Kitchen Remodeling

January 29th, 2026 | by Nick Kayser | Posted in

At Mustache Approved Remodeling, we provide professional kitchen remodeling throughout the East Valley, serving homeowners in Gilbert, Chandler, Mesa, Tempe, Scottsdale, and Ahwatukee.

Your kitchen is the heart of your home—where meals are prepared, families gather, and memories are made. A dated, inefficient, or worn kitchen doesn’t just look bad; it affects how you live every single day. From cramped layouts to outdated cabinets to worn countertops, kitchen problems impact your daily routine, your home’s value, and your enjoyment of the space.

Kitchen remodeling transforms this essential room from a frustration into a joy, improving functionality, aesthetics, and home value while creating a space perfectly suited to how you actually live and cook.

As a licensed general contractor (ROC #309760), we handle every aspect of kitchen remodeling—from design and demolition through cabinetry, countertops, tile, and finishing details—ensuring quality craftsmanship and results that exceed expectations.

For detailed answers about kitchen projects, visit our Kitchen FAQs page.

Watch: Kitchen Remodeling Project

See a complete kitchen transformation we completed in Gilbert:

Kitchen Remodeling Options

Every kitchen is different, and every homeowner has unique needs, goals, and budgets. We offer a complete range of kitchen services—from full remodels that transform everything to targeted updates that refresh specific elements.

Full Kitchen Remodeling

A full kitchen remodel is the best option when you want to improve layout, functionality, storage, and overall design. If your kitchen feels outdated, inefficient, or no longer fits your lifestyle, a complete remodel allows you to reimagine the space from the ground up.

Full kitchen remodeling includes:

  • Design planning and material selection
  • Complete demolition of existing kitchen
  • Layout modifications and structural changes
  • Plumbing relocation and updates
  • Electrical upgrades and new circuits
  • New cabinetry installation
  • Countertop fabrication and installation
  • Tile backsplash installation
  • Flooring installation
  • Lighting upgrades
  • Appliance installation

Full remodels deliver the most dramatic transformations and allow complete customization of your kitchen space.

Cabinet Refacing

Cabinet refacing is an excellent option if your kitchen layout works well, but the cabinets look dated or worn. Refacing allows you to dramatically change the appearance of your kitchen without the cost or disruption of a full remodel.

With cabinet refacing, we keep your existing cabinet boxes and replace:

  • All cabinet doors and drawer fronts
  • Veneers on exposed cabinet surfaces
  • Hardware, hinges, and soft-close upgrades
Cabinet refacing East Valley Arizona

Cabinet refacing typically costs 40-60% less than full cabinet replacement while delivering comparable visual results. Most refacing projects complete in about one week.

Cabinet Painting

Cabinet painting is the most cost-effective way to refresh your kitchen when your cabinets are structurally sound and you’re happy with the existing layout and door style.

Cabinet painting East Valley Arizona

Our cabinet painting process includes:

  • Complete door and drawer front removal
  • Thorough cleaning and degreasing
  • Professional sanding and surface preparation
  • High-quality primers for proper adhesion
  • Cabinet-grade paint applied with professional spray equipment
  • Multiple coats for durability
  • Reassembly and hardware installation

Cabinet painting typically costs $5,000-$10,000 and takes approximately one week to complete.

Kitchen Updates Without Full Remodel

Many homeowners achieve dramatic transformation by updating specific elements without full remodel:

  • Countertops only: Replace worn laminate with quartz or granite
  • Backsplash only: Add tile backsplash for visual impact
  • Flooring only: Update to LVP or tile for modern appearance
  • Lighting only: New fixtures dramatically change ambiance
  • Cabinets + countertops: Comprehensive update keeping layout

We help you determine which approach delivers the results you want within your budget and timeline.

What’s Included in a Full Kitchen Remodel

Design Planning and Layout Optimization

Every kitchen remodel begins with thoughtful design:

Layout Assessment

We evaluate your current kitchen’s functionality:

  • Work triangle efficiency (sink, stove, refrigerator positioning)
  • Traffic flow and bottlenecks
  • Storage capacity and accessibility
  • Counter space for meal preparation
  • Lighting adequacy
  • Appliance placement and accessibility

Layout Improvements

Common layout optimizations include:

  • Island reconfiguration for better flow and workspace
  • Removing walls to create open-concept design
  • Relocating appliances for improved work triangle
  • Adding or expanding islands for seating and prep space
  • Optimizing cabinet placement for storage efficiency

Material Selection

We help you select materials that coordinate beautifully:

  • Cabinet style, finish, and configuration
  • Countertop material, color, and edge profile
  • Backsplash tile style, pattern, and grout color
  • Flooring material and color
  • Hardware finishes and styles
  • Lighting fixtures and placement
  • Sink and faucet selections

Cabinetry

Cabinets define your kitchen’s appearance and functionality more than any other element.

