Real numbers for homeowners in Upper St. Clair, Mt. Lebanon, and the South Hills.
If you're a homeowner in Upper St. Clair, Mt. Lebanon, or anywhere in the South Hills, you're probably wondering what it actually costs to remodel a kitchen in this area. The short answer: most Pittsburgh kitchen renovations run between $25,000 and $75,000, with the average landing around $45,000 for a mid-range project.
But that range is about as useful as saying "somewhere between a Honda and a Mercedes." Let's break down real numbers so you can plan your project with confidence.
The cost of a kitchen remodel depends heavily on your kitchen's size, the scope of work, and the materials you choose. Here's what homeowners in Allegheny County are typically paying in 2024.
For kitchens under 100 square feet, you're looking at $15,000 to $35,000 for a complete renovation. This covers new cabinets, countertops, flooring, and updated appliances.
A 10x10 kitchen (100 square feet) is the industry standard for pricing comparisons. In Pittsburgh, expect:
These numbers include labor but assume you're keeping the same layout. Moving plumbing or electrical adds $3,000–$8,000.
For kitchens between 150–250 square feet—common in Mt. Lebanon colonials and Upper St. Clair homes—costs scale accordingly.
A 12x12 (144 sq ft) or larger kitchen typically runs:
The jump in price isn't just about more square footage. Larger kitchens often include islands, more cabinet runs, and upgraded appliances—all of which add up.
Every kitchen remodel estimate comes down to a handful of major decisions. Here's where your money actually goes.
Cabinets eat up 25–35% of most kitchen renovation budgets. Stock cabinets from big box stores run $75–$150 per linear foot installed. Semi-custom options hit $200–$400, while fully custom cabinetry starts around $500 per linear foot and goes up from there.
For a typical Pittsburgh kitchen with 25 linear feet of cabinets, that's anywhere from $2,000 to $15,000+ just for the boxes.
The countertop you choose dramatically swings your total cost:
Most kitchens need 30–50 square feet of countertop surface, so you're looking at $500 on the low end to $10,000+ for premium stone.
Kitchen flooring costs $1,500–$5,000 for an average-sized space. Luxury vinyl plank (LVP) has become the go-to for Pittsburgh homeowners—it handles our humidity swings, cleans up easily, and runs $4–$8 per square foot installed.
You can spend $3,000 on a basic appliance package or $25,000 on a chef-worthy lineup. Most mid-range kitchen remodels allocate $5,000–$10,000 for a new refrigerator, range, dishwasher, and microwave.
Skilled labor is the hidden variable in any remodel estimate. Pittsburgh contractor rates run lower than coastal cities but have climbed steadily. Expect labor to account for 35–40% of your total project cost.
For a $50,000 kitchen remodel, roughly $17,000–$20,000 goes directly to the people doing the work.
An affordable kitchen remodel focuses on cosmetic upgrades that deliver visual impact without structural changes. This typically includes:
You keep the same footprint but get a kitchen that looks and functions better.
This is where most South Hills homeowners land. A mid-range renovation includes:
You're getting a meaningfully upgraded kitchen without the price tag of a full gut renovation.
At this level, you're reconfiguring the space entirely. Walls come down. Islands go in. Premium finishes and professional-grade appliances become standard. Custom cabinetry, natural stone surfaces, and designer fixtures define the aesthetic.
Timeline depends entirely on scope:
Add 2–4 weeks to any timeline if you're moving plumbing or electrical, and another 2–3 weeks if permits require inspection delays.
The honest answer: plan for your kitchen to be unusable for at least a month on any significant project, and set up a temporary cooking station in your garage or basement.
Finding the right contractor for your kitchen remodel makes or breaks the experience. When evaluating kitchen remodeling companies in the Pittsburgh area:
Check their local track record. Ask for references from past kitchen projects specifically. A contractor who's built decks isn't automatically qualified to handle a $50,000 kitchen renovation.
Get itemized estimates. A vague "kitchen remodel: $45,000" quote tells you nothing. You need line items for demolition, cabinets, counters, plumbing, electrical, flooring, and finishes.
Verify licensing and insurance. Pennsylvania requires contractors to carry liability insurance. Ask for a current certificate of insurance and confirm their workers' comp coverage.
Discuss payment structure. Be wary of anyone asking for more than 25–33% upfront. Standard payment schedules tie progress payments to completed milestones.
How much does it cost to remodel a kitchen in Pittsburgh?
Most kitchen remodels in the Pittsburgh area cost between $25,000 and $75,000. A small cosmetic update might run $15,000, while a high-end gut renovation can exceed $100,000. The average mid-range project lands around $45,000.
What is the most expensive part of a kitchen remodel?
Cabinets typically claim the largest share—25–35% of your total budget. Custom cabinetry can easily hit $20,000–$30,000 on its own. Countertops, appliances, and labor are the next biggest line items.
Is $30,000 enough for a kitchen remodel?
Yes, $30,000 is a realistic budget for a small to mid-size kitchen renovation in Pittsburgh. You can get new cabinets, countertops, flooring, and appliances—just don't expect custom cabinetry or high-end finishes at this price point.
How long does a kitchen remodel take?
Plan for 6–10 weeks for a typical mid-range kitchen renovation. Cosmetic updates can wrap up in 2–3 weeks, while full gut remodels often stretch 12–16 weeks or longer, especially with permit requirements.
Should I hire a general contractor or a kitchen remodeling company?
Either can work well. Kitchen-focused contractors often have better supplier relationships for cabinets and counters, potentially saving you money on materials. General contractors may offer more flexibility if your project involves adjacent rooms or structural changes.
Do you need permits for a kitchen remodel in Pennsylvania?
Usually yes—especially for electrical, plumbing, or structural work. Allegheny County and most municipalities require permits for anything beyond cosmetic changes. Your contractor should handle permit applications as part of the project.
Get a detailed estimate for your Pittsburgh kitchen renovation.
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