Your Kitchen Remodel Budget

Remodeling your kitchen is a big investment and you want to know what you are in for before the renovations are on their way. There are a lot of small and big things that you can do to keep the cost of your kitchen remodel project down. This short guide will help you to be prepared for your kitchen remodel, help you to make good choices, and keep you on budget.

Decide on a budget

The first step is to come up with a budget for your kitchen remodel. Talk to your contractor. Ask them what can be accomplished within your price range. Be reasonable and be open to suggestions. If your budget for a kitchen remodel is too small for what you had in mind, your contractor can help you create a more reasonable budget and plan of action.

Common Cost Breakdown of Kitchen Remodel

Kitchen remodels are big projects. There are a lot of parts of your kitchen that can be remodeled. Here is a common break-down of the cost to remodel a kitchen:

  • Design: 4%
  • Installation: 17%
  • Appliances: 14%
  • Cabinetry: 29%
  • Countertops: 10%
  • Lighting: 5%
  • Flooring: 7%
  • Windows: 3%
  • Doors, walls, & ceilings: 6%
  • Faucets and plumbing: 4%
  • Other: 1%

Source: National Kitchen & Bath Association

Don’t forget to give your budget some wiggle room. Set aside an additional 20% of your budget to cover any unexpected costs. And there will always be something unexpected…

Prioritize. Not every aspect of a kitchen remodel will be important to you. Make a list of the tasks you find essential for remodel. Are new cabinets the most important? New floors? New countertops? Create a list of the remodeling tasks you want done to your kitchen and order them by your priority. At the top you should be items that you consider “must remodel” and at the bottom those things you want done, but aren’t a big priority for you. This will help your contractor allocate resources towards the more important parts of your remodel.

Don’t forget “extra” costs. The true cost of a remodel is sometimes higher than the price you negotiate with your contractor. Do your best to factor in the intangibles of a kitchen remodel. For example, because the kitchen and kitchen appliances are often inaccessible during a remodel, you may end up eating out at restaurants more than usual. Most contractors do their best to make sure a home remains livable while they do their work, but some home-owners find it convenient to stay at a hotel, or to plan a vacation during the remodeling time. No one knows your own habits and inclinations better than you. Plan for how a kitchen remodel will affect your day to day life.

Consider DYI

Not all projects require a contractor. Sometimes a project is minor enough that you can do it yourself. For example, many home-owners prefer to paint themselves. It’s perfectly fine for you to do your own remodeling work if you are able! On the other-hand, know your own limitations. Remodeling your home can have effect on the value of your house. You need to make sure that any improvements you make are just that—improvements. If you aren’t sure you are capable of doing a remodeling project, don’t hesitate to call in a professional.

Stick to your Remodeling Plan

When planning for your kitchen remodel, it’s very easy to go overboard. That’s why at the beginning we recommended making a budget! Changing plans in the middle of a renovation is a quick way to go over budget. Work with your contractor to create a plan-of-action for your project, and stick to it.