How Much Does Kitchen Remodeling Cost in North Myrtle Beach? (2026 Guide)
If you're trying to pin down kitchen remodeling cost in North Myrtle Beach, the honest answer is: it depends on cabinets, layout changes, and what we find once demo starts. These are the 2026 ranges I’m seeing on real kitchens around North Myrtle Beach and the Grand Strand.
By Charlie Regelman · · 8 min
Quick Answer
In North Myrtle Beach, most kitchen remodels I price fall between about $18,000 and $70,000+. A smaller update with cabinet paint or selective replacement, counters, backsplash, and flooring can land around $18,000 to $35,000, while a fuller remodel with new cabinets, layout changes, electrical, plumbing, and permits often runs $35,000 to $70,000 or more. Cabinets, moving plumbing or walls, and hidden issues in older coastal homes are usually the biggest cost drivers.
I get this question a lot, usually right after someone says, “Don’t give me the HGTV number.” Fair enough. Kitchen remodeling cost in North Myrtle Beach is not the same as some national average, and it’s definitely not the same in an older place in Cherry Grove as it is in a newer house in Carolina Forest.
Around here, I’m looking at real conditions: floors that are a little out of level, old receptacles that need to be brought up to code, cabinets that have soaked up years of humidity, and the occasional surprise behind a dishwasher that’s been leaking just enough to stay annoying. That’s the stuff that moves a budget.
I’m Charlie Regelman, and this is the plain-English version. No puffed-up numbers. Just what I’m seeing on kitchens in North Myrtle Beach, Ocean Drive, Barefoot Resort, Tidewater, and nearby parts of the Grand Strand.
Typical kitchen remodeling cost in North Myrtle Beach
| Project type | Typical cost range | What’s usually included |
|---|---|---|
| Cosmetic kitchen refresh | $18,000-$28,000 | Cabinet painting or selective replacement, new countertops, sink/faucet, backsplash, lighting updates, minor [drywall repair](/services/drywall-repair), paint, limited flooring work |
| Mid-range full remodel | $28,000-$45,000 | New semi-custom cabinets, quartz or granite counters, backsplash, new appliances, flooring, lighting, trim, sink, faucet, some electrical and plumbing changes |
| Major kitchen renovation | $45,000-$70,000+ | Layout changes, wall removal or framing work, custom or upgraded cabinetry, island changes, extensive plumbing/electrical, flooring throughout, finish carpentry, permits |
| High-end or large coastal home kitchen | $70,000-$100,000+ | Large footprint, premium materials, custom storage, high-end appliance package, detailed finish work, structural changes, and specialty features |
Those ranges assume licensed, insured work and a real scope of work, not a number that leaves out demo, disposal, trim, patching, and all the annoying little details that still have to get done. A quote can look cheap right up until the missing pieces show up.
Most of the kitchens I see land somewhere in that middle zone. If we’re keeping the basic footprint and not chasing every possible upgrade, things stay more reasonable. If we start moving drains, adding an island where there wasn’t one, reworking flooring, and opening walls, the price climbs fast.
Why one kitchen is $20,000 and another is $60,000
Cabinets are usually the big one. Not always, but usually. If your cabinet boxes are solid and the layout still works, painting or refacing can save a chunk of money. If they’re swollen particle board, doors are crooked, drawers stick, and the sink base has been wet for years, saving them can turn into false economy.
Layout is the next major driver. Keep the sink, range, and refrigerator more or less where they are, and you avoid a lot of labor. Move them, and now we’re talking plumbing changes, electrical changes, patching, possible subfloor work, inspections, and a lot more time. Sometimes that change is absolutely worth it. Sometimes I tell people to leave it alone and spend the money somewhere else.
- Cabinet scope: paint existing, replace stock, install semi-custom, or go custom
- Countertop material: laminate, entry-level granite, mid-grade quartz, or premium stone
- Backsplash size and tile selection
- Flooring condition and whether existing tile has to be demoed
- Electrical updates, especially in older homes and condos
- Plumbing changes for sink, ice maker line, island prep sink, or pot filler
- Appliance package and any cabinet adjustments needed to fit it
- Wall, soffit, or ceiling changes
- Permit requirements and HOA rules in some communities
- Moisture damage, subfloor issues, or hidden wall repairs after demo
Local things that affect cost in North Myrtle Beach
Coastal houses have their own habits. Near the water, I’ve opened up kitchens and found rusted screws, swelling around window trim, and old patch jobs that were hanging on by sheer confidence. Salt air is hard on materials, and so is the mix of humidity, renters, and deferred maintenance you sometimes see in second homes.
