Kitchen Remodeling in Tonawanda & Kenmore — Open Up Your Galley Kitchen

We recently completed a full kitchen remodel for a homeowner on Elmwood Avenue in Kenmore. The original 1954 galley kitchen measured 8×12 feet with a single 24-inch-wide counter between the stove and sink. We removed the non-load-bearing wall separating the kitchen from the dining room, installed a structural beam to support the second floor where a partial wall remained, and reconfigured the layout to include an L-shaped counter with a peninsula that seats three. The project included new stock cabinets in shaker style, quartz countertops, a farmhouse sink, and all new appliances including a 36-inch refrigerator that wouldn’t have fit in the original space. We upgraded the electrical panel from 100-amp to 200-amp service and installed four dedicated kitchen circuits. The existing oak flooring in the dining room extended into the new kitchen footprint, and we matched the species and finish to create a seamless transition. Total project cost was $52,000, completed in 31 days.

Another project on Woodward Avenue in North Tonawanda involved a cosmetic refresh rather than a full gut. The homeowners wanted to keep their existing layout but update the 1990s oak cabinets, laminate countertops, and almond-colored appliances. We installed new shaker-style cabinet doors and drawer fronts over the existing cabinet boxes, added soft-close hinges, replaced the countertops with granite, installed a new undermount sink and pull-down faucet, and coordinated delivery of stainless steel appliances. The electrical system was already adequate, so we only added under-cabinet LED lighting on a new switched circuit. This approach gave them an updated kitchen at $14,500, completed in 9 days.

A third example from Sheridan Drive in Tonawanda required structural work. The 1948 Cape Cod had a load-bearing wall between the kitchen and living room. We installed a steel I-beam with proper footings and support columns, removed the wall, and created an open floor plan with a 10-foot island that includes seating, a prep sink, and a dishwasher. The project required a building permit from the Town of Tonawanda, which we obtained and managed through final inspection. With new cabinets, quartz countertops, luxury vinyl plank flooring throughout the first floor, panel upgrade to 200-amp service, and all new plumbing rough-in, the project cost $61,000 and took 38 days.

**Jennifer, Kenmore**: “We called Mid City after getting three other estimates for our galley kitchen. Two contractors told us the wall could just come out, no problem. MHR was the only one who explained it was load-bearing and showed us exactly what beam we’d need and why. The project took exactly the 32 days they estimated, and when they found old knob-and-tube wiring behind the wall, they showed us photos and explained our options before doing anything. The final cost was within $800 of the original estimate. Our kitchen went from a narrow hallway where only one person could cook to an open space where our kids do homework at the island while we make dinner.”

**Tom, North Tonawanda**: “Our 1956 ranch needed a kitchen update but we didn’t want to spend $60,000. Mid City gave us a realistic cosmetic option—new cabinet doors, granite counters, and a new sink and faucet for under $15,000. It looks like a completely different kitchen and they finished in nine days. Exactly what we needed.”

**Carol, Tonawanda**: “The beam they installed to open our kitchen to the dining room is completely hidden in the ceiling. You’d never know there was a wall there. Professional crew, clean job site every day, and they handled all the permit paperwork with the town.”

Kitchen remodeling timelines in Tonawanda depend on project scope. A cosmetic refresh with new cabinet doors, countertops, and fixtures typically takes 7–12 days. A mid-range remodel with new cabinets, countertops, sink, and appliances but no layout changes usually requires 14–21 days. A full gut renovation that includes removing walls, installing structural beams, upgrading electrical panels, relocating plumbing, and installing all new finishes typically takes 28–42 days. These timelines assume normal permitting schedules with the Town of Tonawanda and no major structural surprises during demolition. We provide a detailed project schedule during your estimate appointment.

Yes. During your free estimate appointment, we discuss your goals, measure your existing space, and identify structural considerations like load-bearing walls. We provide layout options that work within your home’s structure and your budget—including peninsula vs. island configurations, appliance placement, and traffic flow. We don’t employ in-house designers, but we work with your ideas and provide practical guidance based on 380+ completed projects. If you want formal design renderings, we can recommend local kitchen designers who work well with contractors and understand WNY home construction.

What cabinet options work best for Tonawanda kitchen remodels?

Mid City Home Restoration installs stock and semi-custom cabinets for Tonawanda kitchen remodels—we do not build custom cabinetry in-house. This approach keeps costs predictable and timelines reliable, since stock and semi-custom cabinets are manufactured in controlled facilities with consistent quality and ship on known schedules.

Stock cabinets come in standard sizes (typically 3-inch width increments) and a limited range of door styles and finishes. They’re available quickly, usually within 2–3 weeks, and represent the most budget-friendly option. Semi-custom cabinets offer more size flexibility, a wider range of door styles, wood species, and finish options, and typically ship within 4–6 weeks. Both options include soft-close hinges and drawer glides as standard in most current product lines.

For a typical Tonawanda kitchen remodel (12–15 linear feet of base cabinets, 10–12 linear feet of wall cabinets), stock cabinets typically cost $3,500–$6,500 installed, while semi-custom cabinets range from $6,500–$11,000 installed. We source from manufacturers with local distribution to ensure replacement parts remain available if you need them years later.

How should I plan for appliances in my Tonawanda kitchen remodel?

Appliance selection affects both your budget and your project timeline. We recommend choosing your appliances before we finalize cabinet measurements, since cabinet dimensions must accommodate exact appliance widths—especially for built-in configurations.

Most Tonawanda kitchen remodels include a refrigerator ($800–$3,500), range or cooktop and wall oven ($600–$2,800), dishwasher ($450–$1,400), and microwave ($180–$600). Counter-depth refrigerators cost more but create a cleaner built-in look in smaller kitchens. We coordinate appliance delivery to arrive after countertops are installed but before final trim work.

One common mistake: buying appliances on sale months before the remodel starts. Appliances have limited return windows, and if we discover a structural issue that changes your layout, you may own a refrigerator that no longer fits your new design. We provide an appliance shopping list with exact dimensions once your layout is finalized, and we recommend purchasing 2–3 weeks before your scheduled installation date.

What flooring works best when opening up a Tonawanda galley kitchen?

When you remove a wall between your kitchen and dining room, you create a flooring challenge: the kitchen likely has vinyl or tile, while the dining room probably has hardwood. You have three options.

First, extend the existing dining room hardwood into the new kitchen footprint. This creates visual continuity but requires finding matching oak or maple (easier in Tonawanda-area homes since most used common species) and matching the stain. Cost typically adds $2,800–$4,500 to a project.

Second, install luxury vinyl plank (LVP) throughout both spaces. Modern LVP looks remarkably like hardwood, stands up to kitchen moisture better than real wood, and costs less. Budget $2,200–$3,800 for kitchen and dining room coverage.

Third, install new hardwood throughout both rooms. This makes sense if your existing dining room floor is damaged or you want a different color. Cost typically runs $4,500–$7,500 for both spaces.

What permits does a Tonawanda kitchen remodel require?

Kitchen remodels in Tonawanda that involve structural changes, electrical panel upgrades, or plumbing relocation require building permits from the Town of Tonawanda or

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