Full custom kitchen builds — what's involved
A full custom kitchen build is a major project — typically $50,000–$90,000+ and 5-8 weeks. It usually includes:
- Removing existing cabinets, counters, fixtures, and possibly walls
- Plumbing relocations for sink, dishwasher, refrigerator water
- Electrical upgrades — new circuits for fridge, microwave, undercabinet lighting
- Possibly: structural work (removing/adding walls, kitchen island install)
- New flooring throughout kitchen
- Custom cabinetry — sized exactly to your space, your color and door style
- Premium countertops (quartzite, natural stone, or premium quartz)
- New tile backsplash
- Sink, faucet, garbage disposal, dishwasher
- Range hood vent install (often a roof penetration)
- Paint, trim, finishing
When this scope makes sense
For homes valued $500K+ where the kitchen is dated, the layout doesn't work, or you're planning to stay 7+ years. Mid-range kitchens that just need a refresh aren't this scope — see cabinet refacing instead.
What goes into a full custom kitchen build
A "full kitchen build" means complete demolition of the existing kitchen down to studs and subfloor, followed by reconstruction with new cabinets, countertops, plumbing, electrical, flooring, and finishes. This is the largest single-room project in residential remodeling — typically 4–7 weeks on-site and $45,000–$130,000 in The Woodlands market depending on size and finish level.
Typical scope of a full kitchen build:
- Demo of existing cabinets, countertops, appliances, flooring, and backsplash
- Plumbing rough-in for any layout changes (sink relocation, pot filler, beverage fridge water line)
- Electrical rough-in (new circuits for cooktop, oven, microwave, dishwasher, undercabinet lighting, island outlets)
- Drywall repair after demo and any wall removals
- New flooring (often hardwood, large-format porcelain, or LVT)
- Cabinet installation (custom millwork or premium semi-custom)
- Countertop fabrication and install (quartz, quartzite, granite, or marble)
- Backsplash installation
- Appliance install
- Lighting install (recessed, pendants, undercabinet)
- Final finish work — caulking, paint touch-ups, trim
Cost tiers for full custom kitchens in The Woodlands
- Mid-range custom ($45,000–$65,000) — Semi-custom cabinets (KraftMaid, Medallion), quartz countertops, mid-grade appliances (KitchenAid, GE Cafe), engineered hardwood or LVT flooring, standard tile backsplash. Common scope for kitchens in 2,000–3,000 sq ft homes in Cochran's Crossing, Indian Springs, Alden Bridge.
- Premium custom ($65,000–$95,000) — Full-custom local cabinet shop, quartzite or premium quartz countertops, high-end appliances (Wolf, Sub-Zero, Miele), engineered hardwood, mosaic or stone backsplash, designer lighting, often a wall removal to open the kitchen to the great room. Common in larger Sterling Ridge or Creekside Park homes.
- Luxury custom ($95,000–$200,000+) — Full custom millwork with painted or specialty wood species, marble or rare quartzite slab countertops, full Sub-Zero/Wolf/Cove appliance packages, integrated panel-front refrigerator, hidden walk-in pantry, custom lighting design, hood with custom enclosure. Carlton Woods and luxury custom-home territory.
How long is the kitchen out of service?
For a typical full kitchen build (5–6 weeks total), the kitchen is fully unusable for the entire duration. We help clients set up a "temporary kitchen" before demo starts: usually a microwave, toaster oven, electric kettle, mini-fridge, and disposable plates set up in a dining room, garage, or basement area. Most clients eat out 3–4 nights/week and prep simple meals in the temp kitchen for the rest. Some clients stay elsewhere for the messiest 7–10 days during demo and rough-in.
Common Woodlands kitchen layout changes
Most full kitchen builds in The Woodlands include some layout change beyond like-for-like replacement:
- Wall removal between kitchen and family room — by far the most common change. Opens sight lines, creates "great room" feel. Requires beam install if load-bearing (LVL beam, $1,500–$4,500 depending on span). Most kitchens originally separated by a load-bearing wall in The Woodlands homes built 1995–2010.
- Island addition — Adding or expanding an island, often with seating for 3–5. Requires electrical rough-in for outlets and dedicated circuits if appliances are island-mounted. $3,500–$8,500 added scope.
- Walk-in pantry conversion — Converting a coat closet, hall closet, or part of an attached laundry into a walk-in pantry. Adds $4,000–$10,000 depending on size and millwork.
- Beverage center / coffee bar nook — Dedicated zone with beverage fridge, dishwasher drawer (sometimes), espresso machine plumbing. $5,000–$12,000 for the zone.
