How much does a kitchen remodel cost in Severance, CO?

Typical Severance kitchen cost ranges: cabinet painting refresh $1,500 to $8,000; full builder-grade-to-custom upgrade (cabinets, counters, backsplash, fixtures) $22,000 to $45,000; mid-range full remodel with cabinet replacement, quartz counters, and island addition $45,000 to $75,000; premium custom kitchen with full custom cabinets, premium slab counters, high-end appliances, and architectural changes $75,000 to $125,000+. Standalone projects like peninsula-to-island conversion ($4,000 to $15,000) or walk-in pantry build-out ($3,000 to $10,000) are common Severance asks that don't require a full kitchen overhaul.

Do I need an HOA approval for a kitchen remodel in Severance?

Interior-only kitchen remodels generally don't require HOA architectural review in any Severance subdivision. HOA review kicks in for exterior changes: adding a window for natural light, modifying a deck, changing roof penetrations for a new range hood vent, or anything visible from the street. We've submitted to Saddler Ridge, Highpointe Estates, Belmont Farms, and other Severance HOAs and we'll handle the architectural review packet if your scope requires it.

My Severance home is only 5 years old. Is it really worth remodeling the kitchen already?

It's the most common Severance kitchen project — the 3-to-7-year builder-grade upgrade window. Severance new builds typically closed with builder-grade cabinet boxes (sometimes particle board), basic granite or laminate counters, a single off-white paint throughout, a microwave-over-range setup instead of a dedicated hood, and a peninsula instead of a true island. Owners 3-7 years post-closing typically have the equity and the lived-in clarity to know exactly what they want to upgrade. The remodel cost is often less than people expect because the layout is already modern (open-concept), so most of the spend goes to finishes rather than structural changes.

Can you replace my 36-inch upper cabinets with 42-inch uppers?

Yes — and it's one of the highest-impact upgrades for Severance homes with tall great-room ceilings. Builder-grade kitchens in Hidden Valley, Tailholt, and the older Severance subdivisions often have 36-inch upper cabinets that leave 18 to 24 inches of dead wall space between the cabinet top and the ceiling. Replacing with 42-inch (or stacked 30+12 inch glass-front uppers) creates more storage, eliminates the dust-collecting top shelf, and visually scales the kitchen to the ceiling. We coordinate with cabinet vendors that carry the taller modules in the door styles that match the rest of your kitchen.

Do you handle gas line runs for cooktop conversions?

Yes. Many Severance new builds were electric-only but with a gas line stubbed to the house — the builder just didn't run it to the kitchen because the standard appliance package was electric. We run the gas line to the cooktop or range location, swap the appliance, and update the venting. Permit through SAFEbuilt and gas inspection by Xcel or the appropriate utility. Typical add: $1,500 to $4,000 depending on line length and complexity.

Kitchen Remodeling in Severance, CO | Builder-Grade to Custom Upgrades | GIMA Renovation

Severance Kitchens: The 3-to-7-Year Builder-Grade Upgrade

Severance is overwhelmingly new construction — most homes in Hidden Valley, Tailholt, Belmont Farms, Steeplechase, Saddler Ridge, Highpointe Estates, and the wave of newer 2020s subdivisions were built in the last 15 years. That means the typical Severance kitchen remodel looks very different from what you see in the older NoCo cities like Evans, Greeley, or central Loveland.

We don't typically need to tear down load-bearing walls to open the kitchen up to the family room — almost every Severance home is already open-concept. The question is rarely “can we make this layout work?” and almost always “how do we get this builder-grade kitchen to actually match what we want?”

What “builder-grade” typically means in Severance:

Particle-board or thin MDF cabinet boxes with a stock door style and a single finish across the entire house. Doors that crack at the panel after 3-5 years of normal use.
36-inch upper cabinets with 18-24 inches of dead space above — in great rooms that have 9 or 10 foot ceilings.
A peninsula extending off a wall instead of a true freestanding island. Cheaper for the builder, but it kills the “everyone gathers in the kitchen” experience.
Builder-grade granite or laminate counters — often the cheapest tier the builder offered, in a color picked from a binder.
Microwave-over-range instead of a dedicated range hood. Looks fine, but ventilation is weak and it's the first thing that signals “builder kitchen” to anyone who cooks.
Builder-grade appliances — entry-tier from whichever brand the builder negotiated the package with. Now 3-7 years into a 10-12 year lifespan and starting to fail.
A small reach-in pantry or none at all — most Severance owners want a real walk-in pantry.
One off-white paint throughout the house, including the kitchen.
Basic 3x6 white subway tile backsplash — or no backsplash, just painted drywall behind the counters.

