Final Touch Contracting

What a Kitchen Remodel Actually Costs in the St. Louis Area (And Why the Cheapest Bid Should Scare You)

Every kitchen remodel starts the same way: a homeowner gets three bids, and they're wildly different. One contractor says $22,000. Another says $41,000. A third won't even give a number until they've seen the space twice.

So what gives? Are two of them ripping you off, or is one of them about to ruin your kitchen?

After years of remodeling kitchens around Arnold and the greater St. Louis area, here's the honest answer: the spread is real, and the lowest bid is almost never the bargain it looks like.

The three tiers, roughly

Costs move with scope, not square footage alone. But in broad strokes:

A refresh ($15k–$30k): New cabinets (often stock or semi-custom), new countertops, sink, faucet, paint, and fixtures. Same footprint, same plumbing and electrical locations. This is the sweet spot for a lot of homes.

A mid-range remodel ($30k–$60k): Everything above, plus moving some plumbing or electrical, semi-custom or custom cabinetry, nicer counters (quartz), better appliances, maybe taking out a non-load-bearing wall.

A full gut or layout change ($60k+): New layout, relocated plumbing and gas lines, structural work, high-end finishes, custom everything.

These ranges shift with material choices and what we find once the walls open up. The only number that means anything is the one tied to your kitchen after a real walkthrough.

Why the cheap bid is usually the expensive one

When a bid comes in way under the others, one of a few things is happening:

They left things out. No allowance for the stuff hiding behind drywall — old wiring that isn't to code, plumbing that has to move, subfloor rot under the dishwasher. You'll meet those costs later as "change orders," and they won't be cheap.

They're not pulling permits. Skipping permits saves time and money right up until you sell the house and the inspection flags unpermitted work.

They're cutting the subs. Licensed plumbers and electricians cost money. Guys working without a license cost less — until something leaks inside a wall.

A real estimate is itemized. You should be able to see what's allocated for cabinets, counters, the electrical rough-in, the plumbing, demo, and finish work. If a bid is one number on one line, that's not a plan. That's a guess.

What a good process looks like

A walkthrough where the contractor actually measures and asks what bugs you about the current kitchen.

An itemized estimate with allowances for materials, so you know what's a fixed cost and what flexes with your selections.

A clear conversation about what's behind the walls and how surprises get handled.

Licensed subs for plumbing, electrical, and mechanical — not a buddy with a truck.

A kitchen is the most-used room in the house and the one buyers judge hardest. Spend the money once, with someone who shows their math.

Final Touch Contracting remodels kitchens, baths, and interiors throughout Arnold and the St. Louis area. If you're weighing bids and want a second set of eyes on the scope, reach out — we're happy to walk through what should be on the list.

Out with the old in with the new.

Quick bathroom refresh for some past customers! In and out! This project included demo, new vinyl flooring, mudding to a level four, the walls were a hot mess. We also primed and painted, did the vanity install, new baseboards, new light, new mirror and new toilet install. All new shutoffs and vanity drain were also installed. Customer provided materials and all we did was work! Turned out great and what a way to end the week with her message to the team. It feels good to be good at what we do.

Can’t Wait! This entire first floor renovation is underway. Some unique design features are going to set this one apart. We are excited to create another awesome customer’s vision as we team up with Ryse Electric, Linek Plumbing, and XL Flooring. Here we go!

How about those chandaliers?! Wow! This was a big job and a labor of love by all involved. Special thanks to the homeowners for being an absolute pleasure to work with. East Sky Construction for the framing and getting this dried in and setting windows and doors. F5 Consulting for the exterior roofing, siding and finish work outside, they are masters at bending metal and wrapping the exterior. Shawn and Ryse Electric always do great work. My friend Nate for the excellent drywall finish to a level 5, and expert paint job. And lastly, the Final Touch team for initial layout, piers, pouring concrete, skylights, drywall hanging and all of the odds and ends. The homeowners are going to bring this one home as was the original plan. Although the project still need a bit to get it completely wrapped up, we delivered a vision I am proud of. Video to come when we see this space completed! On to the next one!

This right here is going to be awesome! I cannot wait to see the finished product! More to come.

Coming soon! Kitchen reveal.

Check out this stunning bathroom transformation by Final Touch Contracting! From outdated to spa-worthy, we turned this space into a serene retreat with sleek tile work, modern fixtures, and a custom vanity that brings it all together. 💫

Whether you're dreaming of a luxurious walk-in shower or a full redesign, we bring expertise, style, and craftsmanship to every project.

📍Proudly serving the Greater St. Louis Area
📞 Ready to remodel? Let’s talk: 314-749-8087
🌐 https://finaltouchstl.com/

🏡✨ Whole Home, Whole New Vibe ✨🏡

From floor to ceiling — and everything in between — this full home remodel is a total transformation! 💥 Final Touch Contracting brought new life to every room with custom finishes, modern design elements, and quality craftsmanship that speaks for itself.

Whether it's one room or the whole house, we're here to turn your vision into a reality you’ll love coming home to.

✅ Kitchens
✅ Bathrooms
✅ Flooring
✅ Lighting
✅ Layout Redesigns

📍Serving the entire Greater St. Louis Area
📞 Let’s plan your dream home: 314-749-8087
🌐 https://finaltouchstl.com/

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