Cabinet Options

  • Stock cabinets: Pre-made in standard sizes, fastest availability, most affordable
  • Semi-custom cabinets: Standard construction with customizable options (sizes, finishes, features)
  • Custom cabinets: Built to your exact specifications, unlimited design options

Cabinet Heights

  • Standard 30″ uppers: Traditional height, works with 8′ ceilings
  • 36″ uppers: Additional storage, better proportions
  • 42″ uppers: Ceiling-height appearance, maximum storage, eliminates dust-collecting gap above cabinets
  • 48″ and taller uppers: Floor-to-ceiling storage for homes with 9-10’+ ceilings, pantry applications, or dramatic visual impact
  • We work with Sollid Cabinetry, which offers upper cabinets from 30″ all the way up to 60″ in height—giving you flexibility to maximize vertical storage and create truly custom designs regardless of your ceiling height.

Cabinet Features

  • Soft-close doors and drawers
  • Pull-out shelves and organizers
  • Lazy Susans for corner cabinets
  • Drawer dividers and utensil organizers
  • Pull-out trash and recycling
  • Spice racks and tray dividers

Cabinet Finishes

  • Painted: Clean, uniform appearance in any color
  • Stained: Natural wood grain visible, warm character
  • Two-tone: Light perimeter with dark island for sophisticated contrast

We work with quality cabinet manufacturers like Sollid Cabinetry to provide durable, beautiful cabinets built for long-term performance.

Countertops

Countertops provide the work surface you use daily and significantly impact kitchen aesthetics.

Popular Countertop Materials

  • Quartz: Engineered stone, non-porous, no sealing required, wide color selection, extremely durable
  • Granite: Natural stone, unique patterns, requires periodic sealing, heat resistant
  • Quartzite: Natural stone with dramatic veining, very hard and durable, requires sealing
  • Marble: Classic elegance, softer than granite/quartzite, requires more maintenance
  • Butcher block: Warm wood appearance, requires regular maintenance, can be refinished

Countertop Considerations

  • Durability and maintenance requirements
  • Heat and scratch resistance
  • Color and pattern coordination with cabinets
  • Edge profile selection
  • Seam placement for large kitchens
  • Undermount vs. drop-in sink compatibility

Most East Valley kitchens we complete feature quartz countertops due to their durability, low maintenance, and design versatility.

Backsplash

Tile backsplash protects walls from cooking splatter while adding significant visual impact.

Popular Backsplash Options

  • Subway tile: Classic, timeless, versatile in any kitchen style
  • Large format tile: Modern, minimal grout lines, sleek appearance
  • Mosaic tile: Intricate patterns, visual interest, more grout maintenance
  • Natural stone: Marble, travertine for luxury appearance
  • Handmade-look tile: Artisanal character with subtle variation

Backsplash Design Decisions

  • Tile to countertop only vs. full height to upper cabinets
  • Pattern layout (straight stack, offset, herringbone)
  • Grout color (matching vs. contrasting)
  • Accent areas or feature sections

For detailed information about tile installation, visit our shower tile installation page—we use the same professional techniques and quality standards for kitchen backsplash work.

Flooring

Kitchen flooring must handle heavy traffic, moisture exposure, and daily wear while coordinating with your overall design.

Popular Kitchen Flooring Options

  • Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP): Waterproof, durable, comfortable underfoot, wood-look appearance
  • Porcelain tile: Extremely durable, waterproof, wide design variety
  • Wood-look tile: Porcelain planks mimicking hardwood, waterproof durability
  • Natural stone: Luxury appearance, requires sealing and maintenance

Many homeowners extend kitchen flooring throughout the first floor for seamless visual flow between kitchen, dining, and living areas.

For comprehensive flooring information, visit our flooring installation page.

Plumbing and Electrical

Kitchen remodels often require plumbing and electrical updates:

Plumbing Work

  • Sink relocation if changing layout
  • New water supply lines
  • Drain line modifications
  • Dishwasher connections
  • Ice maker lines for refrigerators
  • Pot filler faucet installation

Electrical Work

  • Additional circuits for modern appliance loads
  • Dedicated circuits for refrigerator, microwave, dishwasher
  • Under-cabinet lighting
  • Pendant lighting over islands
  • Recessed lighting throughout

As a licensed general contractor, we coordinate all plumbing and electrical work to ensure everything is done properly.

Lighting

Proper lighting transforms kitchen functionality and ambiance:

  • Task lighting: Under-cabinet lights illuminating countertops
  • Ambient lighting: Recessed ceiling lights for overall illumination
  • Accent lighting: In-cabinet or above-cabinet lighting for visual interest
  • Decorative lighting: Pendant lights over islands for style and function

We plan lighting layouts to eliminate shadows on work surfaces while creating inviting atmosphere.

The Kitchen Remodeling Process

Initial Consultation and Design

Every kitchen project begins with thorough consultation:

  • Assess current kitchen condition, layout, and functionality
  • Discuss your goals, style preferences, and must-have features
  • Review budget parameters and priorities
  • Take detailed measurements
  • Discuss timeline expectations

Design Development and Material Selection

After initial consultation:

  • Develop layout options if changes are desired
  • Select cabinet style, finish, and configuration
  • Choose countertop material and color
  • Select backsplash tile and pattern
  • Determine flooring if included
  • Select fixtures, hardware, and lighting
  • Finalize design and provide detailed estimate

Material Ordering

Once design is approved:

  • Order cabinets (typically 4-8 week lead time)
  • Schedule countertop templating and fabrication
  • Order tile, flooring, and other materials
  • Coordinate delivery schedules

Demolition

When materials are ready, work begins:

  • Protect adjacent areas and flooring
  • Disconnect and remove appliances
  • Remove existing cabinets, countertops, and backsplash
  • Remove flooring if included in scope
  • Dispose of all demolition debris

Rough-In Work

Before new installation:

  • Complete any plumbing relocations or additions
  • Complete electrical updates and new circuits
  • Make any structural modifications
  • Repair or prepare walls and subfloor

Installation

New kitchen takes shape:

  • Install new flooring (if included)
  • Install cabinets with precise leveling and alignment
  • Template countertops after cabinet installation
  • Install countertops after fabrication (typically 1-2 weeks after template)
  • Install tile backsplash
  • Install sink, faucet, and plumbing connections
  • Install appliances
  • Install lighting fixtures
  • Install hardware on cabinets

Finishing and Final Walkthrough

Completing your kitchen:

  • Caulking and sealing all transitions
  • Touch-up painting
  • Final adjustments to doors, drawers, and hardware
  • Complete cleaning
  • Final walkthrough
  • Care and maintenance instructions

Timeline for Kitchen Remodeling

Kitchen remodel timelines vary based on scope and complexity.

Full Kitchen Remodel:

  • Week 1-2: Design finalization, material selection, ordering
  • Week 3-8: Cabinet fabrication/lead time (4-6 weeks typical)
  • Week 9: Demolition and rough-in work
  • Week 10: Cabinet installation
  • Week 11: Countertop template, backsplash begins
  • Week 12: Countertop installation
  • Week 13: Plumbing connections, appliances, finishing
  • Week 14: Final details and walkthrough

Total: 10-14 weeks from design approval to completion

(Actual construction in your home: 5-6 weeks)

Cabinet Refacing: 1-2 weeks (plus 6 week lead time for doors)

Cabinet Painting: Approximately 1 week

For more detailed timeline information, visit our Kitchen FAQs page.

Cost of Kitchen Remodeling

Kitchen remodeling costs vary significantly based on scope, materials, and kitchen size.

Typical Cost Ranges

  • Cabinet painting (Only): $5,000-$10,000
  • Cabinet refacing (Only): $10,000-$20,000+
  • Full kitchen remodel: $40,000-$100,000+

Cost Factors

  • Kitchen size: More cabinets and countertop = higher cost
  • Cabinet quality: Stock vs. semi-custom vs. custom
  • Countertop material: Laminate vs. quartz vs. natural stone
  • Layout changes: Moving plumbing/electrical adds cost
  • Appliances: Basic vs. professional-grade
  • Flooring: Included or excluded from scope
  • Structural changes: Removing walls, adding islands

What’s Typically Included

Our kitchen remodeling estimates include:

  • Design consultation and planning
  • All demolition and disposal
  • Cabinets and installation
  • Countertops (fabrication and installation)
  • Backsplash tile and installation
  • Plumbing and electrical work
  • Sink and faucet installation
  • Lighting fixtures
  • Final cleanup and walkthrough

During consultation, we provide detailed pricing based on your specific kitchen, selections, and scope.

