Kitchen Remodel in Bellevue & the Eastside
ECD remodels kitchens where the layout changes: walls come out, an island gets a sink, the kitchen opens to the living area or grows into a bump-out. These projects need engineering and permits as well as cabinets and tile. On the Eastside, a layout-change kitchen typically costs $70,000–$140,000; one that removes a bearing wall or expands the footprint runs $120,000–$320,000.
Reviewed by Daniel R. Whitcomb, PE · Built by Marcus T. Alvarado
Why do kitchen layouts depend on what is under the floor?
Moving a sink, adding an island with plumbing or turning a range to face the room all depend on routes that are invisible from the kitchen. A sink needs a drain with slope and a vent; an island sink in the middle of the room needs its vent solved without a wall to hide it in. A range hood needs a duct path to outside. On a crawlspace house these routes are usually straightforward; on a slab or over a finished basement ceiling they cost more and sometimes decide the layout.
That is why our kitchen design starts in the crawlspace and the attic, not at the cabinet catalog. When the engineer and designer know where joists run and where drains can drop, the layout you fall in love with is one that can be built at the price you were given.
What does an ECD kitchen remodel include?
- Layout design with cabinet elevations, lighting plan and appliance specifications.
- Engineering for removed or shortened walls, new openings and heavy islands.
- Permits for building, electrical, plumbing and mechanical work.
- Demolition, framing changes, new plumbing and drain routes, dedicated appliance circuits.
- Range hood ducted to the exterior, with makeup air where the hood's capacity requires it.
- Cabinets, counters, backsplash, flooring, lighting, trim and paint within agreed allowances.
What we do not take on
Cosmetic-only refreshes with no layout or structural change, such as cabinet refacing or counter swaps. Those are better served by a cabinet or finish specialist, and we will tell you so on the first call.
What is the schedule for a layout-change kitchen?
- Site visit and layout options3–5 weeks
Two or three layouts with structure, plumbing and venting checked.
- Selections and drawings3–6 weeks
Cabinets, counters, appliances and lighting chosen; permit set drawn.
- Permits and cabinet order3–10 weeks
Permit review runs while cabinets are built.
- Demolition and structure1–3 weeks
Old kitchen removed, walls and beams changed.
- Rough-ins and inspections2–3 weeks
Plumbing, electrical, duct and framing inspections.
- Cabinets, counters and finishes4–7 weeks
Counters are templated after cabinets are set.
How much does a kitchen remodel cost on the Eastside?
| Scope | Typical cost | On-site time |
|---|---|---|
| Same footprint, new layout, relocated plumbing | $70,000–$140,000 | 8–12 weeks |
| Kitchen opened to adjacent room, bearing wall removed | $120,000–$220,000 | 10–14 weeks |
| Expanded footprint with a bump-out | $180,000–$320,000 | 14–20 weeks |
Which permits does a kitchen remodel need?
Replacing cabinets in place usually needs no building permit, but most layout-change kitchens need several. Removing or altering a wall needs a building permit with engineering. New circuits need an electrical permit, issued by the city in some jurisdictions and by Washington L&I in others. Moving fixtures needs a plumbing permit, and a new hood duct a mechanical permit. Under the residential code, kitchen exhaust hoods above 400 cubic feet per minute require makeup air, which affects hood choice. The Permit Estimator shows typical fees and review time.
A kitchen we opened up
PROJECT · BELLEVUE · LAKE HILLSGalley kitchen opened to the family roomA 16-foot bearing wall replaced by a flush beam, island with a prep sink, ducted hood with makeup air.Kitchen questions
Kitchen remodel FAQ
How much does a kitchen remodel cost in Bellevue?
A Bellevue kitchen remodel that changes the layout typically costs $70,000 to $140,000 with mid to upper-mid finishes. Opening the kitchen by removing a bearing wall usually brings the total to $120,000 to $220,000, and expanding the footprint with a bump-out to $180,000 to $320,000. Design, engineering and permits are included in those ranges.
How long will we be without a kitchen?
For a layout-change kitchen, plan on 8 to 12 weeks without a working kitchen; 10 to 14 if a bearing wall comes out; up to 20 for a bump-out. We order cabinets during permit review so the clock starts only when materials are ready, and we can set up a temporary sink and counter in another room.
Can I put a sink in an island?
Usually. On a crawlspace house the drain drops straight down and the vent is handled with an island fixture vent or an air admittance valve where the city allows one. On a slab, the slab is cut and patched for the drain line. Over a finished basement, the drain runs in the basement ceiling. We confirm the route before you commit to the layout.
Why does my new range hood need makeup air?
A powerful hood pulls a lot of air out of a tight house, which can pull exhaust back down a water heater or furnace flue and make doors hard to open. The residential code requires makeup air for kitchen exhaust above 400 cubic feet per minute. We either size the hood below that threshold or add a makeup air system tied to the hood.
Do I need an electrical upgrade for an induction range?
Often, in older Eastside houses. An induction range typically needs a dedicated 40 or 50 amp circuit, and a remodeled kitchen adds several more dedicated circuits. If the panel is 100 or 125 amps and already full, a panel or service upgrade may be needed. We check the panel during the site visit so it is in the budget.
Free estimate · Bellevue office
Talk to the engineer before you commit to a plan
A site visit, a scope conversation and a written budget range, at no cost.