Remodeling your kitchen in Portland is one of the most impactful investments you can make in your home. Whether you live in the historic neighborhoods of Laurelhurst, the bungalows of Sellwood, or the custom homes in Lake Oswego or West Linn, kitchen renovations are a smart way to enhance both function and value for your biggest investment.
The average kitchen remodel cost in Portland ranges from $75,000 to over $150,000, depending on the project’s scope, level of customization, and material selections. While every remodel is unique, most projects follow a consistent cost breakdown:
■ Cabinetry & Hardware (25%–30%) – Custom or semi-custom cabinetry is typically the largest single expense in a kitchen remodel.
■ Installation & Labor (20%–25%) – This includes demolition, carpentry, plumbing, electrical, and general construction labor—especially relevant in Portland homes that often require code upgrades.
■ Appliances (10%–15%) – Upgrading to energy-efficient, professional-grade appliances can significantly affect this category.
■ Countertops (10%–15%) – Natural stone or quartz surfaces remain popular in the Portland market for their durability and resale value.
■ Flooring (5%–10%) – Hardwood, tile, or luxury vinyl tile (LVT) selections impact both function and design continuity throughout the home.
■ Lighting, Paint, & Fixtures (5%–10%) – Finishing touches like under-cabinet lighting, designer pendants, and plumbing fixtures tie the aesthetic together.
■ Design, Permits & Contingency (10%–15%) – This includes professional design services, local permits, and a contingency reserve for surprises like dry rot or outdated plumbing—common in older Portland neighborhoods.
Understanding how these percentages contribute to your total investment helps ensure you're budgeting accurately and prioritizing where it counts.
In this guide, we’ll break down the Average Kitchen Remodeling Costs In Portland, OR, explain what affects pricing, and help you plan your ideal kitchen remodel—whether you’re refreshing a tired layout or going all-in on a luxury redesign.
To help simplify the kitchen remodel cost breakdown for our clients, we categorize our kitchen remodel projects into three main types; these represent a Refresh, a Mid Level Redesign, and a Luxury Redesign, and costs can vary significantly based on design complexity, labor costs, and material quality.
Many Portland-area homes—from craftsman-era builds in Irvington to contemporary homes in the West Hills—require different levels of renovation based on age, existing infrastructure, and historical design elements.
Older homes often require more updates, which can significantly increase overall costs compared to newer properties. Homeowners may also incur costs when unexpected issues arise during renovation, such as outdated wiring or hidden water damage, leading to additional expenses.
A compact kitchen in a NE Portland bungalow will cost significantly less to remodel than a sprawling kitchen in a Dunthorpe estate or custom home in Lake Oswego. Layout changes, wall removals, and moving plumbing or electrical will also drive up costs.
Changing appliance locations often requires additional modifications to electrical and plumbing systems, which can further increase expenses. By keeping the existing kitchen layout and avoiding major changes to appliance locations, you can potentially save tens of thousands on your remodel.
The materials you choose make a big impact. Quartz counters, custom cabinets, high-end tile, and pro-grade appliances will push your remodel toward a high-end budget, while simpler materials can help you stay in a mid-range refresh.
Opting for high end cabinet lines, such as luxury, fully customized artisan cabinetry from prestigious brands, can significantly elevate both the look and cost of your kitchen. Incorporating custom features like bespoke cabinetry or unique design elements will further enhance the aesthetic and functionality, but also increase the overall project cost.
Local regulations in Multnomah, Clackamas, and Washington Counties impact timeline and pricing. Trends in the construction industry can also influence permit and code requirements, affecting both the process and costs. Our team ensures every remodel complies with Portland’s building codes and permit process to avoid costly surprises. Working with a professional construction company helps streamline permit management and ensures all regulatory steps are handled efficiently. Additionally, expenses for construction management staff and company vehicles are included in overall project pricing, reflecting the true cost of professional oversight and project execution.
Perfect for Portland homeowners who love their kitchen’s layout but need a cosmetic facelift. No structural changes, no layout reconfigurations—just a clean, stylish refresh using premium finishes.
A kitchen refresh is a smart investment for Portland homeowners looking to modernize their space without the cost or complexity of a full renovation. A kitchen refresh allows you to control the remodel cost of your project while still getting a well designed, fully functional kitchen that meets your needs.
