Homeowners in Alexandria, Vienna, and the District often ask for a price per square foot. It is a fair question with an unhelpful answer, because the size of a kitchen matters far less than three decisions: whether the layout moves, what the cabinets are made of, and what goes on the counters.
Layout is the biggest lever. Keeping the sink, range, and refrigerator where they are means the plumbing, gas, and electrical stay in place. Moving an island sink across the room, or opening a wall between the kitchen and dining room, adds trades, permits, and days. Sometimes that move is worth every dollar. It should be a decision you make on purpose, with a price in front of you.
Cabinets are usually the largest single line item. Stock, semi-custom, and custom lines differ in box construction, door style, and finish, and the right choice depends on how long you plan to stay in the house. Counters follow: quartz and granite sit in a similar range, while large islands, waterfall ends, and full-height stone backsplashes push the number up quickly.
The most reliable way to control cost is to finish the design before demolition. When every cabinet, counter, and fixture is selected and priced up front, the estimate you sign is the number you pay, and the few changes that do come up get priced in writing before the work happens.