Kitchen Remodeling in Alpharetta, GA

Love Your Home, But Hate Your Kitchen?

Not enough counter space? Cabinets bursting at the seams? A layout that makes cooking feel like an obstacle course? Your kitchen should make life easier, not add to the chaos. Michael James Remodeling helps Alpharetta homeowners turn outdated, frustrating kitchens into beautiful, functional spaces where cooking, gathering, and everyday living finally feel right.

28Years Building in North Georgia
25People on the Team
1Lead Carpenter on Your Job
Design-BuildDrawn and Built by One Team
Look Before You Call

Kitchen Remodels We've Finished Near Buford and North Georgia

Three real kitchens from three different homes. If these look like the kind of work you want in your house, keep reading.

Want more? Browse the kitchen gallery or every project we've built.

In Their Words

Reviews From People Who Lived Through a Kitchen Remodel

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Jimmy Shackelford profile picture
Jimmy Shackelford
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We had a basement remodel project and I can't recommend Michael James enough. We spoke with several contractors and it was very apparent upon speaking with Michael and his team that they would provide the quality and service we were looking for. They have a great process from initial consultation through design and construction. They took care of everything and managed the project perfectly. They finished the project a week earlier than the proposed timeline and everything appeared to go smoothly from our perspective. They communicated consistently throughout the project so we always knew what to expect. Again, I can't recommend them highly enough!
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Valerie Butts profile picture
Valerie Butts
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Michael James, Jenni, Edgar and the MJ team of subs provided us with an exceptional experience for our primary bath renovation. We were delighted with the outcome and are still commenting to each other how much we love our new bathroom. Michael worked hard to make the zero entry shower a reality for us, Jenni worked diligently to have all the subs lined up and ready to go. Edgar provided his magic touch making the odd frustrations that come with a renovation "fixable." Somehow he got it done! Communication was top notch as we would receive a text notifying us who would be arriving that day. The process flowed and I know that took a lot of planning on their part. I would highly recommend Michael James Remodeling.
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Ed Quinones profile picture
Ed Quinones
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We’ve used Michael James Remodeling on two extensive projects - expansion of our living/dining area and total renovation of our primary bathroom. On both occasions MJ and team did an outstanding job. This is a top notch set of professionals dedicated to listening to their customers, focused on detail, quality craftsmanship, timeliness and fully managing and enhancing an entire remodeling project from your first call into the office to the final walkthrough and beyond. I’ve engaged multiple contractors before (meaning those that actually show up or return your call) but MJ and team are hands down unequivocally the best. You will not regret contacting them, it will be a very positive experience. If you desire quality work, look no further.
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Emily Huffman profile picture
Emily Huffman
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We are in love with the work that Michael James and his team did at our home. They were so easy to work with and they made the process almost seamless. They had great ideas for us, very responsive to questions or concerns, and did high-quality work.
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CHRIS RAINEY profile picture
CHRIS RAINEY
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Very talented and professional company that made our kitchen remodel much easier than I had ever imagined.
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Andrea So profile picture
Andrea So
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We had an excellent experience with Michael James Remodeling. They delivered top notch customer service and craftsmanship. They listened carefully to our needs and made our home look exactly the way we wanted it to look.
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Becky Hunt profile picture
Becky Hunt
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Absolutely the best company to deal with . Friendly, polite, very knowledgeable, cage honest
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Karyn Brelloch profile picture
Karyn Brelloch
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We had a wonderful experience working with Michael and his entire team as they rebuilt our deck. They listened to what we wanted and gave us the beautiful outdoor space we’d hoped for, despite some of the challenges our project offered. The work was completed on a timely basis, and they always made sure to leave the workspace clean, and as usable as possible as the project progressed. We will definitely contact them again for future projects.
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Rachel Patch profile picture
Rachel Patch
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Loved working with this team- they created a finished basement for us complete with kitchen and bathroom. It’s amazing to have another livable area in our house. They were fast, professional and everything came out perfect.
Quick Kitchen Check

Which Kind of Kitchen Project Is Yours?

Three questions and you will see where a Buford kitchen like yours usually lands. No email, no phone number, no follow-up calls.

Question 1 of 3

What gets in your way most?

Choose the closest match.

How far do you want to go?

A ballpark is fine.

What are you dreading most?

We will answer it in your result.

What We Build

Kitchen Remodeling Services in Buford, GA

Kitchen redesign and kitchen build under one roof. We draw it, then we build it, which is why the finished room matches the plan.

Kitchen Cabinets and Storage

Stock, semi-custom, or fully custom. If the boxes are solid and the layout stays, refacing can be the smarter spend.

Islands and Seating

Islands sized to the room, with seating, outlets, and storage planned in before anything is built.

Counters and Backsplash

Laminate and tile up through quartz, granite, and premium stone, matched to how hard you use the room.

Walls, Beams, and Layout

Opening a kitchen to the next room, moving a sink or range, and the structural work that goes with it.

