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General Contractor Estimates Explained

A walkthrough of a professional general contractor estimate — so you know what you're paying for and what might be missing.

13 min readUpdated April 2026

Reading a GC Remodel Estimate

General contractor estimates for kitchen and bath remodels are the most complex quotes you'll encounter as a homeowner. They cover multiple trades, phases, and material selections. Let's walk through a realistic mid-range kitchen remodel estimate to understand each section.

Sample Kitchen Remodel Estimate

Precision Home Remodeling — Proposal #KR-2024-067


Customer: Sarah & Mike Thompson | Property: 234 Birch Lane, Charlotte, NC
Scope: Full kitchen remodel — gut to studs, same footprint (no walls moved)
Kitchen Size: 12'x14' (168 sq ft)

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Section 1: Demolition & Preparation — $3,200

  • Remove existing cabinets, countertops, backsplash, flooring

  • Disconnect and cap plumbing and electrical

  • Remove drywall as needed for rough-in access

  • Floor and doorway protection for adjacent rooms

  • Dumpster rental and debris hauling


What to check: This should include protection for non-demo areas. Dust containment (plastic barriers) should be specified.

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Section 2: Rough Plumbing — $2,800

  • Relocate sink drain (moved 3 feet to island)

  • New water supply lines to island sink location

  • Dishwasher connection

  • Gas line for range (existing location)

  • Plumbing permit and inspection


What to check: Any plumbing relocation costs significantly more than same-location replacement. If your quote involves moving the sink, expect $1,500-$3,500 in plumbing costs.

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Section 3: Rough Electrical — $3,500

  • 6 new dedicated circuits (refrigerator, dishwasher, microwave, disposal, 2x countertop GFCI)

  • Undercabinet LED lighting rough-in

  • 4 recessed light locations

  • Pendant lighting rough-in over island (2 locations)

  • Electrical permit and inspection


What to check: NEC requires specific dedicated circuits in kitchens. A quote that doesn't address dedicated circuits is either going to fail inspection or isn't planning for inspection.

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Section 4: Drywall & Insulation — $1,800

  • Repair/replace drywall where removed for rough-in

  • Texture match to existing (if applicable)

  • Insulation upgrade in exterior walls (if exposed during demo)


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Section 5: Cabinetry — $12,500

  • KraftMaid semi-custom cabinetry (specific door style and finish TBD)

  • 15 base and wall cabinets per layout plan

  • Soft-close hinges and drawer slides (standard)

  • Crown molding and fillers

  • Installation labor


What to check: Verify the cabinet brand, line, and whether soft-close is standard or an upgrade. "Semi-custom" cabinets range from $200-$650 per linear foot installed — the brand and line determine where in that range you fall.

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Section 6: Countertops — $4,800 (allowance)

  • Quartz countertop, Level 2 ($65/sq ft installed)

  • ~60 sq ft including island

  • Standard eased edge

  • Sink cutout and plumbing coordination


What to check: Countertop quotes are per square foot. Verify the square footage estimate, the material level/grade, and the edge profile. Premium edges (waterfall, ogee, mitered) add $10-$30/linear foot.

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Section 7: Backsplash Tile — $1,600 (allowance)

  • 40 sq ft of tile ($8/sq ft material allowance)

  • Installation labor and materials (thinset, grout, trim)


What to check: $8/sq ft is a realistic allowance for ceramic or basic porcelain subway tile. Glass, natural stone, or designer patterns run $15-$50+/sq ft.

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Section 8: Flooring — $2,400

  • Luxury vinyl plank (LVP) — Coretec or equivalent

  • 168 sq ft kitchen + transition strips

  • Subfloor prep and leveling


What to check: LVP at $12-$16/sq ft installed is mid-range and extremely durable for kitchens. Hardwood runs $15-$25/sq ft; tile runs $12-$22/sq ft.

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Section 9: Fixtures & Hardware — $2,200 (allowances)

  • Kitchen faucet: $400 allowance

  • Sink (undermount stainless): $350 allowance

  • Garbage disposal: $250 allowance

  • Light fixtures (6 total): $1,000 allowance

  • Cabinet hardware: $200 allowance


What to check: Are these allowances realistic for the quality level you want? Research prices before assuming the allowances will cover your preferences.

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Section 10: Painting — $1,200

  • Prime and paint all new drywall

  • Paint walls and ceiling (2 coats)

  • Touch-up all trim and woodwork


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Section 11: Final Details — $1,500

  • Appliance installation and connection (appliances by owner)

  • Final plumbing and electrical connections

  • Caulking all joints

  • Final cleaning (professional)

  • Punch list walkthrough


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Section 12: Permits & Project Management — $1,200

  • Building, plumbing, electrical permits

  • All inspections

  • Project management and supervision throughout


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Quote Total: $38,700

Excluded: Appliances (purchased by homeowner), design fees, any structural changes.

This is a fair, detailed estimate for a mid-range full kitchen remodel in a moderate-cost metro. National range for similar scope: $30,000-$55,000 depending on location and material selections.

Red Flags: What's Missing From Your Estimate?

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