Most Severance owners hit the 3-to-7-year mark and realize: the equity is there, the layout works, and the kitchen just doesn't reflect what they actually want. That's when we get the call.

What Severance Kitchen Remodels Actually Cost

Cabinet painting refresh: $1,500 to $8,000. Cabinet boxes stay, doors and frames get factory-quality sprayed paint, new hardware. Best ROI move if your boxes are in good shape.
Cabinet refacing: $4,000 to $12,000. Doors and drawer fronts replaced, boxes re-veneered, new hardware. Looks like a new kitchen at half the cost of replacement.
Counter + backsplash + hardware refresh: $6,000 to $18,000. Keep the cabinets, swap quartz counters, install designer backsplash, replace hardware.
Full builder-grade-to-custom upgrade: $22,000 to $45,000. New semi-custom cabinets, quartz counters, designer backsplash, dedicated range hood, new hardware and lighting, repaint. The most common Severance kitchen scope.
Mid-range full remodel with island addition: $45,000 to $75,000. Adds peninsula-to-island conversion, walk-in pantry build-out, and upgraded appliances.
Premium custom kitchen: $75,000 to $125,000+. Full custom cabinets (Tharp, Schuler, premium Decora lines), premium slab counters (quartzite, exotic granite, marble), high-end appliances (Sub-Zero, Wolf, Thermador), specialty millwork, custom range hood, and structural changes if needed.
Standalone projects for owners who want one element done: peninsula-to-island conversion ($4,000-$15,000), walk-in pantry build-out ($3,000-$10,000), backsplash only ($1,500-$5,000), range hood upgrade with gas line ($2,500-$6,000).

Every Severance estimate we write is a written, line-item scope — you see exactly what every cabinet, counter slab, fixture, and labor line costs. No bundled bids, no vague “allowances” that surprise you later, no change-order ambush at month two.

Most-Requested Severance Kitchen Upgrades

1. Peninsula-to-Island Conversion

The single most-requested standalone kitchen project in Severance. The builder put a peninsula in because it's cheaper — one fewer end panel, no electrical floor penetration, simpler cabinet runs. The problem: peninsulas kill traffic flow, force everyone to gather on one side, and limit seating to two or three stools.

Converting to a true freestanding island typically runs $4,000 to $15,000 depending on:

Electrical relocation — outlets in the new island require a floor-fed circuit, which means cutting the slab or fishing through the basement ceiling.
Optional prep sink — if you want a small sink in the island, plumbing rough-in adds $1,500-$3,500.
Cabinet modifications — the old peninsula cabinets may or may not work as island cabinets; sometimes we order new island cabinets in a contrasting color (a popular Severance choice).
Counter resize — new island counter slab, often in a contrasting material from the perimeter counters.

2. 42" Upper Cabinet Upgrade (or Stacked Glass-Front Uppers)

Builder-grade Severance kitchens almost universally have 36-inch upper cabinets, leaving 18 to 24 inches of dead wall space above. In a great-room kitchen with 9 or 10 foot ceilings, that dead space looks like a mistake. Upgrading to 42-inch uppers (or stacked 30+12 inch arrangements with glass fronts on top) creates more storage, eliminates the dust-collecting cabinet top, and visually scales the kitchen to the ceiling. Typical add when doing a full remodel: an extra $1,500-$4,000 over the standard 36-inch option.

3. Walk-In Pantry Build-Out

Builder-grade Severance kitchens typically have an undersized reach-in pantry — or nothing at all. Converting a nearby closet, broom cabinet, or section of dining-room wall into a true walk-in pantry runs $3,000 to $10,000 depending on whether we're reconfiguring walls. Custom shelving, counter space for small appliances, dedicated outlet, and a door style that matches the kitchen.