Lighting, Power, and Venting

A real lighting plan, new circuits where you need them, and a hood that vents properly.

Floors and Finishing

New flooring and paint that tie the kitchen back into the rest of the house.

Kitchen Remodeling in Buford

Kitchen Renovation in Buford: One Room, Too Many Jobs

Buford is a mix. There are older homes near downtown, subdivisions built out around Hamilton Mill and Bogan Park, and houses on Lake Lanier where the kitchen is the first stop after a day on the water. Different houses, same complaint.

The kitchen is doing too many jobs. Weeknight dinners, homework at the island, a crowd on game day, a pot of coffee for whoever shows up Saturday morning. If it was never laid out for any of that, you feel it every day.

That's what we fix. If you've been typing "kitchen remodeler near me" into your phone, here's what to expect from us: a Buford kitchen remodeler who listens before pitching. You can also see what we build on our kitchen remodeling page or read about home remodeling in Buford.

Kitchen island with sink and faucet in a lakefront home remodeled by Michael James Remodeling
What It Costs

Kitchen Remodel Cost in Buford, GA

Here's the honest version, before you talk to anyone.

Approximate

Minor Refresh

$15,000–$30,000
$15K$150K+
  • Cosmetic updates only
  • Stock cabinets or refacing
  • Laminate or tile counters
  • Standard appliances
  • Same footprint, no structural work
Approximate

Mid-Range Remodel

$30,000–$75,000
$15K$150K+
  • Semi-custom cabinets
  • Quartz or granite counters
  • Mid-tier appliances
  • Some layout changes
  • New lighting and flooring, plus vent and wiring upgrades
Approximate

Major Upscale Renovation

$75,000–$150,000+
$15K$150K+
  • Full custom cabinetry
  • Premium stone counters
  • Professional-grade appliances
  • Layout redesigned from scratch
  • Structural work and top-end finishes
All of these numbers are approximate. Your kitchen gets priced on its own plan. Size, materials, layout changes, and whatever turns up behind the walls all move the total, so you will see a real number before you sign.

Cabinets are where the range opens up

Stock

$100–$300 per linear foot

Standard sizes, limited styles, available quickly.

Semi-custom

$150–$650 per linear foot

Adjustable sizes and finishes. A good middle ground for most families.

Custom

$500–$1,200+ per linear foot

Built to your room, down to the wood and the detail.

Approximate. Cabinet pricing comes from our Georgia kitchen remodel cost guide.

Not every Buford kitchen needs the top tier, and some need less than they think. If a smaller job fits your house, we'll say so.

Want the full breakdown?

Read the Kitchen Cost Guide →
Where the Money Goes

Why Two Buford Kitchens the Same Size Can Cost So Differently

Square footage is the wrong place to start. A kitchen's price follows its choices, and a few of them do most of the damage.

About 40%of a typical kitchen budget goes to cabinets
20 to 24%is a fair labor share on a well-run $50,000 job
$40,000can separate two same-size kitchens

The big movers are the usual suspects: relocating plumbing or gas, taking out a wall, going custom on cabinets, and natural stone counters. The wildcard is what's behind the drywall, like a soft subfloor or old wiring.

Planning an island? Our island ideas are a good place to start, and our wall removal cost guide covers the biggest swing.

Simple white kitchen added to a basement living area in Dahlonega by Michael James Remodeling

A basic kitchen we added to a basement in Dahlonega. Small scope, done right. See the project.

How Long It Takes

What Sets the Timeline for a Kitchen Remodel

Cabinets run the clock more than anything else. Stock can arrive quickly. Semi-custom usually takes six to eight weeks and custom ten to sixteen. Inspections and surprises behind the walls add the rest.

1

We Listen

How do you cook? Who is in the room, and when? We start there, then come out and see the space ourselves.

2

We Draw It

You see renderings of the new kitchen before anything gets torn out. Moving a line on paper is free.

3

We Build It

Tear-out comes first, then the plumbing and electrical, then cabinets, counters, and trim. The work inside the walls gets the same care as the work you can see.

4

We Walk It With You

We go through every detail together, clean the place up, and check back once you have cooked in the room for a few weeks.

Curious how the whole project runs?

Walk Through Our Process →
Living Through It

You Can Keep Living in Your House

The Kitchen Closes, the House Stays Open

Before demo day we work out how your family will eat for the next few weeks, so day one holds no surprises.

A Crew That Cleans Up

Floors get protected, dust gets controlled, and the space is cleaned at the end of every day.

One Person Who Knows Your Job

A lead carpenter and a project manager are on your job from the first day. Nobody has to ask you the same question twice.

You Always Know What Is Next

You hear from us at every stage, not only when something goes wrong.

Not Ready to Commit? Just Talk to Us.

Tell us about the kitchen. You'll get the real cost and timeline up front.

Permits

Kitchen Remodel Permits in Buford: Which Office Is Yours?

