Kitchen Remodeling in Florence, AL — What to Know

Florence is the largest city in the Shoals and has one of the most varied housing markets in Northwest Alabama — from 1920s bungalows near downtown to 1970s ranch homes in established subdivisions to newer construction on the city's edges. Each of those housing types has different kitchen remodeling needs, and each comes with different permit requirements from the City of Florence.

Florence kitchen remodeling permits

The City of Florence Building Department requires permits for any kitchen remodeling work that involves structural changes, plumbing modifications, or electrical rough-in. A countertop and backsplash swap with no plumbing or electrical changes typically doesn't require a permit. Installing a new dishwasher in an existing rough-in doesn't require a permit. But adding an island with a new electrical circuit, relocating the sink, or removing a wall — those all require permits from Florence.

We submit permit applications to the City of Florence building department and manage all inspections from rough-in through final. Florence inspectors are thorough and work on a predictable schedule — we generally have permit approvals within 10–15 business days of application, which means you know your start date when you sign a contract with us.

Common kitchen projects in Florence homes

Open-concept kitchen conversions in older Florence homes

The most common kitchen project we see in Florence's established residential neighborhoods — especially in the Sweetwater, Turtle Point, and Indian Hills areas — is removing the wall between the kitchen and living room. Most of these homes were built in the 1960s through 1980s and have a closed kitchen layout that feels small compared to modern expectations.

In most Florence-area homes built before 2000, this wall is load-bearing. We assess the structure, determine the correct beam size and span, get the engineering signed off, and handle all structural framing. The result is a dramatically more open and usable space — usually the most impactful change you can make to an older home's floor plan.

Cabinet and countertop updates in 1970s–1990s kitchens

The most common cosmetic update in Florence is replacing 1970s–1990s oak or laminate cabinets with semi-custom cabinets in a more current style, paired with quartz countertops. This project typically doesn't require any structural or plumbing changes — it's a cabinet-for-cabinet swap with new countertop templating. Cost in Florence for a 200–250 sq ft kitchen: $22,000–$38,000 depending on cabinet grade and countertop selection.

Kitchen flooring in Florence homes with slab foundations

Many Florence homes were built on slab foundations, which limits flooring options. Solid hardwood is not suitable for slab-on-grade installations — it requires a vapor barrier and subfloor system that adds cost and height. Engineered hardwood and luxury vinyl plank (LVP) are the best choices for slab kitchens: both handle moisture from below, and LVP is 100% waterproof and dimensionally stable in Lauderdale County's humidity.

How much does a kitchen remodel cost in Florence, AL?

Florence kitchen remodel costs closely track the Northwest Alabama averages. A mid-range full remodel (new cabinets, quartz countertops, backsplash, fixtures, flooring) in a typical Florence kitchen runs $28,000–$45,000. Open-concept conversions add $4,000–$10,000 depending on the structural scope. Budget refreshes (countertops, backsplash, paint, hardware, light fixtures) run $10,000–$20,000.

Hiring a kitchen remodeling contractor in Florence

Any contractor doing kitchen work in Florence that involves plumbing, electrical, or structural changes must be licensed by the Alabama Licensing Board for General Contractors. Verify their license, ask for a COI (certificate of insurance), and get a written contract before signing anything.

We're based in Cherokee — about 25 minutes from Florence — and we're on-site in Florence regularly. Contact us for a free estimate or call (256) 810-2107. We also serve all of Lauderdale County.