4. Dedicated Range Hood (Microwave-to-Hood Conversion)

The fastest visual signal that a Severance kitchen has been upgraded: replacing the microwave-over-range with a dedicated range hood. Options span basic 30-inch under-cabinet ($400) to premium custom shroud over a pro range ($5,000+). Most Severance customers land in the $1,200-$3,000 range for a quality stainless or custom-wood-shroud hood. Microwave relocates to a designated shelf, drawer, or pantry — not a built-in cabinet location.

5. Quartz Counter Upgrade

Builder-grade Severance counters are typically the cheapest tier the builder offered — entry-level granite or laminate. Upgrading to quartz (Cambria, Caesarstone, Silestone, MSI, Daltile, LX Hausys) is the standard Severance counter upgrade because it's harder, lower-maintenance, and comes in patterns that read more “designed” than builder-grade granite. Premium-tier owners upgrade to quartzite (the natural-stone version) for the premium look at a slightly higher price point.

6. Cabinet Painting (Budget-Conscious Refresh)

If your Severance kitchen cabinet boxes are still in good shape but the door style is dated or the white paint is yellowed, cabinet painting is the highest-ROI move available. We strip hardware, sand, prime with bonding primer, and spray with cabinet-grade enamel. Typical $1,500 to $8,000 total depending on cabinet count, vs. $15,000-$35,000 to replace. Done in 1-2 weeks vs. 6-8 weeks for replacement.

7. Gas Line Run for Cooktop Conversion

Many Severance builder packages are all-electric, but most houses have a gas line stub to the building. Running the line to the kitchen for a gas cooktop or range conversion typically costs $1,500 to $4,000 including permit through SAFEbuilt and Xcel inspection. Pairs naturally with a full kitchen remodel or as a standalone before installing premium cooking appliances.

8. Designer Tile Backsplash

From 3x6 builder subway to handmade ceramic, natural-stone slab, herringbone marble, or Zellige tile. Backsplash is where the Severance kitchen finally stops looking builder-grade. Typical install: $1,500-$5,000 depending on tile cost (ranges from $5 to $80+ per square foot) and complexity (full slab to ceiling, picture-frame trim, cooking-niche feature wall).

9. Whole-Kitchen Lighting Refresh

Builder-grade Severance kitchens are typically lit with one ceiling can pattern and basic under-cabinet puck lights. Upgrading to layered lighting — pendants over the island, under-cabinet LED tape with diffuser, recessed cans on dimmers, accent lighting in glass-front uppers — transforms the room. $1,500-$5,000 depending on fixture selection and whether we're adding circuits.

Doing one kitchen project at a time? We do standalone scopes regularly — you can call us for just a peninsula-to-island conversion, just a backsplash, or just a cabinet repaint. The whole-kitchen package is one option, not the only one.

Severance Subdivisions & Common Kitchen Projects

Hidden Valley. Mid-2000s through 2010s construction. Cabinet boxes in some Hidden Valley homes are particle board — cabinet replacement (not painting) is often the right call here. Common project: full builder-grade-to-custom upgrade in the $30k-$45k range with new cabinet boxes, quartz counters, peninsula-to-island, and dedicated range hood.
Tailholt. Newer Tailholt homes often have decent cabinet boxes but builder-grade doors, finishes, and hardware. Cabinet painting or refacing combined with counter and backsplash upgrades is a popular $15k-$25k Tailholt scope.
Belmont Farms. 2018-2024 build years. Cabinet boxes are usually solid, but the door style is dated stock and the counters are bottom-tier. Common scope: $20k-$35k refresh keeping the boxes, replacing doors, upgrading counters, adding the walk-in pantry.
Steeplechase. Larger lots and larger kitchens. Common scope: full $40k-$70k remodel with peninsula-to-island, 42-inch uppers, walk-in pantry build-out, and gas line run for a premium range.
Saddler Ridge. Premium Severance subdivision with semi-custom and custom homes. Owners here often go to the $60k-$95k+ tier with full custom cabinetry, premium slab counters, and high-end appliances. HOA architectural review applies if your scope changes anything visible from the street.
Highpointe Estates. Higher-end Severance subdivision with larger square-footage kitchens. Common scope: $50k-$100k+ premium remodel. HOA review applies.
Mountain View Estates & other newer 2020s subdivisions. Brand-new construction. Owners here often call us for finish upgrades within the first 1-3 years — backsplash, dedicated hood, walk-in pantry, hardware, and lighting refresh while the underlying cabinets and counters are still acceptable.
Severance original-town homes. Pre-2000 homes near the historic Severance core. Layouts here are smaller and less open — these projects look more like our Evans or Loveland remodels (sometimes wall-removal, sometimes full layout reconfiguration) than the typical Severance new-build upgrade.

