Updating your kitchen can breathe new life into a home. It’s also one of the best ways to update your overall home’s aesthetic.
Plus, you’ll spend more of your time in the kitchen, so it’s a worthwhile investment.
But the cost of remodeling can vary significantly, depending on the size of the space and to what extent the renovations will entail.
The cost can also depend on whether you’re doing the work yourself or having a professional contractor complete the job.
How Much Does a Kitchen Remodel Cost?
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A kitchen remodeling cost can be one of the most considerable costs you incur while living in your home.
If you opt for a complete renovation with cabinet and appliance replacements, your budget can be significantly higher than a remodel that refaces the cabinetry.
So, how much will your costs be?
The Short Answer
It can be hard to pinpoint a final value, but there are ways to get a ballpark figure to know what you should be budgeting. As a rule of thumb, expect to spend around $150 per square foot of kitchen space on remodeling costs.
The Long Answer
On average, a kitchen remodel costs between $3,000 and $50,000, depending on the work you’ll have done. It’ll also vary based on whether it’s a DIY or a professional job.
Of course, smaller kitchens will require less money to renovate than larger spaces, but there are still many elements that can drive up the cost of your remodeling job.
If you have no idea what you want to do with your kitchen, hiring a professional will help you pinpoint the factors you wish to adjust for your renovation.
A professional designer can provide you with layout plans, tips, and tricks to create a remarkable kitchen space that will work for you and your family.
But the designer’s time isn’t free. However, having someone who knows what to do can save you time and money in the end, making it worth the cost.
Some homeowners will use a kitchen remodeling app to help them figure out the planning phase of their renovation job.
These digital tools can cost significantly less than hiring a professional designer, but they still give you an idea of how to structure your upcoming renovation.
Factors Affecting Kitchen Remodel Costs
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Having a fresh look in your kitchen can brighten up your space and add value to your home. Changing outdated appliances and cupboards can make a world of difference in your resale value and how welcoming your kitchen area is to you each morning.
From the most expensive elements to the least costly, this list gives you an idea of which items will most influence the final price of a kitchen remodel.
- Cabinets
- Appliances
- Countertops
- Flooring
- Fixtures
- Details
1. Cabinets
Your kitchen cabinets can be the most costly part of a kitchen renovation, but they don’t have to be. There are many ways you can cut costs and save money, but if you need entirely new cabinets, this will be the most considerable portion of your budget.
Shop around for cabinets from many contractors. Stock cabinets will be your least expensive option, with custom cabinets costing you the most money. If you want to save money on your renovation project, avoid any customizations and choose stock model cabinets.
You can also save money by refacing your existing cabinets instead of installing completely new ones. Many contractors will give you options for both refacing and entire cabinet installations.
However, consider that more work hours will mean more money for a private contractor to complete the job.
2. Appliances
Often, when completing a kitchen remodel, you will upgrade or change the appliances. Unfortunately, if you change from white to stainless steel or other variations, you’re not only changing one, but you will be replacing all of the kitchen appliances so they match.
If you have to purchase all new appliances, consider deals at wholesalers that sell kitchen sets and provide discounts for an entire collection for your home.
This bundling can save you hundreds of dollars on the final costs. In addition, some homeowners will find that purchasing floor models or refurbished appliances can also give them the updated items they need at a lower price.
3. Countertops
The costs of the countertops come in at a close third for budgeting a renovation. The material you choose for your counters will directly impact the final costs. Many types of countertops will be less expensive and still look great in your home.
Some countertops will need periodic maintenance to keep their appearance, while others are virtually stress-free once you add them. Keep in mind that less expensive materials may need regular care and maintenance, while more expensive options will not.
4. Flooring
Sometimes, during a kitchen renovation, the flooring color scheme no longer suits the space once you change the cabinets and countertops. Many homeowners use this time to change the floor in the kitchen to complement the new area.
It can be easier to have the flooring job completed during kitchen renovations rather than waiting and having it done at a different time. Also, having your floors done simultaneously with the rest of the kitchen will be less of a disruption for you overall.
5. Fixtures
You may not realize how much money kitchen fixtures can add to your budget until you start pricing everything out at the store.
Also, if you change your cabinet handles, you may want to change your light fixtures to match and keep consistency throughout the space.
Items like pendulum lighting, garbage disposals, and even fume hoods over the stovetop can quickly inflate the final costs of your kitchen renovation.
6. Details
Once you begin your kitchen remodel, you may start to see small details that you want to include in the final project. Items like backsplash tile, grout color, and even bar stools for your island can be attractive additions but increase your budget.
If you choose backsplash tile, different grout options will have varying price tags. Ceramic tiles come in many individual styles and colors that can be affordable or expensive, depending on the type you choose.
