Reliance Cabinetry Reveals Where Kitchen Remodel Budgets Really Go

Reliance Cabinetry Explains Why Cabinets and Labor Dominate Renovation Costs

Richmond Hill, United States – July 7, 2026 / Reliance Cabinetry /

Reliance Cabinetry Reveals Where Kitchen Remodel Budgets Really Go

July 7, 2026| Richmond Hill, GA

New data on kitchen remodeling costs in the Savannah metropolitan area shows that homeowners frequently misjudge where their renovation dollars are actually spent, with cabinetry and skilled labor consuming the majority of most project budgets rather than the appliances and fixtures many assume drive the largest expenses.

According to a regional kitchen remodel cost breakdown compiled by Reliance Cabinetry, a Richmond Hill-based kitchen and bath company, total project costs in the Savannah area typically range from $25,000 to $60,000, with cabinetry alone accounting for 30 to 40 percent of that total. Labor represents another significant share, consuming between 20 and 35 percent of overall project spending, with local carpenters, electricians and plumbers charging between $50 and $100 per hour depending on project complexity and specialization required.

The findings point to a persistent gap between homeowner expectations and actual cost allocation during kitchen renovations. Many homeowners entering a remodel focus their budgeting attention on visible upgrades such as countertops, appliances and lighting, while underestimating the combined weight of cabinetry and installation labor, which together can account for well over half of a typical project’s total cost. Industry observers note this misalignment often leads to mid-project budget adjustments when homeowners realize how the largest cost categories are actually distributed.

Permitting adds a further layer that homeowners often overlook when initially budgeting a project. In Chatham County, permit fees for a full kitchen remodel generally fall between $500 and $1,500, covering structural, electrical and plumbing approvals. Delays or complications tied to code compliance can add both time and unplanned expense if permitting is not factored into early planning stages. Homeowners working with contractors familiar with local permitting timelines are typically better positioned to avoid these delays.

Material selection within the cabinetry category also plays a substantial role in determining where a project lands within the broader cost range. Stock cabinetry remains the most budget-friendly option, while semi-custom and fully custom cabinetry increase costs significantly due to construction methods, hardware choices and finish work. Homeowners weighing these options are advised to consider long-term durability alongside upfront price, particularly in coastal Georgia’s humid climate, where material quality can affect how well cabinetry holds up over time. Wood type, hardware grade and finish or glazing selections each contribute incrementally to the final cabinetry cost, meaning two projects of similar size can vary substantially in price based on these choices alone.

modern kitchen in Richmond Hill GA

Edward Meyer, owner of Reliance Cabinetry, said “the data reflects a pattern he has observed repeatedly over three decades of working with Savannah-area homeowners“.

“People come in expecting the countertops or the appliances to be the biggest line item, and they are surprised to learn how much of the budget goes toward cabinets and the labor to install everything correctly,” Meyer said. “Understanding that breakdown early makes for a much smoother planning process.”

The full kitchen remodel cost breakdown, which includes additional detail on layout considerations, financing options and a step-by-step renovation timeline, is available in Reliance Cabinetry’s complete budgeting guide.

Labor market conditions in the region also factor into the cost picture. Skilled trade availability in the Savannah area has tightened in recent years, a trend consistent with broader national patterns affecting residential construction and renovation timelines. Homeowners planning kitchen projects are increasingly advised to secure contractor commitments and order cabinetry well in advance of a desired start date, as material lead times and labor scheduling can each extend project timelines independent of budget considerations. Kitchen layout complexity factors into this timeline as well, with larger or reconfigured spaces requiring additional coordination among trades before installation can begin.

Reliance Cabinetry serves homeowners in Richmond Hill

Reliance Cabinetry has served homeowners and builders throughout the greater Savannah metropolitan area, including Richmond Hill, Pooler, Georgetown and Hinesville, for more than three decades. The company specializes in kitchen and bath cabinetry suited to coastal Georgia’s climate conditions, working with homeowners and builders from initial design consultation through final installation. Reliance Cabinetry’s work spans stock, semi-custom and custom cabinetry across residential construction and renovation projects throughout the region.