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.
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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 nothing held back for the surprises that always come along on a job this size. Designing for the photo instead of for your life. Chasing trends. Saving money where it shows. Hiring a builder and no designer, then starting demolition before the materials arrive.
The details the guide is really about.
Most of the mistakes in the guide show up here, at the level of hardware, stone, and joinery.
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Detail
Pot filler over the range
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Material
Quartzite carried up the hood wall
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Detail
Farmhouse sink, unlacquered brass
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Joinery
Deep drawer bank in the island
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Detail
Prep sink and polished nickel
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Material
Quartzite island counter