Top Kitchen Remodel Questions on Long Island, Answered

Kitchens are the most expensive room in a house to renovate and the one homeowners live in most. Every decision — layout, cabinetry, appliances, whether a wall comes down — compounds into cost and schedule.

These are the questions we answer most often before a kitchen project begins. Alec's Construction is a licensed Suffolk County general contractor serving Babylon, Islip, Brookhaven, Smithtown, Huntington, Riverhead and the East End.

How much does a kitchen remodel cost per square foot?

A mid-range full kitchen renovation generally runs $45,000 to $85,000. Semi-custom cabinetry, quartz counters and quality appliances put most projects in that band. Custom cabinetry, high-end appliance packages, or a layout change that moves plumbing and gas lines pushes projects well past $100,000. A cosmetic refresh — cabinet refacing, counters, backsplash, hardware — can land between $18,000 and $30,000.

How long should a kitchen remodel take?

Six to twelve weeks of construction for a full renovation, plus lead time before that. Cabinetry is usually the gating item: semi-custom lines commonly run six to ten weeks from order to delivery, and nothing after demolition can be finalized until cabinets are on site. Ordering cabinets early is the single most effective thing a homeowner can do to keep a kitchen on schedule.

Do I need a building permit for a kitchen remodel?

Replacing cabinets, counters and appliances in place typically does not require one. Moving plumbing or gas, altering electrical circuits, or removing walls does. Removing a load-bearing wall always requires a permit and engineered documentation. Long Island towns take unpermitted structural work seriously and it will surface at sale.

Can I remove the wall between my kitchen and living room?

Often, but it depends on whether the wall is load-bearing. If it is, a properly sized beam and adequate support down to the foundation are required, along with a permit and usually an engineer's drawings. On Long Island's postwar capes and ranches this is one of the highest-impact changes available — and one of the most commonly done wrong by unlicensed crews.

What is the most expensive part of a kitchen remodel?

Cabinetry, typically 30 to 40 percent of the total. Countertops, appliances and labor follow. This is why cabinet decisions deserve the most attention early: they drive both the largest line item and the schedule, and they are the hardest thing to change once ordered.

Is it better to reface or replace kitchen cabinets?

If the existing boxes are solid plywood and the layout works, refacing saves substantial money and time. If the boxes are damaged particleboard, or the layout needs to change, replacement is the better investment. Refacing a bad layout locks in the problem you were trying to solve.

How do I cook during the renovation?

Set up a temporary kitchen before demolition — a refrigerator, microwave, and a sink elsewhere in the house if possible. Six to twelve weeks is a long time to improvise. Families who plan the temporary setup in advance handle it comfortably; those who do not tend to eat out enough to notice it in the budget.

Quartz, granite or butcher block?

Quartz dominates for good reason: non-porous, no sealing, highly consistent. Granite is natural stone with more variation and needs periodic sealing. Butcher block is warm and inexpensive but requires oiling and does not belong around a sink unless you are committed to maintaining it. For most Long Island kitchens, quartz is the low-regret choice.

Is an island always a good idea?

Only if the room can take it. An island needs roughly 42 to 48 inches of clearance on every working side. Forcing one into a kitchen that cannot support it makes the space worse, not better. Where clearance is tight, a peninsula or a well-designed run of counter often delivers more usable work surface.

Does a kitchen remodel add value?

Kitchens return more than almost any other renovation, and a dated kitchen suppresses offers on an otherwise strong house. Mid-range renovations consistently return better than high-end ones — spending far beyond your neighborhood's price band rarely comes back at sale.

What about electrical — do I need an upgrade?

Frequently, in older Long Island housing stock. Modern kitchens need dedicated circuits for major appliances, GFCI protection at countertop receptacles, and adequate service capacity. Homes still on older panels or undersized service often need upgrading as part of the project. Better to discover that during planning than during rough-in.

What should I finalize before demolition?

Cabinets ordered, appliances selected with dimensions confirmed, counters chosen, plumbing fixtures picked, and the lighting plan set. Appliance dimensions matter more than people expect — cabinetry is built around them, and a late appliance change can mean rebuilding cabinet runs. A fully specified kitchen runs smoothly; a partially specified one generates change orders.

How much does a kitchen remodel cost without appliances?

Excluding appliances typically takes 8 to 15 percent off the total, so a mid-range renovation that would run $60,000 all-in lands closer to $52,000 to $55,000 with the homeowner supplying appliances. If you go that route, confirm exact model dimensions before cabinets are ordered — cabinetry is built around appliance specs, and a late substitution can mean rebuilding a run.

Is a kitchen remodel worth it in 2026?

Kitchens remain among the strongest-returning renovations, and on Long Island a dated kitchen visibly suppresses offers. Material and labor costs have stabilized compared to the sharp swings of recent years, so estimates hold better than they did. The guidance that has not changed: mid-range renovations return better than high-end ones, and spending well beyond your neighborhood's price band rarely comes back at sale.

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