By Renova Contractors LLC recently completed a Seattle kitchen remodel in the Wedgwood neighborhood, transforming an outdated space into a modern, functional kitchen. This project involved high-end finishes, improved layout, and several modern kitchen upgrades tailored to a client who loves to cook. Below, we break down the key aspects of this remodel – from custom walnut cabinetry and quartzite stone surfaces to upgraded ventilation, flooring repairs, and plumbing improvements – and how it all came together in about 3½ weeks.
Custom Walnut Cabinets and Quartzite Stone Surfaces
The centerpiece of this renovation is the custom cabinetry and stonework. We sourced the kitchen cabinets from GoldenHome Cabinetry, selecting a sleek frameless line with walnut veneer finishes. GoldenHome is a leading cabinet manufacturer known for modern frameless construction and quality craftsmanship. The rich walnut veneer adds warmth and a contemporary touch, while the frameless design maximizes storage and creates clean lines.
For the countertops and backsplash, the client chose Taj Mahal quartzite, a luxurious natural stone. We installed the quartzite on all the counters and carried it up into a full-height backsplash, creating a seamless, elegant look. The kitchen’s peninsula features waterfall edges on both ends, meaning the quartzite slab wraps down vertically to the floor for a dramatic effect. Taj Mahal quartzite is prized for its soft white and creamy beige tones with subtle gold veining, which paired beautifully with the walnut cabinets. It’s not just beautiful but also incredibly durable – this stone resists scratches, stains, and heat, making it ideal for a busy kitchen. The combination of walnut wood grain and the quartzite’s natural pattern gives the space a timeless yet high-end feel.
Choosing and sourcing the perfect stone was a challenge. It was very hard to find the Taj Mahal slabs over the winter holidays (many stone suppliers had limited stock or holiday closures), but we persisted and secured the right slabs for our client. It wasn’t easy to find, but we did in the end, ensuring the client got the exact look they wanted. The end result is a stunning kitchen where the cabinets and stone complement each other, creating both contrast and harmony.
Functional Upgrades: Ventilation, Appliances, and Electrical Permits
Functionality was a major focus of this remodel. The client is an avid cook, so proper ventilation and appliance integration were key. We installed a built-in microwave neatly into the cabinetry, freeing up counter space and giving a custom look. This involved some rewiring to provide a dedicated outlet and ventilation for the microwave unit. Per Seattle code, whenever you alter or install new wiring or electrical equipment, an electrical permit is required. We pulled the necessary permits and had all the electrical work inspected to ensure it met code. (Working with a licensed contractor like Renova means these details are handled professionally – nothing is done under the table.)
Because the client cooks a lot, we also upgraded the range hood to a very powerfull vent hood system. This high-CFM (cubic feet per minute) hood efficiently removes smoke, grease, and odors from heavy stovetop use. In fact, experts recommend at least 600 CFM ventilation for kitchens with frequent high-heat cooking, and our installed hood meets that recommendation. The new vent hood is externally ducted and significantly quieter and more effective than the old unit. It will keep the kitchen air clean even during wok stir-frying or searing, which was a priority for the homeowner. Additionally, we ensured make-up air considerations were addressed (in Seattle’s cooler climate, bringing in fresh air when exhausting large volumes is important to avoid depressurization).
We handled other electrical upgrades too, such as adding under-cabinet LED lighting and updating outlets to GFCI for safety. All these modern kitchen upgrades required careful planning and permitting, but they greatly improve the daily functionality of the space. The kitchen is now not only beautiful but also equipped for serious cooking and meets all safety codes.
Flooring Repairs and Plumbing Improvements
Changing the kitchen’s layout meant we had to do some hardwood floor repairs beccause of the footprint changes. The previous layout had a different peninsula configuration, leaving a section of the oak flooring incomplete when we adjusted the floor plan. To address this, we wove in new hardwood planks where walls or cabinets were removed, and then refinished those areas to blend seamlessly with the existing floor. The patches are invisible – it looks like the hardwood was always continuous. Maintaining the original flooring was important to the clients for both cost savings and preserving the character of the adjoining rooms. With careful craftsmanship, we avoided a full floor replacement by doing targeted repairs and a light refinish in the affected zones. Now the kitchen floor is level and uniform, with no scars from the remodel.