Often, outdated lighting will use traditional incandescent bulbs. When switching to LED bulbs or fluorescent options, your costs will be a lot higher than the cheaper light bulbs.
Alternatively, they will last a lot longer, making them more cost-effective in the long run. Be prepared to spend a higher amount on replacing old, traditional bulbs with more energy-efficient ones at the start of your renovation.
Things to Consider
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There are many things to consider when you decide to remodel your kitchen. Preparation and planning are vital to sticking to a budget and ensuring that your kitchen renovation goes smoothly.
Moving the Appliances
Moving appliances or the sink means more money in the final bill. In addition, anytime you have to relocate electrical wiring or plumbing, a professional’s fees will quickly add up.
If you want to save money, try working with the existing space and keep the general footprint of your appliances and sink.
Refacing Cabinets Rather Than Replacing
Refacing cabinets instead of replacing them can save you a ton of money in the long run. Some cabinets can have new doors or a fresh paint job for a whole new look.
In addition, many contractors can swap cabinet doors or perform repairs instead of replacing the entire cabinetry.
By replacing hinges and door pulls, your cabinets will have a whole new look at a fraction of the cost.
With only a fresh coat of paint and some replacement hardware, your cabinets will be looking new in no time for a lot less than replacing the entire cabinetry.
Shop Around and Compare Pricing
Shop around for appliances and renovation supplies. Many wholesalers will price match the competition, so do not assume that you’re getting the best price in the first place you see.
Try not to make snap decisions, and take some time to decide on which appliances you want or need.
You may need to visit more than one supplier for your renovation items. Sometimes, a supplier will offer significant discounts for one item to get you in the store, only to list other things at higher prices.
They are counting on you to purchase multiple renovation items in one convenient place, causing you to spend more money. If you want to save yourself time, you can purchase all of your supplies in one location, but this can be costly.
Dig For the Discounts
Some wholesalers will offer discounts to clients who purchase all of their renovation items in one place. Ask about bulk discounts or discontinued stock, which can save you hundreds of dollars in supplies.
For example, the bright door pulls you’ve been eyeing may not be in production anymore, but if a wholesaler has enough of them for your kitchen cabinets, you can save more than 50% of the cost of door pulls that are still in circulation.
Many people who want granite or other stone surfaces do not have to spend an exuberant amount of money.
Some suppliers will have remnants that they price at a discount. So, if you have a small kitchen space, you could find these high-end material pieces at a fraction of the cost.
Frequently Asked Questions
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How can I afford to remodel my kitchen?
Many homeowners will use a home equity loan to finance the kitchen remodel costs.
This method can be a terrific way to update the kitchen, especially if you think of selling your home and want it to appeal to potential buyers.
Some individuals will have to set a budget and stick to it when choosing cabinets, countertops, fixtures, and other items.
However, if you aren’t careful with all the small details, your final costs will be significantly higher than you anticipate.
Why does a kitchen remodel cost so much?
Anytime you're changing major home areas, such as a kitchen or bathroom, you can spend a great deal of money on supplies and professional labor.
Kitchens will have plumbing and electrical requirements that can add up quickly to the final cost of your remodel. Many finishing touches for a kitchen can be costly.
These additional elements include backsplash, crown molding, light fixtures, and other minor final finishings that quickly bring up your budget costs.
Can you do a kitchen remodel for less than $5,000?
You can complete a kitchen remodel job for less than $5,000 if you keep your overall costs low and do a lot of the manual labor yourself.
To keep your renovation budget lower, stick to cabinet refacing and either using the same appliances or purchasing ones at a discount.
When to Call a Professional
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Although some homeowners are handy around the yard, they may not have the time or skills to tackle a kitchen renovation. Using a professional contractor to complete your kitchen can save you a great deal of time and stress.
Professional companies already have all of the necessary tools they need to get the job done quickly and easily, while many homeowners do not own specialty tools to perform tasks. These tools include tile saws, miter saws, multimeters, and other types.
In many cases, you may have all the necessary tools and knowledge to perform your DIY kitchen remodel and still decide to call a pro.
Having a professional come and do a remodel job means that you will not have to put in a full day’s work at your job then come home to work on your kitchen for hours in the evening and on weekends.
Although a professional may take a few weeks or more to finish the job, it will be quicker than a DIY project and get you back to using your kitchen sooner than later.
So, What Does a Kitchen Remodel Cost?
Your kitchen renovation can be as small or large as you wish, depending on your style and requirements. This job can cost as little as $3,000 and run you upwards of over $50,000 if you’re looking at a major project.
In the end, you want a kitchen space that will work for you and your family that will make you feel happy and comfortable for all of your years in this home.