Kitchen Remodel in Vancouver WA:
What to Expect Start to Finish
A 1970s ranch kitchen — original cabinets, failing laminate countertops, no island — documented from the first walkthrough to the final punch list. Six weeks, $28,400, and three surprises along the way.
Project Snapshot
Location
East Vancouver WA
Home Type
1970s Ranch, Slab Foundation
Kitchen Size
Approx. 220 sq ft
Total Cost
$28,400
Where We Started
The homeowners had bought the house five years earlier and lived with the original kitchen while paying down other priorities. By the time they called us, the cabinet doors had been adjusted three times and still weren't closing cleanly, the drawer slides were failing on two cabinets, and the laminate countertop near the sink had been stained through to the substrate.
They had a clear goal: full replacement, not a face-lift. New cabinets, new countertops, a quartz island they could sit at, and LVP flooring that matched the rest of the house. They'd done the research, had a $30,000 budget, and were ready to move.
The scope we agreed on: cabinet tearout and replacement, countertops, sink and faucet, island (including a prep sink with plumbing rough-in), backsplash tile, LVP flooring, LED under-cabinet lighting, and exhaust rerouting. All permitted. Six-week schedule.
Before and After: What Changed
Before
Original 1970s oak cabinets — doors misaligned, drawer slides failing
After
Full shaker-style cabinet replacement — 42" uppers, soft-close hardware throughout
Before
Builder laminate countertops with visible staining near sink
After
3cm Calacatta-look quartz with waterfall edge on the island
Before
Old drop-in stainless sink, mismatched hardware
After
Undermount composite granite sink, pull-out spray faucet, garbage disposal
Before
1970s soffit above upper cabinets — hard to clean, trapped light
After
Soffit removed, ceiling-height 42" uppers with crown moulding
Before
Worn linoleum flooring with lifting seams near the dishwasher
After
Wide-plank LVP — waterproof, continuous through to dining area
Before
No island — single L-shape with limited counter space
After
42" × 84" island with pendant lighting, seating on one side
Before
4" ceramic tile backsplash — cracked grout lines, discolored
After
3×12 subway tile in running bond from countertop to upper cabinets
Before
Under-cabinet fluorescent strip — uneven light, visible yellowing
After
LED under-cabinet puck lighting, dimmer-controlled
Week-by-Week Timeline
Week 0
Estimate & Scope
On-site walkthrough, measurements, scope document, signed contract.
Week 0–1
Material Sourcing
Cabinets ordered (3-week lead), countertop template scheduled, appliances ordered.
Week 3
Demo Day
Existing cabinets, countertops, flooring, and drywall damaged by old backsplash removed. Subfloor inspected.
Week 3
Rough-In Changes
Island plumbing rough-in, additional outlet circuit, exhaust duct rerouted.
Week 4
Cabinet Install
Upper and lower cabinets set, shimmed, and secured. Island framed and set.
Week 4
Countertop Template
Quartz countertop templated at cabinet completion. 5-day fab turnaround.
Week 5
Countertop Install
Quartz installed. Plumber sets sink and faucet same day.
Week 5
Tile & Flooring
LVP flooring installed throughout. Subway tile backsplash set and grouted.
Week 5–6
Appliances & Trim
Appliances installed. Cabinet hardware, light fixtures, outlet covers, final paint touch-up.
Week 6
Final Walkthrough
Full punch list review with homeowners. Open items addressed same week.
Three Things We Found Along the Way
Every older home has history in the walls. Here's what we found in this one and how we handled it.
Subfloor Dip Near the Dishwasher
What We Found
When the linoleum was pulled up, there was a soft spot under the dishwasher — a slow leak from a previous dishwasher drain hose had never been fully dried out. The OSB subfloor was compressed and starting to delaminate in a 12" × 18" section.
How We Handled It
We replaced the affected section of subfloor and treated the framing with a mold inhibitor. The repair added $380 to the project — we documented it with photos before closing it up, and the homeowners approved the add-on same day.
Exhaust Fan Vented Into the Attic (Not Outside)
What We Found
The existing range hood duct terminated in the attic insulation — not uncommon in 1970s builds. We discovered it when pulling the old hood. Venting into the attic deposits grease over time and can cause moisture problems in the insulation.
How We Handled It
We rerouted the duct through the exterior soffit, which added a half-day to the schedule. This is a code-required fix for any kitchen that touches the exhaust system — it was included in the scope as a contingency, so there was no surprise cost.
Island Plumbing Routing
What We Found
Adding an island prep sink required running a drain through the slab — the house was on a concrete slab foundation, not a crawlspace. The homeowners knew this going in; the scope included a contingency allowance for the core drill.
How We Handled It
Straightforward concrete core drill — no unexpected obstacles. Came in within the contingency allowance.
