total 3–6 months. The #1 schedule killer: starting demo before materials arrive.
Is a designer worth it?
On a small refresh, maybe not. On a six-figure kitchen, a designer is the cheapest insurance you can buy. Fees run ~$4,500–$15,000+ flat, or 10–20% of the project.
The 7 most expensive mistakes
Shopping before you have a plan; budgeting with no contingency; designing for the photo not your life; chasing trends; skimping where it shows; hiring a builder with no designer; demoing before materials arrive.