If you are planning a kitchen renovation in North Idaho this year, you have likely encountered a wide range of “estimates” online. Some sources say $25,000; others say $150,000. This disparity creates anxiety. It creates fear of the unknown.
At J. Barton Construction, we believe that financial clarity is the foundation of a successful project. You cannot make informed decisions about your home’s equity without real data.
Based on current labor rates, material costs, and local market trends for 2026, here is the honest breakdown of what a true luxury kitchen remodel costs in Coeur d’Alene.
The Benchmark: $40,000 – $85,000+
In Kootenai County, a comprehensive, high-end kitchen renovation typically lands in this range.
Does this sound higher than the national averages you see on Google? That is because “national averages” often include cosmetic updates (painting cabinets, swapping hardware).
We are talking about a transformational remodel—stripping the room to the studs, correcting electrical and plumbing, removing load-bearing walls to create an Open Concept Layout, and installing custom-milled cabinetry.
Here is exactly where that investment goes.
1. Cabinetry & Millwork (30-40% of Budget)
This is the single largest line item, and for good reason. In a luxury build, we do not use “flat-pack” boxes.
- The Investment: We specify custom or semi-custom cabinetry built with solid wood cores, soft-close Blum hardware, and durable finishes designed to withstand decades of daily use.
- Why it matters: Cheap cabinets are the first thing to fail. High-end millwork is furniture for your walls; it defines the aesthetic and longevity of the entire home.
2. Professional Trades & Labor (25-30% of Budget)
A luxury kitchen is not built by a handyman; it is engineered by licensed specialists.
- The Investment: This covers the master electrician upgrading your panel for new appliances, the licensed plumber rerouting lines for your pot filler and island sink, and the finish carpenters who ensure every crown molding joint is seamless.
- The Reality: You are paying for precision. In an open-concept home, there is no place to hide a mistake. The craftsmanship must be flawless.
3. Appliances & Fixtures (15-20% of Budget)
In 2026, the kitchen is a culinary workspace.
- The Investment: This includes Sub-Zero preservation columns, Wolf ranges, and smart-touch faucets.
- The “Hidden” Value: High-end appliances require specific electrical loads and custom cabinet dimensions. Our Design-Build Process ensures these specifications are planned before we order a single unit.
The “Cost” of Going Cheap
We have all heard the horror stories: The contractor who bid $20,000, tore apart the kitchen, and then suddenly found “unexpected problems” that doubled the price.
The most expensive kitchen is the one you have to pay for twice.
A low initial bid often excludes the essentials—permits, debris removal, electrical upgrades, and final painting. It is a sales tactic, not a budget.
The J. Barton “Fixed-Price” Promise
We operate differently. We do not believe in “estimates” that change mid-project.
Through our rigorous pre-construction phase, we price every single handle, tile, and labor hour before demolition begins.
- We don’t give you a “guesstimate.”
- We give you a Fixed-Price Contract.
This means the price you sign is the price you pay. You get the kitchen of your dreams with absolute financial peace of mind.
Is Your Home Ready for an Upgrade?
A luxury kitchen is more than a cost; it is an investment in your property value and your daily joy.
Stop guessing at the numbers. Request Your Feasibility Consultation today, and let’s build a realistic roadmap for your vision.
