Complete Kitchen Transformation
A dated 1990s kitchen transformed into a modern open-concept space with custom cabinetry, quartz countertops, and professional-grade appliances.
$42,000
Budget
6 weeks
Timeline
75%
Est. ROI
225 sq ft
Kitchen Size
The Challenge
The homeowners of this 1992 Colonial in Whitehall, PA had been living with the original builder-grade kitchen for over 30 years. The layout was closed off from the dining room, dark due to limited natural light, and the appliances were well past their lifespan.
Their primary goals were to create an open-concept kitchen that connected to the dining and living areas, add a large island for family gatherings, and update every surface and appliance to modern standards — all while staying within a $45,000 budget.
The biggest structural challenge was the load-bearing wall between the kitchen and dining room. Removing it required an engineered steel beam, which needed to be designed by a structural engineer and approved by the township building inspector.
Our Solution
We designed a comprehensive renovation plan that addressed every aspect of the kitchen while respecting the home's Colonial architecture.
Removed load-bearing wall between kitchen and dining room (structural steel beam installed)
New custom soft-close shaker-style cabinets (42 linear feet)
Quartz countertops with waterfall edge island (65 sq ft)
Professional-grade stainless steel appliance package
Hardwood flooring to match existing home (white oak)
Under-cabinet and in-cabinet LED lighting system
New plumbing including undermount sink and touchless faucet
Electrical upgrades (20 new outlets, dedicated appliance circuits)
Full backsplash in subway tile with accent band
Recessed LED ceiling lights on dimmer switches
Cost Breakdown
Final project cost: $41,200 (under the $42,000 budget).
Project Timeline
Week 1
Demolition, structural beam installation, rough plumbing/electrical
Week 2
Drywall, painting, flooring preparation
Week 3
Cabinet installation, countertop template
Week 4
Countertop installation, backsplash tile work
Week 5
Appliance installation, electrical finish, plumbing connections
Week 6
Final details, LED lighting, hardware, punch list, cleanup
“The kitchen is the heart of our home now. VM Power turned our vision into reality within budget and on time. The structural beam to remove the wall was a game-changer — it completely opened up our living space.”
— Homeowner, Whitehall, PA
Key Takeaways for Homeowners
Open Concept Adds Value
Removing the wall between kitchen and dining room added an estimated $30,000+ to the home value while costing only $1,500 for the structural beam.
Custom Cabinets Are Worth It
At 30% of budget, custom cabinets seem expensive — but they maximize every inch of space and add a premium feel that stock cabinets can't match.
Plan for the Unexpected
We discovered outdated wiring behind the walls that needed upgrading. The 15% contingency budget covered this without impacting the project.
Permit Process Is Manageable
Whitehall Township's permit process took 2 weeks. We handled all paperwork and inspections, keeping the homeowner stress-free.
Project Details
Project Type
Kitchen Remodeling
Location
Whitehall, PA
Budget
$42,000
Actual Cost
$41,200
Timeline
6 weeks
Kitchen Size
225 sq ft
Home Type
1992 Colonial
Started
September 2025
Completed
October 2025
Ready to Transform Your Kitchen?
Get a free, detailed estimate for your kitchen remodel. We serve Whitehall, the Lehigh Valley, and all of PA & NJ.