Condos are their own animal too. If we’re working in a building off Ocean Boulevard, that can mean elevator schedules, limited work hours, parking rules, protection for hallways, and HOA paperwork before a hammer even comes out. A kitchen in a raised beach condo does not run the same as a kitchen in a single-family house off Highway 90.
Timing matters more than people think. Spring gets busy. Early summer gets busier. If you want cabinets ordered and installed before the heavy tourist stretch, don’t start calling contractors the week before Memorial Day and expect calm, thoughtful planning. That ship has usually sailed by then.
Budget breakdown by category
Every kitchen is different, but on a mid-range remodel, this is roughly how the money tends to shake out.
| Category | Typical share of budget | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Cabinets | 30%-40% | Usually the biggest single cost on the job |
| Countertops | 10%-15% | Quartz is popular because it holds up well and is low maintenance |
| Labor and installation | 20%-30% | Demo, carpentry, installation, trim, coordination |
| Electrical and plumbing | 10%-15% | Higher if the layout changes |
| Flooring | 5%-10% | Depends on material, demo, and square footage |
| Backsplash, paint, drywall, finishing | 5%-10% | Includes [interior & exterior painting](/services/interior-exterior-painting) touch-up or full repaint around the kitchen |
| Permits, disposal, misc. | 3%-8% | Dump fees, permit fees, floor protection, and the usual jobsite odds and ends |
Where I tell people to spend, and where I usually tell them not to
Spend on cabinets, drawer hardware, lighting, and installation quality. Those are the things you touch every day. A cheap drawer slide will remind you it was cheap over and over again.
I’m also big on getting the layout right before getting fancy. A good, simple kitchen beats an awkward expensive one. I’ve had homeowners in Grande Dunes and Plantation Point scale back on backsplash tile and put that money into better cabinet boxes and under-cabinet lighting instead. Smart trade.
- Best places to invest: cabinets, layout function, durable counters, lighting, proper installation
- Best places to save: trendy backsplash tile, fussy trim details, unnecessary plumbing moves
- Sometimes worth keeping: appliance locations, soffits if removal creates a lot of repair work, existing pantry footprint
- Usually not worth ignoring: water damage, weak subfloor, overloaded circuits, poor ventilation
My rule of thumbIf you plan to stay in the house, build the kitchen for daily use first and resale second. If it’s a rental, flip, or second home, I’m more careful about where the money goes because not every upgrade pays you back here.
Three kitchen situations I run into all the time
1) The dated but still workable kitchen
This is common in older neighborhoods and a lot of established homes around North Myrtle Beach. The layout is decent enough, but the cabinets are tired, the counters are worn out, the fluorescent light box needs to go, and the floor has seen better days. Keeping the footprint and updating surfaces is where that roughly $18,000 to $30,000 range often makes sense.
2) The kitchen with a wall that everybody is tired of
This is the one that jumps into the $35,000 to $60,000 range pretty quickly. Opening the kitchen to the living space can completely change how the house feels, especially in older floor plans, but it also means framing, electrical, drywall, trim, flooring tie-ins, and sometimes engineering depending on the wall. Done right, it feels natural. Done cheap, it looks like a rushed patch forever.
3) The coastal kitchen with moisture issues
I see this around the beach more than people expect. Damage under sinks, around windows, behind dishwashers, and along old floor transitions is pretty common. Once we find that, the pretty part of the remodel has to wait while we handle drywall repair, subfloor work, trim replacement, or a broader home improvement plan.
Do permits matter for a kitchen remodel in North Myrtle Beach?
Yes. If we’re touching electrical, plumbing, or anything structural, permits matter. Cosmetic work is one thing. A real remodel is another.
Horry County and city requirements aren’t something I treat casually, and condo associations can add their own layer on top of that. I’d rather do the paperwork and inspections the right way than leave a homeowner with a problem when it’s time to sell, refinance, or answer questions later.