Cabinet Sourcing for Severance Kitchens

Severance sits in the same NoCo cabinet ecosystem as Windsor and Loveland, with several strong options at different price tiers:

Milarc Cabinets (Windsor). Local Windsor manufacturer. Strong semi-custom and custom programs. Typical kitchen $8,000 to $35,000 depending on size, materials, and complexity. Lead times 4-10 weeks. Fast for a Severance project because they're about 15 minutes south.
Tharp Custom Cabinets (Loveland). Local Loveland manufacturer. Full custom only, premium tier. Typical kitchen $20,000 to $60,000+. Lead times 10-20 weeks. We use Tharp for the Saddler Ridge, Highpointe Estates, and high-end Steeplechase tier.
Stock and semi-custom brands — Schuler, Decora, Diamond, KraftMaid, Yorktowne. Lead times 4-12 weeks. Strong fit for the $22k-$45k Severance builder-grade upgrade tier.
Cabinet painting & refacing. We do this in-house with sprayed factory-quality cabinet-grade enamel. 1-2 week turnaround. Most cost-effective option when boxes are in good shape.

Working With SAFEbuilt: The Severance Kitchen Permit Process

Severance contracts building department services through SAFEbuilt (the same firm that handles Windsor). Permit triggers for Severance kitchen work:

Cabinet replacement only, no plumbing or electrical changes: typically no permit required.
Counter replacement only: typically no permit required.
Plumbing changes (sink relocation, dishwasher add, prep sink in new island): plumbing permit required.
Electrical changes (added outlets, new circuit for island, undercabinet lighting circuit, dedicated appliance circuits): electrical permit required.
Gas line addition (cooktop conversion, gas range): mechanical/gas permit + Xcel inspection.
Structural changes (any wall affecting load path, new range hood roof penetration, opening up a wall): full building permit with plan review.

Most full Severance kitchen remodels need at least an electrical and plumbing permit. Plan-review timelines run 3 to 5 weeks per round. Card payments add a 3% convenience fee; e-check is free. We submit clean plans the first time and coordinate every inspection.

HOA Architectural Review: When It Applies in Severance

Interior-only kitchen remodels generally do not require HOA approval in any Severance subdivision. HOA review kicks in for exterior changes:

Adding a window for natural light over a sink or in a corner.
Changing a window size to accommodate a new layout.
New roof penetration for a dedicated range hood vent (some subdivisions limit visible roof penetrations).
Deck modifications related to a kitchen door.
Anything affecting the street-facing facade.

We've submitted HOA architectural review packets to Saddler Ridge, Highpointe Estates, Belmont Farms, and other Severance HOAs and we'll handle that submittal for you including drawings, materials specs, and timeline (typical HOA review: 2-6 weeks).