This streamlined approach reduces construction time and budget, making it perfect for homeowners who want to boost both style and function with minimal disruption. By incorporating energy-efficient appliances, updated lighting, custom storage options, and modern finishes, a kitchen refresh can dramatically improve everyday living while increasing home value—especially in Portland’s competitive real estate market.
This level of kitchen remodel is best for Portland homeowners experiencing flow issues, lack of storage, or outdated infrastructure. These projects often include opening up walls, moving appliances, or expanding cabinetry. The primary goal is to maximize the functionality of the existing space through smart, efficient design choices.
By carefully analyzing the kitchen’s layout, our in house design team can create more usable work areas, improve traffic flow, and enhance storage solutions without the need for major structural changes. This approach often involves reconfiguring cabinetry to include built-in pantry storage, incorporating pull-out shelves, and optimizing corner spaces.
Additionally, upgrading electrical and plumbing systems allows for the integration of modern appliances and fixtures, all while maintaining the kitchen’s original footprint.
The use of quality materials like quartz or natural stone countertops and durable flooring options such as engineered hardwood or luxury vinyl tile ensures a stylish yet practical finish. The actual cost of flooring can vary significantly depending on the material selected and the complexity of installation, so it’s important to consider these factors when budgeting for your remodel. This type of remodel is ideal for homeowners who want a fresh, functional kitchen tailored to their lifestyle.
Common Features:
Popular in Portland neighborhoods where home footprints are modest but homeowners want a more open, modern kitchen for entertaining—such as Mt. Tabor, Sellwood, The Alberta Arts District as well as outlying areas such as Lake Oswego, & West Linn.
This is a full custom kitchen remodel, ideal for Portland homeowners seeking a high-end, fully customized kitchen tailored to their lifestyle and preferences. Every aspect is personalized in this custom kitchen remodel—from the layout and materials to integrated smart home technology and luxury finishes.
For those desiring an upscale remodel, premium materials and luxury features are incorporated throughout. Upgrading the entire appliance lot at once can streamline installation and ensure a cohesive look. Choosing this level of renovation is a worthwhile investment, offering strong returns and increased home value. Working with our award winning interior design team we will be with you every step of the way to get that premier kitchen you’ve always dreamed of.
Luxury Upgrades Often Include:
Maximizing your return on investment (ROI) is a top priority for many Portland homeowners embarking on a kitchen remodel. A thoughtfully planned kitchen remodeling project can significantly enhance your home’s value, making it more appealing to future buyers and improving your everyday living experience. According to the National Association of Realtors, a minor remodel can recoup up to 80% of its cost at resale, while a major kitchen remodel typically recoups around 59%.
To get the most out of your Portland kitchen renovation, focus on functional improvements and timeless design choices that have broad appeal. Upgrading to energy-efficient appliances not only reduces operating costs but also attracts eco-conscious buyers. Investing in custom cabinetry and premium countertops—such as granite or quartz—adds both style and durability, making your kitchen stand out in Portland’s competitive real estate market.
Don’t overlook the importance of updating electrical and plumbing systems. Modernizing these essential components can increase your home’s safety and value while helping ensure a smooth, code-compliant renovation process. For many older homes in neighborhoods like Sellwood, Laurelhurst, or Irvington, these upgrades are not only practical but expected in today’s market.
Smart planning and a well-structured kitchen remodeling budget are essential to keeping your project on track and aligned with your goals. At Lifetime Remodeling Systems, we help Portland homeowners design to a base budget and selectively add optional upgrades—keeping ROI front and center throughout the process.
By prioritizing features that significantly enhance both function and aesthetics, you’ll create a kitchen that delivers lasting value for years to come. Whether you’re refreshing your space or investing in a full custom redesign, a well-executed kitchen remodel in Portland can dramatically improve daily living and future resale appeal.
Determine whether you’re aiming for a Refresh, Midrange, or Luxury remodel for you portland kitchen remodel. This helps guide your design decisions, material selections, and timeline.
Working with a Portland-based design-build firm like Lifetime Remodeling Systems ensures your kitchen is designed to budget. Our in-house design team uses premier digital design suites such as REVIT to design the entire project including 2D construction drawings, high-end 3D renderings, material selection sheets and more so you can visualize every detail before construction begins.
It’s easy to fall in love with luxury add-ons during the design process. That’s why we clearly itemize optional features—like cabinet organizers or designer lighting—so you can prioritize where to invest and where to save.
