You know you want a new kitchen but where to start? It all starts with the kitchen you have currently setup and your budget. You will also need to figure out a general feel for the Kitchen. Do you want specialized storage? Do you want an island? Do you want to be able to eat in the kitchen also? Do you want to be able to see your guests in the living room next to the kitchen while you prepare the meals? The following lays out the decision process and what goes into the cost of your new Kitchen Remodel.
Major Kitchen Remodeling Expenses…
- Appliances – Figure in the cost of the appliance you like along with applicable taxes, delivery, and installation fees.
- Cabinets, Countertops, Other Materials, and Fixtures – Figure in the cost of the materials. For a non-professional, this is a very hard task. Consults a Design professional to find the right materials for your taste, available space, and budget.
- Contractors – Do you want to handle each individual contractor on your own or do you want a designer/project manager to hire and supervise them for you?
Rule of Thumb Budget Allotment Percentages
- Cabinets and appliances: 50%
- Countertops, sinks, lighting, windows, fixtures and other materials: 25%
- Labor: 25%
Allow some room for unexpected costs/contingency and add another 20% to your budget after after everything else is already figured in. Who knows what’s behind that wall you’re going to pull out? There are surprised in every construction project. Be prepared in case you have a big one. You can also be happy if you don’t have to use your contingency percent!
Average Budgets
- Upscale Kitchen Remodel – $100-120K includes a complete layout change, detailed architectural elements, high quality materials, custom cabinetry, professional grade stove, etc.
- Mid-Range Kitchen Remodel – $50-65K includes some changes to the layout, high end appliances, a custom island, custom cabinetry, and mid to high quality materials.
- Partial Remodel – $15-25K includes replacing countertops, cabinets, and adding some minor design details.
So What Can You Afford?
Pick your priorities and then compromise on the other aspects of your design to get the budget to where you can handle it. Can semi-custom cabinets work instead of fully custom? Can you live with better appliances instead of the best?
How Long Are You Staying in Your Home?
If you are moving within 5 years than only spend what you can plan on getting back when you sell. If you are staying long term, then build whatever you like to improve you living conditions.
Things to Consider When Trying Plan and Stay On Budget
- Focus on your design priorities and don’t give on them.
- Don’t change your decisions last minute for the best items every time or you will blow your budget.
- Make sure to know what permit fees are expected from your local building authority.
- Don’t forget to budget for removing what you don’t want in your current kitchen before you can start the remodel.
- What will you do while you don’t have a functional Kitchen in your home?
- If you are doing this yourself and not using a professional to help you then just know that you didn’t think of everything. Be prepared for that!
A great designer and remodeler can help you every step of the way. They can help you find the best way to make concessions and find alternatives to keep your new Kitchen remodeling project affordable for your family! Becraft Plus has a lot of experience designing and installing kitchens on time and on budget!
Contact Us (301-929-3401) For a Free Consultation
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About Becraft Plus
Since 1989, Becraft Plus has provided customized design and construction services to customers in the Washington, D.C. area. We specialize in custom home building, additions and remodeling, and whole house renovations with a focus on creating living spaces that are tailored to the needs of our clients.
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