Where the $28,400 Went
| Line Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Cabinet supply & install (42" uppers, lower run, island base) | $9,200 |
| Countertops — 3cm quartz, waterfall island edge (supply & install) | $5,800 |
| LVP flooring (supply & install, 240 sq ft) | $3,100 |
| Island construction (framing, plumbing rough-in, tile) | $2,400 |
| Subway tile backsplash (supply & install) | $1,800 |
| Sink, faucet, disposal (supply & install, both sinks) | $1,600 |
| LED under-cabinet lighting (supply & install) | $900 |
| Demo & disposal | $800 |
| Exhaust duct reroute to exterior | $600 |
| Electrical (new island circuit, GFCI outlets) | $700 |
| Permits (city, electrical) | $420 |
| Subfloor repair (contingency, actual) | $380 |
| Paint, trim, hardware | $700 |
| Total | $28,400 |
Appliances (range, dishwasher, refrigerator) were owner-supplied and not included in the above. This project came in $1,600 under the $30,000 budget.
What the Homeowners Said
“We'd gotten quotes from two other contractors before NORBILT. The other two gave us a number with no real detail — we didn't know what was in and what wasn't. NORBILT walked us through a full written scope before we signed anything. We knew exactly what we were getting.
The subfloor issue they found under the dishwasher — that could have been a nightmare if we'd discovered it five years later. They found it, showed us photos, gave us a price to fix it the same day, and patched it before the cabinets went in. That's the kind of thing that turns a $380 repair into a $6,000 problem if you ignore it.
Six weeks felt long when we were living without a kitchen. But they hit every milestone they said they would. The final walkthrough was actually a punch list — a couple of hardware pieces and a grout line to touch up. All done within three days. We'd use them again without hesitation.”
— East Vancouver Homeowners, 2026
What to Know Before You Start Your Kitchen Remodel
Cabinets drive the schedule
Cabinet fabrication is the longest lead item — typically 2–4 weeks for semi-custom. The rest of the project is planned around cabinet delivery. Appliances have similar lead times and should be ordered before demo day so they don't become the bottleneck at installation.
Budget a contingency for older homes
Any Vancouver WA home built before 1990 has a realistic chance of subfloor moisture damage near the sink, improperly vented exhaust, or outdated electrical near the countertops. We price contingencies explicitly in the scope — not as TBD — so you know your worst-case number before we start.
Countertop template happens after cabinets are set
Quartz and stone countertops are templated after cabinets are installed, not before. This adds 5–10 days to the timeline but ensures a precise fit. Plan for a period of a few days without a countertop — it's normal and expected.
You'll be without a kitchen for 2–4 weeks of active work
Plan for limited kitchen access. Most homeowners set up a microwave and mini-fridge in another room, lean on a grill, and treat it as an opportunity to try takeout spots they've been meaning to visit.
Don't sequence appliances last
Appliance installation at the end of a project can expose delays in your supply chain that you can't control. Order appliances when you sign the contract — not when the cabinets are in.
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Kitchen Remodel FAQ — Vancouver WA
How long does a full kitchen remodel take in Vancouver WA?
A full kitchen remodel in Vancouver WA typically takes 4–7 weeks from demo to final walkthrough. The longest wait is usually cabinet fabrication (2–4 weeks) and countertop fabrication after templating (5–10 days). Structural or plumbing changes add time. Plan for 3–4 weeks of limited kitchen access during the active work phase.
How much does a full kitchen remodel cost in Vancouver WA?
A full kitchen remodel in Vancouver WA costs $18,000–$45,000+ depending on cabinet quality, countertop material, appliances, and whether layout changes are involved. A mid-range remodel — new cabinets, quartz countertops, standard appliances, tile backsplash, and LVP flooring — runs $22,000–$32,000. See our kitchen remodel cost guide for Vancouver WA for a full price breakdown.
What surprises should I expect during a kitchen remodel?
The most common surprises in older Vancouver WA homes are subfloor moisture damage (especially near the sink or dishwasher), improperly vented range hoods, outdated electrical (no GFCI near the sink, undersized circuits for modern appliances), and asbestos floor tile under linoleum in pre-1980 homes. A good contractor identifies these during the estimate, documents them during demo, and prices contingencies upfront rather than billing surprises mid-project.
Do I need a permit for a kitchen remodel in Vancouver WA?
You need a permit for any kitchen remodel that moves plumbing, adds or modifies electrical circuits, or makes structural changes (removing a wall, relocating a window). Cabinet replacements, countertop swaps, and appliance upgrades without any of those changes typically don't require a permit. NORBILT (WA Lic. NORBI**741CS) handles all permitting for any permitted scope — fees are included in the bid.
Should I stay home during a kitchen remodel?
It's your call. Most homeowners with children or pets prefer to be home on demo day and available during the first week. After that, with a locked door code and a daily check-in message, many homeowners go about normal routines. We set expectations at the start: what days we're on site, when we're not, and how to reach us for anything urgent.
Licensed · WA Lic. NORBI**741CS · Clark County
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