We recommend reserving 15%–20% of your total budget for surprises. In older Portland homes, we occasionally uncover dry rot, outdated plumbing, or improperly installed electrical during demo (we call it the old home tax) that must be corrected to meet code.
At Lifetime Remodeling Systems, we’ve developed a streamlined, transparent process that guides Portland homeowners from concept to completion. Here's what you can expect when working with our award-winning design-build team:
We begin with a free, onsite consultation to evaluate your space and determine if your kitchen remodel is the right fit for our firm. During this visit, we walk you through our process in detail and answer any preliminary questions you have about layout, budgeting, and project timing.
Once you're ready to move forward, we enter the design phase. Our team uses Canvas to digitally scan your existing kitchen, capturing accurate measurements and spatial data. We then develop 2D construction drawings and photo-realistic 3D renderings using Chief Architect, so you can clearly visualize your new kitchen layout, materials, and finishes before construction begins. This collaborative step ensures your remodel reflects your style and functional needs.
After design is complete, we present a multi-page, fully itemized estimate that outlines every detail of your Portland kitchen remodel. Optional upgrades or add-ons are clearly marked, giving you full control over the scope and final investment. Our transparent approach allows you to prioritize features based on budget and long-term value.
Once you sign the construction agreement, we place orders for your selected materials and have them delivered directly to our warehouse for safekeeping. Your project is then scheduled in BuilderTrend, our project management platform, which provides real-time updates and communication throughout the build. At this point, your dedicated Project Consultant—with 10+ years of trade-specific experience—takes over project oversight from our design team and manages every detail of construction.
After construction wraps up, we handle all final punch list items and schedule professional photography to document your completed kitchen remodel. With everything finalized, it’s time to enjoy your new space—designed and built to elevate your home’s value, functionality, and daily living.
Visit our Kitchen Remodeling Gallery to see projects we've completed over the years or visit our Houzz.com Profile Page to see projects we've featured.
■ Over 25 Years Serving Portland Homeowners
Since 1997, Lifetime Remodeling Systems has successfully completed more than 4,500 projects across the Portland Metro area. We’re known for award-winning craftsmanship, personalized service, and long-term client satisfaction.
■ In-House Project Consultants with Trade Expertise
Each remodel is managed by a dedicated Project Consultant—never a salesperson—who brings 15+ years of specialized experience in their trade, ensuring expert oversight from initial design through final walkthrough.
■ Premium Materials & Expert Installation
We use only top-tier products—from custom cabinetry and quartz or natural stone countertops to professional-grade appliances—installed by our skilled in-house crews and sub contracted partners for precision and longevity.
■ Clear Budgeting with Strategic Itemization
Our transparent budgeting starts with a clear base design. We itemize optional upgrades—like heated floors or beverage stations—letting homeowners control enhancements without compromising the original scope.
■ Full-Service Design Platform Powered by REVIT
Our comprehensive design suite includes;
▫ 2D construction drawings
▫ High-end 3D renderings in REVIT
▫ Curated material selection sheets
▫ Appliance specifications
▫ And more—ensuring your kitchen is planned, visualized, and refined before construction begins.
■ In-House Crews for Quality and Accountability
We never outsource interior remodeling. Our professional, vetted in-house teams deliver consistent craftsmanship, timeliness, and communication throughout your kitchen, bath, or full-home remodel.
■ Award-Winning Design & Craftsmanship
Lifetime Remodeling Systems is honored to receive several prestigious industry awards, including:
✔ Big 50 Award from Remodeling Magazine
✔ Structure & Style Award from Oregon Home Magazine
✔ 4× Best of Houzz Service & Design Awards
Whether you're planning a simple kitchen refresh or a full custom redesign, Lifetime Remodeling Systems kitchen remodeling division is Portland’s trusted partner for high-end kitchen remodeling. With over 25 years of experience, in-house design and carpentry teams, and a proven design-build process, we deliver stunning, functional spaces tailored to your lifestyle and budget.
We proudly serve homeowners across the Portland Metro area, and outlying areas such as Lake Oswego, West Linn, & Happy Valley—with a focus on quality, transparency, and long-term value.
📞 Contact Us today at (503) 242-4242 or fill out our Request an Estimate form to schedule your free in-home consultation with one of our experienced Project Consultants.
Experience the difference of working with one of Portland’s most awarded remodeling firms—and Love Where You Live!
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