Kitchen remodels are one of the most popular types of home renovation projects, especially among homeowners who hope to sell in a few short years. While this type of remodel does represent a significant investment, kitchen remodels also deliver fantastic ROI to homeowners hoping to maximize the sale price of their property. Many kitchen remodels are also a significant source of satisfaction for homeowners seeking to make their home into the “dream home.”
The cost of a kitchen remodel is often the greatest deciding factor that determines whether or not a homeowner will move forward with their remodeling project. Materials and labor for this type of renovation can be costly. Understanding the breakdown of expenses and cutting costs where necessary can make a kitchen remodel an attainable goal.
Don't let unexpected costs get in the way of your dream kitchen. Our free guide shows you how to budget effectively.
Breakdown of Kitchen Remodel Costs
According to BankRate, a typical kitchen remodel may cost anywhere from $4,500 to $50,000, with the average falling in the range of approximately $20,000. These numbers vary depending on the scope of the project, level of quality, geographic location and other factors.
According to the National Kitchen and Bath Association, the major expenses in a typical kitchen remodel will breakdown in the following way:
- Installation: 17%.
Installation costs represent an easy to forget expense. Many homeowners rush purchase appliances and other materials while failing to take into consideration the installation costs that accompany those materials. Cabinetry, countertops and appliances all must be installed properly in order to function. Many kitchen appliances require a water line and other accommodations that require help from a contractor. - Appliances & Ventilation: 14%.
Appliances and ventilation make up another large portion of most kitchen remodeling projects. Many of the most energy efficient appliances require significant up-front costs, although they will save the homeowner money over time by using fewer natural resources resulting in lower utility bills. - Cabinetry and Hardware: 29%.
Cabinetry and hardware, particularly custom-made cabinetry and hardware, are the most expensive items for kitchen remodels. This may be a particularly smart investment for homeowners who wish to sell soon. Custom cabinets and quality hardware can make a good impression on buyers, who pay close attention to kitchens when they purchase a home. - Counters: 10%.
Counters made from natural stone is a very popular item. However, natural stone can also be expensive. Granite is the countertop material of choice for many homeowners, with some slabs costing as much as $40 per square foot. The upside of this type of investment is that granite can last for a lifetime, given proper care.
Smaller expenses in a typical kitchen remodel break down like so:
- Lights: 5%.
Proper lighting helps homeowners see properly during tasks like food preparation. Different types of lighting can help in different situations, with lower lights setting the mood during parties, and brighter task lights helping homeowners get through their everyday cooking routines. Installation of new lights to meet all these needs can ensure proper functionality in the kitchen and can make kitchen space more flexible. - Floors: 7%.
New floors, whether made of tile, laminate or a similar material, can improve the aesthetic value of the kitchen as well as the functionality. - Doors/Windows: 4%.
New doors and windows can help keep the kitchen light, bright and accessible. Installation of new doorways and windows into the home are especially popular among homeowners hoping to create a more open floor plan in their living space. - Plumbing: 4%.
Plumbing costs go up significantly when new plumbing fixtures are installed in areas of the kitchen where plumbing fixtures did not exist in the past. Typically homeowners choose to keep their fixtures in the same location in the kitchen to control costs and simplify the project. - Design Fees: 4%.
For larger-scale remodeling projects, homeowners need to pay for design of their new kitchen, whether working with an architect or a design-build contractor. - Miscellaneous: 1%.
Homeowners should always budget for miscellaneous expenses because changes and unexpected charges come up in nearly all home renovation projects.
The Greatest Expenses
Some expenses can increase kitchen renovation prices by thousands or tens of thousands of dollars. Avoiding these expenses can help keep a project financially more manageable.
- High-end appliances. Expensive appliances like gourmet stoves and refrigerators, as well as non-traditional kitchen appliances like drink coolers, can significantly raise the cost of a home remodel. Not only are these kinds of appliances more costly, they often require more customizations in the cabinetry to accommodate their unusual size.
- Knocking down walls. Knocking down walls, particularly load-bearing walls, can be very expensive. Doing so requires services from a structural engineer, and can also involve special structural accommodations to ensure that the house remains stable and safe.
Budgeting
Establishing your kitchen remodel budget early in the process is important. Following a budget will help ensure that your project stays on track and can prevent unnecessary or unwanted expenses. To budget for your home remodel, start by researching the cost of materials and meeting with contractors on-site to discuss your goals for your kitchen remodel.
Get several quotes to pick the contractor that offers the best price and the best guarantee of quality. Don’t forget that the lowest price may not be the best price, because the contractor’s quality and level of skill are key factors to consider when deciding who to hire.
Once you’ve picked a contractor and have decided on materials for your project, then you can secure financing that will enable you to move forward. It’s important to communicate with your contractor throughout this process to ensure that he or she knows your kitchen remodel budget and is aware of the parameters that you have established for your kitchen remodeling project. This will help control costs and keep your kitchen remodel at a price point you can afford.
Get Started Today!
What are your experiences controlling kitchen remodeling costs? Leave your comments in the box below! At Litchfield Builders we help homeowners with their kitchen remodels, from planning to construction. With over 25 years of experience remodeling homes in the New Haven area, we know how to work with homeowners and stay in their budget.
We can also offer suggestions to homeowners hoping to control the costs of their home remodel. Check out our Everything to Include in your Kitchen Remodel Budget eBook! To get started with your kitchen remodeling project, contact us today.