Our Severance Kitchen Process, Phase by Phase

Free on-site walkthrough. We measure your existing kitchen, photograph everything, and talk through your priorities, budget, and timeline. No pressure.
Design phase (1-3 weeks). 3D rendering, materials boards, cabinet style selection, counter slab walkthrough, plumbing fixture and appliance package, lighting plan. We invite you to the cabinet showroom and counter slab yard to make selections in person.
Written, line-item estimate. Every cabinet, slab, fixture, and labor line. Not a bundled bid — a full scope you can review and modify.
Contract & deposit. Cabinets ordered. Cabinet lead times (4-20 weeks depending on brand) start running.
SAFEbuilt permit submittal (if applicable). Plans submitted, fees paid, review timeline starts. HOA architectural review submitted in parallel if applicable.
Demolition (1-3 days). Cabinets out, counters out, flooring removed if needed, appliances pulled. We protect the rest of the house with dust barriers.
Rough MEP (3-7 days). Plumbing relocation, new electrical circuits, gas line if applicable, range hood ducting. Rough inspection.
Drywall, paint, flooring (1-2 weeks). Any wall patches, repaint, flooring transitions, base trim.
Cabinet installation (3-7 days). Boxes set, plumb, level, and squared. Doors and drawers fitted and adjusted.
Counter templating, fabrication, install (2-3 weeks total). Templating done after cabinets, fabrication 7-14 days, install 1 day.
Backsplash tile (2-4 days). Tile install, grout, sealer.
Appliances, lighting, hardware, final plumbing (3-5 days). Everything installed and connected.
Final inspection & punch list. SAFEbuilt final, walkthrough with you, punch-list items addressed within 1-2 weeks.

Why Severance Homeowners Choose GIMA Renovation

Specialty in the 3-7 year builder-grade upgrade. We've done dozens of these across Hidden Valley, Tailholt, Belmont Farms, Steeplechase, Saddler Ridge, and Highpointe Estates. We know exactly how the builder-grade cabinets are constructed, where the electrical and plumbing actually runs, and which upgrade dollars buy the most impact.
Peninsula-to-island conversion experts. One of our most-requested standalone Severance projects.
HOA architectural review handled. We've submitted to Saddler Ridge, Highpointe Estates, Belmont Farms, and other Severance HOAs.
SAFEbuilt-familiar. Same permit ecosystem as Windsor, which we navigate every week.
One contractor for everything — design, permits, demo, plumbing, electrical, gas, cabinetry, counters, tile, paint, lighting, appliance install, and final finish. No subs you have to chase.
Written, line-item scopes — no surprises. Every cabinet, slab, fixture, and labor line on paper before we start.
Local cabinet ecosystem access — Milarc 15 minutes south, Tharp in Loveland, plus the full semi-custom catalog.
Licensed, bonded & insured. Full liability and workers' comp.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Severance kitchen remodel cost?

Cabinet painting $1.5k-$8k; refacing $4k-$12k; counter + backsplash + hardware refresh $6k-$18k; full builder-grade-to-custom upgrade $22k-$45k (the most common scope); mid-range with island addition $45k-$75k; premium custom $75k-$125k+. Standalone projects run independently: peninsula-to-island $4k-$15k, walk-in pantry $3k-$10k, backsplash $1.5k-$5k.

How long does a Severance kitchen remodel take?

Cabinet paint refresh: 1-2 weeks. Full remodel: 4-8 weeks active construction with cabinet lead time (4-20 weeks depending on brand) and SAFEbuilt permit review (3-5 weeks) running in parallel.

Do I need an HOA approval?

Interior-only kitchen remodels generally do not require HOA approval. Exterior changes (new window, roof penetration for range hood vent, deck modifications) do. We submit the architectural review packet for Saddler Ridge, Highpointe Estates, Belmont Farms, and other Severance HOAs.

Is it really worth remodeling a 5-year-old kitchen?

Yes — the 3-7 year builder-grade upgrade is our most common Severance kitchen project. The layout is already modern, the equity is there, and you now know exactly what doesn't work about the builder kitchen.

Can you convert my peninsula to an island?

Yes — $4k-$15k typical, depending on electrical relocation, optional prep sink plumbing, and cabinet modifications.

Can you replace 36-inch upper cabinets with 42-inch?

Yes — one of the highest-impact upgrades for Severance homes with tall great-room ceilings. We coordinate with cabinet vendors that carry taller modules in matching door styles. Typical add: $1.5k-$4k over the 36-inch option.

Can you run a gas line for a cooktop conversion?

Yes — typical $1.5k-$4k including permit through SAFEbuilt and Xcel inspection.

Ready to Start Your Severance Kitchen?

Call (970) 836-4334 to schedule a free on-site walkthrough, or send a message through our contact page with your Severance address and project details. We'll measure, talk through your scope and budget honestly, and send a written, line-item estimate within a few business days — no pressure, no obligation.