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Kitchen Remodel Cost · South Carolina

Kitchen Remodel Cost in South Carolina (2026)

Kitchen Remodel in South Carolina typically runs $25K–$68K for a mid-range remodel (~200 sq ft kitchen, semi-custom cabinets, quartz counters, mid-tier appliances, no structural changes).

Modern kitchen interior with cabinets, countertop, range, and pendant lights

South Carolina context that moves a kitchen remodel cost

Climate: Subtropical with hot, humid summers and mild winters. Hurricane risk along the coast. High humidity requires moisture management.

Labor market: Below national average.

Permits & codes: South Carolina follows the IRC with state amendments. Coastal counties have enhanced wind-resistance requirements. The state adopted statewide building codes in 2008. Charleston has additional historic district and flood zone requirements.

About a kitchen remodel in South Carolina

A mid-range kitchen remodel covers new cabinets, countertops, appliances, sink and faucet, backsplash, flooring, and updated lighting. It does not include moving walls or relocating major plumbing/electrical — those changes push the project into custom-remodel territory at 2–3× the cost.

Cabinets and labor drive 55–65% of the total. Both vary heavily by region — semi-custom cabinets ship from a handful of manufacturers with 12–16 week lead times in hot markets, and finish carpentry and tile labor are among the most regionally sensitive trades in the country.

What moves the price

Cabinet tier

The single biggest cost lever. Stock cabinets (Home Depot/Lowe's, IKEA, RTA): $4,000–$10,000 for a typical kitchen. Semi-custom (KraftMaid, Diamond, Schrock): $10,000–$22,000. Full custom from a local cabinet shop: $25,000–$60,000+. Within each tier, door style, finish, soft-close hardware, and pull-out organizers each add cost.

Countertop material

Laminate: $25–$45/sq ft installed. Quartz: $55–$95. Granite: $50–$110. Natural marble (Calacatta, Statuario): $90–$250+ for exotic slabs. For a 50-sq-ft kitchen, that's a $1,500–$12,000 spread on one line item. Quartz has become the default mid-range choice — stain resistance is significantly better than marble or wood.

Layout changes

Moving the sink adds $1,500–$3,000 in plumbing. Moving the range adds $500–$1,500 in gas/electrical. Removing a wall (load-bearing or not) is the single highest-impact change — engineering, beam install, and re-finishing add $4,000–$15,000. Open-plan conversions are the most common reason a remodel exceeds budget.

Appliance tier

Builder-grade package (Whirlpool, GE Basic, Frigidaire): $3,000–$5,000. Mid-tier (Bosch, KitchenAid, Samsung Premium, LG Premium): $6,000–$12,000. Pro-grade (Sub-Zero, Wolf, Thermador, Miele): $20,000–$50,000+. Appliances are the easiest line to flex up or down without affecting the rest of the project.

Flooring

Refinishing existing hardwood: $4–$8/sq ft. New LVP (luxury vinyl plank): $5–$10/sq ft installed. New engineered hardwood: $9–$15. New porcelain tile: $10–$25. Tile is the most labor-intensive — figure $400–$1,200 of additional labor over LVP for the same square footage.

Permit and structural review

Permits run $300–$1,500 depending on jurisdiction. Any wall removal needs structural engineer review ($400–$1,500) and inspection. Some jurisdictions require updated electrical service if the panel doesn't meet current code. Plan 2–6 weeks for permit approval depending on the city.

Kitchen Remodel cost across South Carolina metros

Within South Carolina the spread between metros is usually 25–40% of the state midpoint. Major metros pay more than rural areas because of labor demand, permit complexity, and material delivery overhead.

  • Charleston — typical home build $150–$340/sq ft range
  • Greenville — typical home build $125–$285/sq ft range
  • Columbia — typical home build $115–$265/sq ft range
  • Myrtle Beach — typical home build $130–$300/sq ft range
  • Hilton Head — typical home build $170–$380/sq ft range

Frequently asked questions

How much does a kitchen remodel cost in South Carolina?
A mid-range kitchen remodel in South Carolina runs $25K–$68K. That covers semi-custom cabinets, quartz countertops, mid-tier appliances, new flooring, lighting, paint, and basic plumbing/electrical updates. No structural changes.
What is the ROI on a kitchen remodel in South Carolina?
For a mid-range remodel in 2026, expect 50–70% return at resale within the first 5 years. South Carolina's housing market dynamics affect this — hot markets recover more, cool markets less. The biggest ROI lever is matching the remodel tier to the neighborhood: a luxury kitchen in a mid-tier neighborhood doesn't recoup the spend.
How long does a kitchen remodel take in South Carolina?
A no-layout-change mid-range remodel runs 4–8 weeks from demo to final clean. Add 2–4 weeks if you're moving plumbing or electrical. South Carolina's permit timeline factors in: most jurisdictions issue residential remodel permits in 2–6 weeks. Cabinet lead times (12–16 weeks for semi-custom) usually run in parallel with permits and trade scheduling.
Should I move the sink or range?
Only if the existing layout fundamentally doesn't work. Moving the sink is the most expensive change because new drain runs require slope to existing waste lines (often through floors). Moving the range is cheaper if the gas/electrical doesn't cross structural elements. Removing a load-bearing wall is the highest-impact change but frequently delivers the most kitchen joy.
Do I need a permit to remodel my kitchen in South Carolina?
Almost certainly yes — any electrical, plumbing, gas, or wall changes require a permit in South Carolina. Cosmetic-only refresh (paint, hardware, replacing in-kind fixtures) usually does not. Skipping a required permit voids many homeowner insurance policies and complicates the eventual sale of the home.

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Related

See the full 50-state a kitchen remodel cost comparison to see how South Carolina stacks up nationally.

For broader benchmarks across South Carolina, see the cost to build a house in South Carolina.

Other trade costs for South Carolina: