Custom Kitchens — Lee County's Licensed GC

Kitchen remodel cost in Lee County ranges from $8,000 for a targeted cabinet and countertop refresh to $80,000+ for a full custom gut-and-rebuild with layout changes and premium finishes. The biggest variable is always cabinetry — stock costs 40–60% less than custom. D&Co provides a written quote within 48 hours with no obligation.

Yes — if your remodel involves any plumbing changes (moving a sink, adding a dishwasher drain), electrical work (new circuits, panel updates), or structural changes (wall removal, load-bearing work), permits are required through Lee County Department of Community Development or your city's building department (Fort Myers, Cape Coral, Bonita Springs, Estero). Cosmetic work — new cabinet doors, countertop swap, backsplash tile — typically doesn't require a permit. As a licensed GC, we determine what needs a permit, pull it, and manage every inspection. You don't touch the county.

A cabinet and countertop refresh takes 1–2 weeks. A full kitchen gut-and-rebuild typically takes 4–8 weeks depending on scope, permit timeline, and cabinet lead time (semi-custom cabinets run 3–5 weeks; custom can run 8–12 weeks). We provide a project schedule before work starts so you know exactly what to expect — including when your kitchen will be out of service.

CBS (concrete block structure) is the standard construction method for post-1960 homes across Southwest Florida, including nearly all of Cape Coral. Unlike wood-frame construction in northern states, CBS walls require masonry anchors rated for shear load to support upper kitchen cabinets. Standard toggle bolts — used by many contractors — pull out of CBS walls under the weight of dishes within 18 months. We specify and install the correct anchors on every project and document them in your written scope.

Yes — but moving plumbing in a slab-on-grade home (which most Lee County homes are) requires cutting the concrete slab. Slab cuts run $900–$3,500 depending on scope. This cost is almost never included in low estimates from contractors who haven't reviewed your floor plan. We identify slab cutting requirements at the site visit and include the full scope in your written quote before you sign.

Yes. D&Co is operated by Dariceli Kunhardt, Florida Certified General Contractor CGC1531095, with 14+ years in construction, design, and project management. We carry full general liability insurance and workers' compensation on every project. You can verify our license at the Florida DBPR website.

Stock cabinets are pre-built in standard sizes — lowest cost, fastest lead time, fewest options. Semi-custom are built to order in a wider range of sizes and finishes — the sweet spot for most Lee County kitchen remodels. Custom cabinets are built exactly to your specifications — highest cost, longest lead time (8–12 weeks), maximum design flexibility. We help you choose based on your layout, timeline, and budget — and source at contractor pricing regardless of which tier you choose.

We coordinate appliance installation as part of the overall kitchen remodel scope. We handle the plumbing hookups for dishwashers and refrigerator ice lines, the electrical circuits for ranges and double ovens, and the ventilation for range hoods. We don't supply appliances — you purchase them from your preferred retailer and we handle the installation and connections under our GC permit.