How I help people keep the budget under control
- Decide early what actually matters most: storage, better flow, a bigger island, brighter lighting, or nicer finishes
- Choose appliances before cabinet plans are finalized
- Keep the layout if the current layout is basically functional
- Use materials that handle coastal humidity and are easy to clean
- Set aside a 10%-15% contingency for hidden issues
- Ask for a detailed quote so you know what is included and what is not
That contingency is not me trying to be dramatic. It’s just experience. Homes in places like Briarcliffe Acres, Arcadian Shores, and older sections near the water can surprise you after demo. Better to have a plan for that than pretend every wall is hiding perfection.
Materials that usually hold up well near the coast
Quartz is a solid choice for a lot of kitchens here. It’s durable, easy to maintain, and homeowners tend to like how predictable it is. Tile backsplashes hold up well. For floors, luxury vinyl plank works in some homes, tile still makes sense in others, and sometimes the right answer depends more on the subfloor and the adjoining rooms than on the sample board.
I also pay attention to transitions. If the kitchen opens into the main living area and the old floor outside the kitchen is failing, it may make more sense to extend flooring installation instead of stopping at the kitchen line and making the house look like two different remodels got into an argument.
Is a kitchen remodel worth it here?
Usually, yes. Kitchens sell houses, but more importantly, they affect how you live every day. If your kitchen is cramped, dark, short on storage, or just worn out, fixing it changes the whole feel of the house.
That said, not every kitchen needs to be gutted. Sometimes a targeted update is the smart move. Sometimes it makes sense to pair the kitchen with kitchen remodeling, painting, or adjacent flooring work so the main living area feels finished instead of half-updated.
My advice if you’re pricing a kitchen remodel right now
Get numbers based on your actual house, not fantasy pricing from the internet and not a lowball quote that somehow forgot demo, permits, trim, and repairs. Kitchens are full of little details, and little details cost money.
If you’re in North Myrtle Beach, Myrtle Beach, Surfside, Carolina Forest, Little River, or anywhere nearby, I’m happy to take a look. I’ll tell you what I’d keep, what I’d change, and what I think is worth spending on. If seeing it first helps, I can also use AI visualization so you’re not making decisions off a guess and a paint stick.
Thinking about remodeling your kitchen in North Myrtle Beach? I’ll come look at the space, give you a real budget range, and help you sort out what’s worth doing and what isn’t. Get a Free Estimate
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the average kitchen remodeling cost in North Myrtle Beach?
- Most kitchen remodels I price in North Myrtle Beach fall somewhere between about $18,000 and $70,000+, depending on size, cabinet scope, layout changes, and finish level. A cosmetic update costs less, while a full remodel with permits, plumbing, electrical, and structural work costs more.
- Can I remodel a kitchen in North Myrtle Beach for under $25,000?
- Sometimes, yes. If the layout stays the same and the plan is more of a refresh, like cabinet painting or selective cabinet replacement, counters, backsplash, paint, lighting, and limited flooring, a smaller kitchen can fit under $25,000. Full cabinet replacement and layout changes usually push past that range.
- What costs the most in a kitchen remodel?
- Cabinets are usually the biggest expense. After that, labor, countertops, and any plumbing or electrical changes tend to be the major cost items. If walls move or hidden damage shows up, that can add up quickly too.
- Do I need permits for a kitchen remodel in North Myrtle Beach?
- If your remodel includes electrical, plumbing, or structural changes, permits are usually part of the job. Cosmetic work may not need the same level of permitting. I always recommend handling it properly so you don’t have issues later with inspections or resale.
- How long does a kitchen remodel usually take?
- A simpler kitchen update may take a few weeks. A full remodel often runs about 6 to 10 weeks, sometimes longer if cabinets are delayed, condo access is limited, inspections take time, or we uncover repairs during demo.
- How can I lower the cost without making the kitchen look cheap?
- The best way is usually to keep the existing layout, spend money on the things you use every day, and simplify the things that are mostly decorative. Better cabinets, hardware, lighting, and solid installation usually matter more than an expensive backsplash or unnecessary plumbing moves.