Choosing the Right Kitchen Update

Choose Cabinet Painting If:

  • You like your current door style
  • Cabinets are structurally sound
  • You want to update color only
  • Budget is primary concern ($5,000-$10,000)
  • You want minimal disruption (1 week)

Choose Cabinet Refacing If:

  • You want completely different door style
  • Current doors are dated but boxes are sound
  • You want comprehensive update with new hardware
  • Budget allows $10,000-$20,000+
  • You want significant change without full remodel

Choose Full Kitchen Remodel If:

  • Layout doesn’t work for your needs
  • Cabinets are damaged or poorly constructed
  • You want to change everything
  • You’re willing to invest $40,000+
  • You want complete transformation

We help you determine the right approach during consultation based on your goals, budget, and existing kitchen condition.

Frequently Asked Questions About Kitchen Remodeling

How long does a kitchen remodel take?

Full kitchen remodels typically take 6-10 weeks of actual construction, though total timeline from design to completion is 10-14 weeks including cabinet lead times. Cabinet refacing takes about 1 week of installation (plus lead time). Cabinet painting takes approximately 1 week.

Can I use my kitchen during remodeling?

During full remodels, your kitchen will be non-functional for several weeks. We recommend setting up a temporary kitchen area with microwave, coffee maker, and basic supplies. For cabinet painting and refacing, limited kitchen use is possible throughout most of the project.

How far out are you booking kitchen projects?

We typically book 8-10 weeks out depending on season and current workload. Cabinet lead times (4-8 weeks) often determine overall project scheduling. Contact us early to secure your preferred timeline.

What’s the difference between cabinet painting, refacing, and replacement?

Cabinet painting updates the finish/color while keeping existing doors. Refacing replaces doors and applies new veneer to boxes while keeping the cabinet structure. Full replacement removes everything and installs completely new cabinets. Each serves different needs and budgets.

Should I update countertops when painting or refacing cabinets?

It depends on countertop condition and your goals. Many homeowners coordinate cabinet updates with new countertops for cohesive transformation. We can advise whether your existing countertops will complement your new cabinet finish or if replacement makes sense.

Do you help with kitchen design?

Yes. We provide design guidance and material support to help you make confident selections for cabinetry, countertops, tile, flooring, fixtures, and finishes. Our goal is a cohesive kitchen that looks great and functions well.

What areas do you service?

We provide kitchen remodeling throughout the Phoenix East Valley including Gilbert, Chandler, Mesa, Tempe, Scottsdale, and Ahwatukee.

How much does a kitchen remodel cost?

Costs vary widely based on scope and selections. Cabinet painting runs $5,000-$10,000. Cabinet refacing runs $10,000-$20,000+. Full kitchen remodels range from $35,000-$100,000+ depending on size, materials, and complexity. We provide detailed estimates during consultation.

Why Choose Mustache Approved for Kitchen Remodeling

Licensed General Contractor (ROC #309760)

As a licensed, bonded, and insured general contractor, we handle complete kitchen projects including structural modifications, plumbing, electrical, and all finishing details. One contractor, complete accountability.

Complete Design-Build Service

We manage everything from initial design through final walkthrough—cabinet selection, countertop coordination, tile installation, plumbing, electrical, and all finishing details. No need to coordinate multiple contractors.

Quality Craftsmanship

We use quality cabinet manufacturers like Sollid Cabinetry, premium countertop materials, and professional installation techniques. Our work is built for long-term performance, not just initial appearance.

Full Range of Kitchen Services

Whether you need cabinet painting, cabinet refacing, or complete kitchen transformation, we offer the right solution for your goals and budget.

Proven Process

Our 6-step remodeling process ensures clear communication, quality execution, and no surprises from consultation through completion.

Transparent Pricing

We provide detailed written estimates covering all work, materials, and timeline. No hidden fees or surprise charges.

Serving the East Valley

We proudly provide kitchen remodeling throughout the East Valley:

Ready to Transform Your Kitchen?

Whether you’re planning cabinet painting, cabinet refacing, or a complete kitchen transformation, contact Mustache Approved Remodeling to schedule a consultation. We’ll evaluate your kitchen, discuss your goals and options, review your budget, and provide a clear plan for your project.

Additional Resources:

Mustache Approved Remodeling
ROC #309760 | Licensed, Bonded, Insured
Serving Gilbert, Chandler, Mesa, Tempe, Scottsdale & Ahwatukee