Buford sits in two counties, and plenty of addresses with a Buford mailing label sit outside the city limits. So your permit may come from the City of Buford, Gwinnett County, or Hall County. Same kitchen, different paperwork. We find out which applies before we price the job, and we handle the application.

The basic rule is the same almost everywhere. Moving a wall, plumbing, gas, or electrical usually needs a permit and inspections. Cabinets, flooring, and paint usually don't.

If you live in a subdivision with an HOA, check the covenants for anything that shows from the street. Tell us early so approval time goes on the calendar.

Who Issues the Permit

1City of Buford: addresses inside city limits.
2Gwinnett County: addresses in the county part of Buford, outside the city.
3Hall County: addresses in the northern, Hall County side.
–Usually no permit: cabinet swaps, new flooring, and paint, according to Gwinnett and Hall.

Your address decides which rules apply, so we check before we price.

Where We Work

Kitchen Remodeling Across Buford and the Lake Lanier Area

A lake house, a subdivision home, and a place near downtown all want different things from a kitchen. Here's what we look for in each.

Lake Lanier and Buford Dam

Homes along the south end of Lake Lanier. The kitchen has to handle a full house on summer weekends, and a good view is worth designing around.

Hamilton Mill

Large, established subdivisions where the kitchen often sits behind a wall from the family room. Before you plan to open it, someone has to check what that wall is holding up.

Around Bogan Park

Family neighborhoods near Bogan Park, where the kitchen carries after-practice dinners and a houseful of friends.

Downtown Buford and Tannery Row

Older homes close to downtown, often with smaller rooms and closed-in kitchens. A smart layout can add a lot without adding a square foot.

The Mall of Georgia Area

Many addresses here say Buford but sit outside the city limits. That changes who issues your permit, and we sort it out up front.

North Buford and the Hall County Line

The northern edge of Buford reaches into Hall County, close to our Gainesville headquarters. Different permit office, same team.

Before You Hire Anyone

Five Questions to Ask Any Kitchen Contractor

Most people have been burned once. These help you avoid a second time, whoever you hire.

  1. Who runs my job day to day?You want a name and a phone number, not a department.
  2. What exactly is in the estimate?"Cabinets: $12,000" tells you nothing. You want brand, material, and linear feet.
  3. Why is one bid so much lower?A quote far below the rest usually leaves something out. Ask what.
  4. Who pulls the permit, and what does it cover?If a contractor never mentions permits, that tells you something.
  5. Can I see finished work and talk to past clients?Photos are a start. A phone call with a past client is better.

More to read: common kitchen remodel regrets and 20 mistakes to avoid.

Straight Answers

Buford Kitchen Remodeling FAQ

Our approximate ranges are $15,000 to $30,000 for a minor refresh, $30,000 to $75,000 for a mid-range remodel, and $75,000 to $150,000 or more for a major upscale renovation. Those are ballparks. Your kitchen gets priced on its own plan, and you will see a real number before you sign anything.
Yes. Buford is part of the area we serve. Our headquarters are in Gainesville, a short drive up Lake Lanier, and our team handles everything from simple refreshes to complete redesigns for Buford homeowners.
It depends on your address. Parts of Buford fall under the City of Buford, some under Gwinnett County, and the northern edge under Hall County. We confirm which office applies and handle the application. Moving plumbing, gas, electrical, or a wall usually needs one. Cabinets, flooring, and paint usually don't.
Cabinets set most of the schedule. Stock cabinets can arrive quickly, semi-custom usually takes six to eight weeks, and custom takes ten to sixteen. Inspections and anything found behind the walls add time. We put a real schedule in writing before you sign.
Yes. The work stays in the kitchen, so the rest of the house stays usable. Before demo, we plan your meals with you, and the crew cleans up daily.
Often, yes. First we find out whether the wall is load-bearing. If it is, it needs a beam and engineering, which changes the budget and the schedule. We sort that out in the design stage, before you commit. See our kitchen wall removal cost guide for what to expect.
Yes. Several of our projects are on or near Lake Lanier, including a whole-home remodel with a new kitchen on the lake. A lake kitchen usually has to handle crowds and take advantage of the view, and we design for both.
Refacing makes sense when the cabinet boxes are solid and the layout stays the same. It costs less and moves faster. If you are changing the layout, or the boxes are damaged or poorly built, replacing is usually the better long-term move. We will tell you which one fits your kitchen.
Compare scope, not just price. A good estimate lists cabinets by brand, material, and linear feet, and it talks about permits. Be careful with vague line items and with any bid far below the others, because something is usually missing.

Tell us what the kitchen does to you every morning. We will listen first and work out the rest together.

The first conversation is free. The real cost and timeline come before any contract.

3473 Thompson Bridge Rd, Gainesville, GA 30506 · sales@michaeljamesremodeling.com

Where We Work

Michael James Remodeling proudly serves cities around Fulton, Gwinnett, and Hall Counties. If you like to find out if your project is in our service area, reach out to us!

Serving Cities Including: