How much does a kitchen remodel cost?
Does your pristine kitchen have cracked tiles, outdated or missing cabinet doors, or scratched and stained countertops? For many homeowners, the kitchen is the heart of the house and the hub of activity. A good kitchen, which is more than just a stunning backsplash and modern appliances, can not only save energy costs, but also increase the resale value of your house.
Are you planning a kitchen remodeling project and preparing a budget? The cost of a kitchen remodeling project varies depending on the size of your kitchen, the appliances and materials you choose, and whether you change the layout of the room. In this article, we will help you to start setting a realistic budget for building your dream kitchen.
Before building your dream kitchen
Asking yourself the big question before determining your kitchen remodeling budget - what do you want from your new kitchen? A high-functioning cooking space with a better flow? A breakfast bar where your family can gather informally? A range hood to remove smoke and odor? Or simply more cabinet storage?
Keep in mind that the biggest mistake most homeowners make on a kitchen remodel is that they keep changing their mind after the project is underway. This inflates the budget by an average of 10%. So take time to think about your kitchen remodel comprehensively and then make a plan and a realistic budget before starting your project. After your kitchen remodeling project has started, if you catch yourself thinking "It would be so awesome if we add this here!" - stop yourself right there. This is exactly how your remodeling budgets get blown. Proper remodeling project planning keeps your cost under budget and cuts down on the length of a kitchen remodel by 30%. Sticking to a well-thought-out plan no matter what will help you to avoid indecision and going over budget.
Learn about kitchen remodeling cost factors before setting your budget
In the greater Atlanta area, the average cost of a major and midrange kitchen remodeling is about $62,000. An upscale major kitchen remodeling project can be more than $120,000 which includes installing custom cabinets, new lighting fixtures, high quality material floorings, granite countertops, and high-end appliances. According to National Kitchen & Bath Association, these are the typical kitchen remodeling costs by percentage:
- Cabinetry and hardware: 29%
- Installation: 17%
- Appliances and ventilation: 14%
- Countertops: 10%
- Flooring: 7%
- Lighting: 5%
- Walls and ceilings: 5%
- Design fees: 4%
- Doors and windows: 4%
- Faucets and plumbing: 4%
- Other: 1%
You can always make cuts in certain areas in order to reduce the remodeling budget. For example, you can always repaint or refinish your cabinets instead of replacing them. You don't have to replace everything at once, either. However, cutting a remodeling budget needs to be done carefully and reasonably. Neglecting kitchen functionality in favor of saving money can influence your long term satisfaction which may lead to even more costs in the end.
Cabinets
Cabinet materials vary widely in quality and cost. Prices of pre-made cabinets sold in home improvement stores are affordable and usually between $80 to $400. However custom cabinets which often require a skilled carpenter to create might cost you more than $1,200. Renewing your damaged and dated cabinets is one of the easiest way to increase your home's resale value, because potential buyers will have a much better first impression of your kitchen.
You should also expect to pay for cabinetry finishes. Pay around $15 per square foot for cabinets that are spray-painted or $6 per square foot for cabinets that are brush-painted.
Appliances
You can take a walk to any home appliance shop in your neighborhood to get a general idea. You can expect to spend up to $20,000 on buying brand new appliances for your kitchen. From custom built-in appliances to high-end store bought, there are many kinds of appliances to choose from when planning your renovation. Each of these appliance choices comes with its own benefits. For instance, if you choose energy-efficient appliances, it will cost you more upfront but benefits the environment and offers you many future savings in the form of lower utility bills.
Countertops
You should choose the materials of your kitchen countertops based on what looks and functions best. There are huge price swings depending on the material quality. One of the cheapest options is recycled glass, which cost you around $65 per square foot. It's very durable, easy to clean, but can easily chip or scratch. However, beautiful high quality wood, metal, and stone countertops can cost you up to $7,000.
Flooring
The largest factor in the cost of flooring includes the square footage and flooring material. Kitchen flooring can be commonly damaged from stains, grease, moisture and heat. Vinyl flooring is waterproof, stain-resistant, easy to clean and provides good durability for the cost. Laminate, cork and hard wood flooring are relatively more expensive options. They deliver a luxurious look yet If you can't keep up with regular maintenance, they might not be your best choice.
Cost of a small kitchen remodeling
Whether you're deciding to install, repair or upgrade, you might be more limited in remodeling options if you have a small kitchen. Maximize storage and installing a counter extension are two highly recommended ways for a smaller kitchen to increase its convenience and livability.
Utilizing Lazy Susans, double pull-out shelves and tiered racks can help provide more room for storage without building more cabinets. A counter extension which can flip or pull out when you need it to prepare food or chop ingredients is also a smart way to create more working space in a small kitchen. You can also choose smaller appliances such as dishwasher, stove, refrigerator, oven, etc, to make more room and usable space. Depending on the remodeling plan you have in mind, the cost of a small kitchen remodeling usually averages between $5,000 and $15,000.
Hire the right kitchen remodeling professional today
Since each remodeling project is different, the price of yours will depend on the size of your kitchen and the scope of your remodeling project. Feel free to contact our professional team and let's discuss how to build you a beautiful and functional kitchen!