Despite the fact that most homes have an area called the living room, the truth is that more often than not the biggest hub of activity is the kitchen. Whether you have moved into a new home, or have been living in your home for a long time, it is understandable that you want your kitchen to be a reflection of your personality as much as it is a place of high functionality.
If you are considering remodeling your kitchen then you will be wondering how much a remodel costs. Here we will break down what you can expect from kitchen costs and how you can save some money in the process.
Cost Overview
The truth is that there is no singular cost you can expect when it comes to remodeling your kitchen. Kitchens come in all manner of shapes and sizes, and the extent to which you want to remodel your kitchen will have a major impact on the amount of money you spend.
If you live in an area with a higher cost of living like a big city, then you can expect to spend more as well. Most homeowners can expect to pay anywhere up to $33,000 on a remodel.
Budgeting For Your Kitchen Remodel
The most important tool at your disposal in a kitchen remodel is your budget. Your budget determines your overall spending power, and therefore the full extent of your kitchen remodel.
The first step to creating your budget is to list every individual thing that you want to change about your kitchen and then estimate the cost for each item on that list. Be sure to include things like labor costs and materials.
You can get an idea of cost by looking online and picking items that you like ahead of time or creating a generalized cost based on similar items. Add up the total estimated cost and then add 20% of that amount as an emergency fund for any unforeseen issues that might pop up.
Breaking Down the Cost Factors in Kitchen Remodeling
Arguably the biggest factor that will determine the cost of your kitchen remodel is the size and scope of your ambition. If you have a relatively large kitchen then you are ultimately going to spend more money on a remodel than the smaller kitchen. This is simply due to requiring more materials and labor.
If you’re wanting to make structural changes, like changing the entire layout of the kitchen or knocking down walls then you are going to need more money to cover that cost. If you’re wanting higher quality materials than that is also going to be a major budgetary factor.
Proven Strategies For Saving Money
No matter how high your budget May be, it is always a good idea to save money where you can. Knowing where to splurge and where to save can be a tightrope walk, but a worthwhile endeavor. To buy high quality fixtures and appliances when they are things that you will need to be using for years, if not decades.
For example, investing in a high quality oven makes sense. If you are looking to save money then consider less expensive alternatives for things such as your flooring or your backsplashes. You can also save money by refinishing current cabinets rather than installing new hardware.
This, of course, depends on how extensive the remodel will be. Taking advantage of sales events is also important.
DIY vs. Professional Remodeling Costs
It is not uncommon during a kitchen remodel to be tempted to choose to do it yourself root over hiring a professional. If you are capable, and have the skill set to take on part of the remodel on your own, then that can be a significant money saver.
If you are trying to take on more complex tasks such as electrical work or plumbing, it is best to hire a professional whose license to do so.
If you were to make a mistake taking the DIY route, you will ultimately spend more money correcting the mistake.
Comparing High-End vs. Low-End Kitchen Upgrades
A remodel is the perfect time to introduce any upgrades into your kitchen that you may feel are necessary. This can include luxury materials, high-end gadgetry, or brand new aesthetics, but many such upgrades can get costly.
It is possible to introduce lower and upgrades that can still make your kitchen feel brand new without the sticker shock. For example, you can find portable materials that looks similar to the high end materials that you may desire.
For example, you may desire a marble look but do not have the marble budget, so a laminate countertop may be the better choice. There may be some name brand gadgets that you desire, but there is likely a more cost-effective version of that product available already on the market.
It is also never a bad idea to look at refurbished items.
The True Cost of Kitchen Cabinets
One of the most widely remodeled fixtures of a kitchen is the cabinetry. Remodeling kitchen cabinets can be a low-cost affair and the cost can vary widely depending on the materials and whether or not you have chosen to go with stock, semi-me custom, and custom.
Stock cabinets are most affordable and they can be assembled easily but you are limited to a set of options. Semi-custom cabinets will give you more flexibility in terms of size and style at a moderate price, but you may feel that this is too much of a compromise.
Custom cabinets will be the most expensive option. The benefit is that they will be designed specifically to fit your kitchen, layout, and your style preferences. Do not forget the materials will also be a major cost factor.
Labor Costs: The Backbone of Kitchen Remodeling
Calculating the cost of skilled labor can be tricky. While skilled labor can certainly get expensive, you are benefiting from a contractor’s use of experience with dealing with projects of varying degrees of complexity.
This means that you are likely to prevent future expenses that can typically be incurred from going without professional labor. It is important to discuss your budget and timeline with the contractor ahead of time, is this can help you get a better quote.
Financing Your Dream Kitchen: Exploring Options
There are ways in which you can finance the remodel if you can’t afford the cost all at once. Home equity lines of credit, and home equity loans are quite popular because of their lower interest rates and the tax deductible benefits they offer.
You can also utilize credit card or personal loan options. You may find that your rates are higher taking this route. One interesting route that can be taken is financing through vendors or contractors who may offer promotional items such as zero interest for a certain period.
Timeline and Project Duration: Hidden Costs to Consider
Are you really the most expensive factor of doing a kitchen remodel is time. The longer your remodel goes on, the more expensive it will become. This is due to extended labor and even the possible need for temporary living arrangements.
You need to plan for major disruptions during the remodel such as not being able to use your kitchen. This could mean eating out more often, and those costs add up. If you have to put in a rush order then that can also become more expensive.
This is why planning ahead and having a clear plan and timeline can help be the biggest money saver of all.
Sources
- HGTV. (n.d.). What is the average cost to remodel a kitchen? Retrieved from https://www.hgtv.com/design/remodel/kitchen-remodel/what-is-average-cost-remodel-kitchen
- The Kitchn. (n.d.). What is the average cost of a kitchen remodel? Retrieved from https://www.thekitchn.com/average-kitchen-remodel-cost-23636232
- Angi. (n.d.). How much should a kitchen remodel cost? Retrieved from https://www.angi.com/articles/how-much-should-kitchen-remodel-cost.htm
- HomeGuide. (n.d.). Kitchen remodel cost. Retrieved from https://homeguide.com/costs/kitchen-remodel-cost
