Kitchen Remodeling Contractor in Bethesda MD

This is the question everyone asks and the truth is, we don’t have an answer for you…yet.

To provide an answer to this question, we need to enter into a Design Agreement and nail down all the specifics of your remodel. For example, a cosmetic update – new countertops, cabinet refacing, updated fixtures – sits at the lower end of the spectrum, while a full gut renovation with a reconfigured layout, custom cabinetry, and high-end appliances represents a much larger investment.

Yes. Merrick Design and Build is a full-service design-build contractor. Our designers work with you to develop layouts, cabinetry, finishes, lighting, and materials that fit your lifestyle.

Absolutely. Many homeowners choose to open their kitchen to adjacent living spaces. If structural modifications are needed, we’ll coordinate engineering and construction as part of the project.

Ultimately this is up to you. Our design process is pressure free if you need to see multiple designs and take months to make your selections to feel comfortable proceeding with your remodel, we are ok with that. The fastest we can speed through the process from conception to final inspections is 6-12 months. This varies by the size of the home, the municipality jurisdiction providing permits and inspections, and the availability of materials.

Several factors shape the final cost of a kitchen remodel, and understanding them upfront helps you plan a budget that matches your vision.

Scope of work. A cosmetic refresh – new countertops, backsplash, and paint – costs far less than a full gut renovation that involves moving walls, relocating plumbing, or reconfiguring the layout. The more structural and mechanical work involved, the higher the investment.

Materials and finishes. Cabinetry, countertops, flooring, and fixtures span a wide price range. Stock cabinets versus custom millwork, laminate versus quartz or natural stone, and standard versus designer-grade appliances can shift your budget significantly in either direction.

Layout changes. Keeping your kitchen’s existing footprint keeps costs down. Moving plumbing lines, gas lines, or electrical panels – or knocking out walls to open up the space – adds labor, permitting, and often structural engineering to the project.

Size of the space. A larger kitchen means more materials, more cabinetry, and more labor hours, which scales the overall cost accordingly.

Appliances. Builder-grade versus professional-grade appliances can represent thousands of dollars of difference on their own, especially with refrigerators, ranges, and ventilation systems.

Structural and mechanical surprises. Older homes in particular may reveal outdated wiring, plumbing, or subfloor issues once walls are opened up – addressing these adds cost but is essential for a safe, code-compliant kitchen.

Design and project management. A true design-build approach – where design, budgeting, and construction are handled under one roof – often reduces costly surprises and change orders compared to piecing the project together with separate designers and contractors.

Every kitchen is different, which is why we start with a detailed consultation to understand your goals, your space, and your budget before recommending a scope that fits.