A midrange kitchen renovation in Nashville now runs approximately $25,000 to $40,000 for a 200-square-foot space, according to 2024 project data compiled by renovation platforms tracking Tennessee-specific pricing. That figure places kitchen remodeling among the most significant single-room investments a Tennessee homeowner can make, and it underscores why selecting the right contractor matters so much in a state where residential construction activity continues to accelerate. Nashville alone saw a 12% increase in construction permits between 2023 and 2024 (Nashville Business Journal), and Knoxville’s housing market has experienced parallel demand for interior renovation work as older homes in neighborhoods like Bearden, Sequoyah Hills, and West Knoxville reach the age where original kitchens need updating.
Tennessee’s Board for Licensing Contractors, established in 1931, governs who may legally perform kitchen remodeling work in the state. Any project with a total contract price of $25,000 or more requires the contractor to hold a valid state license issued by the board. Kitchen remodels that fall between $3,000 and $25,000 in nine designated counties require a Home Improvement (HI) license, which mandates a $10,000 surety bond and $100,000 minimum liability insurance. The HI license is valid for two years, and the contractor’s license number must appear in all advertising. For projects under $3,000, no state license is required, though local business registration may still apply. Every licensed contractor in Tennessee must pass the Business and Law examination, a 73-question test with a $57 fee administered through the board’s testing program.
The licensing framework creates a clear verification path for homeowners. Tennessee’s contractor license database, accessible through verify.tn.gov, allows anyone to check whether a kitchen remodeler holds a current license, what classification it covers, and whether any disciplinary actions have been filed. The general contractor classification most relevant to kitchen remodeling is BC-A (unlimited) or BC-B (limited), though specialty classifications may apply when subcontracted trades like plumbing or electrical work are involved. BC-A applicants must demonstrate four years of verifiable construction experience or hold an engineering degree, while BC-B requires three years. Both classifications require a $10,000 surety bond and a minimum of $100,000 in liability insurance coverage.
Material selection drives a large portion of kitchen remodeling costs in Tennessee. Cabinetry typically accounts for 25% to 35% of a project’s total budget, and the choice between stock, semi-custom, and custom cabinets creates the widest price variation. Countertop materials range from laminate at approximately $10 to $30 per square foot installed to natural stone and quartz at $50 to $150 per square foot. Tennessee’s 7% state sales tax applies to all building materials purchased for residential renovation projects, and contractors who absorb material procurement into their contracts may handle sales tax differently than those who have homeowners purchase materials directly.
Tennessee’s lien law provides an additional consumer protection relevant to kitchen remodeling. Under TCA 66-11-145, contractors and material suppliers have 90 days from project completion to file a mechanics’ lien against the property if they are not paid. Homeowners can protect themselves by requesting lien waivers from the general contractor and all subcontractors upon each payment. Kitchen remodels that involve structural changes, electrical upgrades, or plumbing relocation will typically require building permits from the local jurisdiction, and the licensed contractor is responsible for scheduling inspections at each required stage.
Verifying a kitchen remodeler’s license through the state’s online portal at verify.tn.gov is the most direct step a Tennessee homeowner can take before signing a contract. Requesting proof of liability insurance and the required surety bond confirms financial protections are in place, and reviewing written estimates from multiple contractors helps establish a realistic budget.
Top Kitchen Remodeler Providers in Tennessee
1. The Kingston Group
- Address: 4705 Alabama Ave, Nashville, TN 37209
- Phone: (615) 750-3528
- Website: https://buildkg.com
- Rating: 4.7/5 (69 reviews)
- Services: kitchen remodeling, whole-home renovation, custom home building, additions, design-build project management
- Description: The Kingston Group is a design-build firm founded in 2007 by Ricky Scott and Robbie Edwards, serving Nashville, Brentwood, Franklin, and surrounding Middle Tennessee communities. The company has been recognized on Remodeling Magazine’s Remodeling 550, Qualified Remodeler Magazine’s Top 500, and Nashville Business Journal’s Small Business Awards in 2012 and 2013, and it holds BBB accreditation with an A+ rating.
2. Aarons Remodeling Company LLC
- Address: 705 Gate Ln #202a, Knoxville, TN 37909
- Phone: (865) 850-0277
- Website: https://aaronsremodelingco.com
- Rating: 5.0/5 (72 reviews)
- Services: kitchen remodeling, bathroom renovation, home additions, structural repairs, deck and porch construction
- Description: Aarons Remodeling Company has operated in Knoxville since 2004, handling residential remodeling projects that include kitchen gut renovations, cabinetry installation, and structural floor repairs. The company uses in-house crews rather than subcontractors for most project phases and provides clients with detailed weekly billing reports that track completed work against itemized budget lines.
3. Summit Signature Kitchen and Bath LLC
- Address: 2021 Tooles Bend Rd, Knoxville, TN 37922
- Phone: (865) 246-8123
- Website: https://summitremodelingknoxville.com
- Rating: 4.7/5 (80 reviews)
- Services: kitchen remodeling, bathroom renovation, custom cabinetry, countertop installation, aging-in-place design
- Description: Summit Signature Kitchen and Bath has served the Knoxville area since 2011, specializing exclusively in kitchen and bathroom remodeling. Owner Will Kaiser founded the company after operating a remodeling business in Colorado, and the firm holds state contractor license number 7685 issued by the Tennessee Board for Licensing Contractors with BBB accreditation since 2012.
Frequently Asked Questions About Kitchen Remodelers in Tennessee
Q: Does a kitchen remodeler in Tennessee need a state license?
Any kitchen remodeling project with a total contract price of $25,000 or more requires the contractor to hold a valid license from the Tennessee Board for Licensing Contractors. Projects between $3,000 and $25,000 in nine designated counties require a separate Home Improvement license. Homeowners can verify a contractor’s license status through the state’s online portal at verify.tn.gov.
Q: How long does a typical kitchen remodel take in Tennessee?
Most kitchen remodels in Tennessee take four to eight weeks for the construction phase, depending on the project’s scope. A straightforward cabinet and countertop replacement at the shorter end, while projects involving wall removal, plumbing relocation, or electrical upgrades extend toward the longer end. The planning and material ordering phase can add an additional one to three months before construction begins.
Q: What permits are needed for a kitchen remodel in Tennessee?
Kitchen remodels that involve structural changes, electrical work, or plumbing modifications typically require building permits from the local code enforcement office. The contractor is generally responsible for obtaining permits and scheduling inspections. Cosmetic updates like painting, hardware replacement, or appliance swaps usually do not require permits.
Q: How much does a kitchen remodel cost in Tennessee?
Kitchen remodeling costs in Tennessee vary widely based on scope and materials. Basic refreshes involving cabinet refacing, new countertops, and updated fixtures typically range from $15,000 to $25,000. Midrange renovations with semi-custom cabinetry and stone countertops fall between $25,000 and $45,000. High-end projects with custom cabinetry, premium appliances, and layout changes can exceed $70,000.
Q: What should Tennessee homeowners know about contractor liens?
Tennessee law (TCA 66-11-145) allows contractors and material suppliers to file a mechanics’ lien against a property within 90 days of project completion if payment is not received. Homeowners can protect themselves by requesting lien waivers from the general contractor and all subcontractors with each payment installment. Retaining 5% to 10% of the contract price until final inspection and punch list completion is a common practice.
Q: Does a kitchen remodel require a surety bond in Tennessee?
The contractor, not the homeowner, is required to carry a $10,000 surety bond as a condition of state licensure. This bond provides a financial remedy if the contractor fails to fulfill contract obligations. Homeowners should request proof of both the surety bond and liability insurance before signing a remodeling contract.