How to Write a Kitchen Remodel Estimate That Wins the Job

Kitchen remodels are some of the most profitable jobs in contracting — but they’re also some of the hardest to bid. The scope is wide, the materials vary wildly in cost, and homeowners almost always have champagne taste on a beer budget. A sloppy estimate loses the job. A detailed, professional one wins it before the homeowner even calls your competitor back.

This guide breaks down exactly how to write a kitchen remodel estimate that protects your margins and earns client trust. Whether you’re a general contractor managing subs or a specialty contractor handling cabinets, countertops, or electrical, the principles are the same.

Why Kitchen Remodel Estimates Are Different

Kitchen remodels aren’t like replacing a water heater or painting a room. They involve multiple trades, long timelines, and constant client decisions. A typical kitchen remodel touches plumbing, electrical, flooring, drywall, painting, cabinetry, countertops, tile, and appliances — sometimes all at once.

That complexity is exactly why your estimate needs to be airtight. Homeowners are spending $15,000 to $75,000 or more. They’re nervous. They’re comparing three to five bids. The contractor who presents the most organized, detailed estimate almost always wins — even if they’re not the cheapest.

What Every Kitchen Remodel Estimate Should Include

1. Detailed Scope of Work

Break the project into clear phases. Don’t just write “kitchen remodel — $35,000.” That tells the homeowner nothing and invites scope creep.

Instead, list each phase separately: demolition and disposal, plumbing rough-in and finish, electrical rough-in and finish, framing modifications (if walls are moving), drywall and patching, cabinet installation, countertop fabrication and installation, tile backsplash, flooring, painting, appliance installation, and final cleanup.

Under each phase, describe specifically what’s included. For cabinets, specify the brand, door style, finish, and number of units. For countertops, name the material (quartz, granite, laminate), edge profile, and square footage. For flooring, call out the product and the prep work needed.

The more specific you are, the fewer arguments you’ll have later. If something is NOT included, say so explicitly. “Estimate does not include appliance purchases, permit fees, or structural engineering” is a sentence that can save you thousands.

2. Itemized Pricing Breakdown

Homeowners want to see where their money goes. A single lump sum feels like a black box. An itemized breakdown builds trust and helps them make decisions.

Break pricing into categories. Here’s a typical structure for a mid-range kitchen remodel:

Demolition and hauling: $1,500 – $3,500 depending on scope. Include dumpster rental, labor, and disposal fees. If the homeowner wants to keep existing appliances, note that removal and storage is extra.

Plumbing: $2,000 – $5,000 for rough-in and finish. Moving a sink or adding a pot filler costs more than replacing fixtures in place. Call out each fixture.

Electrical: $2,000 – $6,000. Recessed lighting, under-cabinet lights, new circuits for appliances, GFCI outlets — list each one. If the panel needs an upgrade, that’s a separate line item.

Cabinets: $5,000 – $25,000+. This is usually the biggest single cost. Specify stock vs. semi-custom vs. custom. Include the layout, number of base and wall cabinets, pantry units, and any specialty items like lazy susans or pull-out trash.

Countertops: $2,000 – $8,000. Specify material, edge profile, number of cutouts (sink, cooktop), and whether the price includes fabrication and installation or just materials.

Tile backsplash: $800 – $3,000. Specify material (subway, mosaic, natural stone), square footage, and whether it includes behind-range and window areas.

Flooring: $1,500 – $5,000. Specify the product, square footage, and what prep is needed (leveling, removal of existing floor).

Painting: $1,000 – $2,500. Specify number of coats, whether ceiling is included, and if trim/doors are part of the scope.

Appliance installation: $500 – $1,500. Note that this covers hookup and testing only — appliance purchase is typically by the homeowner unless you’re supplying them.

Permits and inspections: $500 – $1,500 depending on your jurisdiction. Some contractors include this, others pass it through at cost.

3. Material Selections and Allowances

Kitchen remodels live and die on material selections. If the homeowner hasn’t picked everything yet, use allowances — a budgeted dollar amount for categories like tile, countertops, or hardware.

For example: “Countertop allowance: $55/sq ft installed (covers mid-range quartz). Upgrades available at additional cost.” This sets expectations without locking you into a specific product before they’ve visited the showroom.

Always specify what’s included in your base price and what triggers a change order. If they choose a $120/sq ft natural stone instead of $55 quartz, that difference needs to be documented before you order.

4. Timeline and Schedule

Kitchen remodels take 4 to 12 weeks depending on scope. Give a realistic timeline broken into phases:

Week 1: Demolition and rough plumbing/electrical. Week 2-3: Framing, drywall, and mechanical inspections. Week 3-4: Cabinet installation. Week 4-5: Countertop template, fabrication, and install. Week 5-6: Backsplash, flooring, painting. Week 6-7: Fixture installation, appliance hookup, punch list, final inspection.

Note any dependencies: “Countertop fabrication requires 10-15 business days after template. Cabinet delivery is 3-4 weeks from order date.” These details show the homeowner you’ve done this before.

5. Payment Schedule

Never take more than 10-15% upfront for a kitchen remodel. A typical payment structure:

10% deposit upon signing the contract. 25% at demolition start. 25% at cabinet delivery. 25% at countertop installation. 15% upon completion and final walkthrough.

Tying payments to milestones protects both parties. The homeowner doesn’t pay for work that hasn’t happened, and you don’t finance their project out of pocket.

6. Terms, Warranty, and Change Orders

Kitchen remodels generate more change orders than almost any other project type. Your estimate should include a clear change order policy: any changes to scope, materials, or design after contract signing require a written change order with the cost difference and updated timeline.

Include your workmanship warranty (typically 1-2 years), manufacturer warranties on materials, and your license and insurance information. If your city requires permits, state who’s responsible for pulling them.

Common Mistakes That Lose Kitchen Remodel Bids

Being vague on materials. “New countertops” means nothing. Homeowners will always assume you mean the most expensive option, then be disappointed when the price reflects laminate.

Forgetting about the living situation. A kitchen remodel means the homeowner can’t cook for weeks. Mention it in your proposal: “Temporary kitchen setup recommendations available upon request.” Small touches like this show experience.

Ignoring the “while we’re at it” factor. Homeowners always add scope during kitchen remodels. New pantry? Different layout? Move the gas line? Build contingency into your estimate or clearly state what’s not included.

Not following up. Kitchen remodels are big decisions. Homeowners sit on estimates for days or weeks. Follow up within 48 hours, offer to walk through the estimate line by line, and be available for questions.

Speed Wins Kitchen Remodel Bids

Here’s the reality: homeowners shopping for a kitchen remodel contact three to five contractors. The first one to deliver a professional, detailed estimate has a massive advantage. Not because they’re cheaper — because they look more organized, more experienced, and more trustworthy.

A contractor who sends a polished PDF estimate within 24 hours of the walkthrough looks like a $500K/year operation. A contractor who takes a week to email a handwritten list looks like a one-man crew working out of a truck. The quality might be identical. The perception isn’t.

Try the free kitchen remodel estimate generator at [BidSnap](https://bidsnap.co/free/kitchen-remodel-estimate) — describe the job, get a professional PDF in 60 seconds. No signup required.