We also tackled some plumbing upgrades and relocations. The old plumbing system was quite outdated (the home is several decades old), so we used the remodel opportunity to modernize it. Outdated pipes and connections can be prone to leaks and other issues; by updating the plumbing, you prevent future problems since new pipes are far less likely to corrode or clog. In this project we replaced old galvanized steel supply lines with new PEX tubing and updated the cast iron drain lines to ABS in the kitchen area. We also relocated the sink’s plumbing to fit the new sink placement in the peninsula and moved the dishwasher hookup accordingly. These changes improved water pressure and drainage, and everything is now up to current code. As a bonus, the new plumbing fixtures (a high-arc faucet and a deep under-mount sink) not only function better but also add to the kitchen’s modern look. All plumbing work was done by our licensed plumber and inspected. It’s one of those behind-the-scenes upgrades that will serve the homeowners well for years with more efficient and reliable performance.
Project Challenges, Timeline, and Outcome
Every renovation has its challenges, and this kitchen was no exception. As mentioned, sourcing the Taj Mahal quartzite during the holiday season was a significant hurdle. We contacted multiple stone suppliers in the Seattle area and finally found a fabricator with slabs arriving just after New Year’s. Despite the delay in material availability, we managed to keep the project on track. Our team resequenced some tasks (such as doing the cabinet installation and floor repairs first) while waiting for the countertop fabrication. Once the stone arrived, we expedited the cutting and installation so as not to lose momentum.
Another challenge was coordinating permits and inspections for the electrical changes. Seattle’s permit process can add time if not handled efficiently. We submitted clear plans and were able to get over-the-counter electrical permits since the scope was limited to a kitchen circuit modification and new vent wiring. Inspection was scheduled promptly and passed without issues. Similarly, for the vent ducting, we followed code requirements and got sign-off, ensuring the homeowner has peace of mind that everything is safe and legal.
In the end, the project took approximately 3.5 weeks from demo to final touches – roughly within the expected timeline for a kitchen remodel of this scale (most standard kitchen remodels in Seattle take about 3–4 weeks)renova.contractors. We started right after the holidays and wrapped up before the end of January. The homeowners were able to cook in their new kitchen by the 25-day mark, which included a few days of buffer for inspections and a final paint touch-up. Considering the scope of work (cabinetry, counters, appliances, floor repair, electrical, plumbing, and finishes), completing it in under a month was a satisfying accomplishment.
The outcome is a modern, airy kitchen that maintains the cozy feel of the home while vastly improving functionality. The walnut cabinets and Taj Mahal quartzite give a luxurious yet inviting aesthetic. The client now has a kitchen that not only looks beautiful but is tailored to their cooking lifestyle – ample prep space, powerful ventilation, convenient appliance placement, and reliable updated utilities behind the scenes. It’s a kitchen transformation that checked all the boxes, and the homeowners have expressed their excitement to finally have a space that meets their needs and reflects their style.
Contact Renova Contractors LLC
If you’re considering your own kitchen remodel or home renovation in the Seattle area, Renova Contractors LLC can help bring your vision to life. Renova is a fully licensed, bonded, and insured general contractor with an in-house team handling everything from design and permits to construction. We take pride in delivering code-compliant, high-quality workmanship on a firm schedule and budget.
Renova Contractors LLC – Seattle Home Remodeling Specialists
Address: 221 1st Ave W, #247, Seattle, WA 98119
Phone: 206-255-2708 (call or text)
Website: www.renova.contractors
Feel free to reach out for a consultation. Whether it’s a Seattle kitchen remodel, bathroom upgrade, or a full home renovation, our team is ready to deliver modern kitchen upgrades and home improvements with a personalized touch. We’re happy to discuss ideas, provide estimates, and guide you through the remodeling process from start to finish. Let us help you create a space you’ll love for years to come
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