2025 Palm Beach & Polk County Kitchen Remodel Cost & Timeline (Realistic Numbers)

By BlueLadder Builders — CBC1268807Serving Palm Beach & Polk Counties

Thinking about a kitchen remodel in 2025? Here’s a clear, local guide with realistic cost ranges and a week-by-week timeline—tailored to both Palm Beach (coastal, higher-finish markets) and Polk (inland, family-focused neighborhoods).

Snapshot: Costs & Timeframes

• Cosmetic refresh (paint, pulls, minor fixes): $7k–$18k | 1–3 weeks | Often no permit

• Pull-and-replace (new cabs, tops, fixtures, same layout): $35k–$70k | 5–8 weeks | Streamlined permits

• Re-layout (move plumbing/electric, partial walls): $70k–$115k | 8–12 weeks | Full permits + inspections

• Major/custom (structural, high-end finishes, pro appliances): $120k–$250k+ | 12–20+ weeks | Engineering + full permit set

What Most Impacts Your Budget

1. Cabinetry (25–40%)

   • Semi-custom shaker vs. full custom/inset.

   • Storage upgrades (pull-outs, spice inserts, trash pull) add cost but boost daily usability.

2. Countertops (8–15%)

   • Durable quartz/granite are Florida favorites.

   • Waterfall islands and full-height splashes increase material and fabrication.

3. Appliances (8–25%)

   • Midline packages (GE Profile, KitchenAid, LG) vs. pro (Monogram, Wolf/Sub-Zero, Miele).

4. Trades (10–20%)

   • Electrical (new circuits/AFCI/GFCI), plumbing relocations, proper venting.

5. Floors & Tile (5–12%)

   • Porcelain stands up to humidity, pets, sand.

6. Design, Permits & Inspections (3–8%)

   • Plans, submittals, and agency fees vary by city/county.

7. General Conditions (5–12%)

   • Dust control, protection, dumpsters, daily cleanup, supervision, insurance.

Permit Basics: Palm Beach and Polk County

When you likely need a permit: moving/adding plumbing or circuits, gas work, structural changes, new windows/doors, or significant layout changes.

Often not required: like-for-like swaps, paint, hardware-only refreshes—always verify with your AHJ (Authority Having Jurisdiction).

Palm Beach examples: West Palm Beach, Boca Raton, Palm Beach Gardens, Jupiter, and unincorporated areas via Palm Beach County Building Division.

Polk examples: Lakeland, Winter Haven, Haines City, Bartow, Auburndale, Lake Wales, and unincorporated areas via Polk County Building Division.

Typical review times: 5–15 business days for straightforward interior kitchen permits; longer when structural, historic districts, flood/impact considerations, or multiple revision cycles are involved.Inspections: rough-ins (E/P/M) → framing (if applicable) → insulation/drywall (as required) → finals.

Coastal vs. Inland Considerations

• Palm Beach (coastal): salt-air hardware/fasteners, proper venting/hood ducting, moisture-smart materials. Premium finishes and HOA/condo approvals can affect both budget and lead time.

• Polk (inland): strong humidity control, sensible layouts for busy households, and value-driven selections. Permitting is still FBC-driven, but fees and timelines can be a bit lighter.

2025 Lead Times (Plan Ahead)

• Semi-custom cabinets: 3–8 weeks after final design sign-off (custom can be 10–14).

• Countertops: 1–2 weeks from template (after base cabinets installed).

• Appliances: Many mid-range sets in stock / 2–4 weeks; specialty or pro items 6–10+ weeks.

• Tile/fixtures: 2–6 weeks if not local stock.

Scheduling tip: Long-lead selections define your critical path—lock them early.

Hidden/Overlooked Costs (We Plan For These)

• Electrical panel at capacity → sub-panel or service upgrade.

• Flooring transitions into adjacent rooms.

• Drywall/texture blending after soffit removal or re-layout.

• Venting/hood makeup air requirements.

• Condo/HOA approvals (PB common; Polk in some communities).

• Livability measures: dust walls, floor protection, air scrubbers.

Sample Budgets (Localized)

Pull-and-Replace (same layout)

• Semi-custom cabinets: $22k–$32k

• Quartz tops (70–90 sq ft): $5k–$8k

• Backsplash tile/install: $2k–$4k

• Electrical/plumbing updates: $6k–$10k

• Appliances (midline 4-piece): $6k–$12k

• Flooring patch/repair (as needed): $1k–$3k

• Paint, protection, permits, GC: $10k–$15kTypical total: $52k–$78k

Mid-Range Re-Layout

• Custom/semi-custom cabinets w/ organizers: $35k–$55k

• Stone tops (waterfall island): $8k–$14k

• Full tile + under-cabinet lighting: $4k–$8k

• E/P/G relocations: $12k–$20k

• Appliances (upgrade package): $10k–$20k

• Flooring replacement (LVP/porcelain): $4k–$8k

• Paint, protection, permits, GC: $12k–$20kTypical total: $85k–$120k

Week-by-Week Timeline (No Guesswork)

Pre-Construction (2–6 weeks):Design, selections, final pricing → contract → order long-lead items → permit submission.

Week 1 — Demo & ProtectionDust walls, floor protection, demo cabs/tops/soffits, rough cleanup.

Week 2–3 — Rough-InsElectrical circuits/lighting, plumbing/gas moves, hood ducting. Rough inspections.

Week 4 — Close-InFraming patches, drywall/finish, prime/first coat. Close-in inspections (if required).

Week 5–6 — Cabinets & TopsSet cabinets → template → fabricate 7–10 days → install tops + sinks.

Week 7 — FinishesBacksplash tile + grout, trim, caulk, touch-ups.

Week 8 — Set & FinalFixtures, appliances, electrical trims, final paint, final inspections, homeowner walk-through.

How We Keep You On Schedule

• Decision Log: Model #s, finish codes, delivery dates in one shared doc.

• Same-Day Change Pricing: Scope changes priced/approved in writing—no surprises.

• Clean & Livable: HEPA air scrubbers, covered vents, daily cleanup.

• Two-Week Look-Ahead: You always know who/what/when.

• Inspection Prep: We pre-punch work before calling inspectors.

Value & Resale (South Florida Reality)

Well-executed kitchens typically recoup ~50–75% of cost at resale. The bigger win is marketability: updated kitchens photograph and show far better—shortening time on market in both counties.

FAQs (Local)

Can I live at home during the remodel?Yes. We isolate the work zone and can set up a temp coffee/microwave area. Expect dust/drywall days.

Do condos change anything in Palm Beach?Yes—elevator bookings, work-hour limits, noise rules, and HOA approvals. We plan for these.

What about older Polk homes?Great bones, but we often find panel upgrades, venting fixes, or plumbing surprises. We carry a fair contingency.

How far out should I book?Back-plan 6–10 weeks before your target start to handle design, selections, orders, and permits.

Ready to plan your kitchen?

We’ll guide you through design, selections, permits, and a clean, professional build—on time and on budget.

BlueLadder Builders — CBC1268807Serving Palm Beach & Polk Counties✅ Free in-home estimate | ✅ Clear, honest pricing | ✅ 5-Star communication

Call/Message: Get Your Free Estimate 561.298.5169. Want our Kitchen Budget & Timeline Planner (2025 Edition) as a printable? Say the word and I’ll drop it in your inbox.