Kitchen Remodel Costs: Different Budgets, Different Kitchens

Kitchen remodeling can be a scope of work that greatly affects your home. For many, the kitchen is their favorite room in the house, and yet it’s also where we spend much of our time home-cooking and entertaining friends and family. Whether you’re moving into a new home or want to give your current one a facelift, deciding on whether or not to renovate your kitchen may be weighing heavily on your mind.

Today, more than ever before, homeowners are opting for stylish kitchen renovations over full-scale renovation projects due to their multiple benefits. The good news is that there becomes more options available every year in appliances, countertops, materials, surfaces, and accessories, so no matter the size of your budget, you’ll find something that works best for you.

The key to renovating your kitchen is finding the perfect balance of functionality and beauty. Kitchen remodel cost can differ greatly depending on what you want in terms of style, appliances, materials, and finishes. On average, a simple kitchen renovation project will cost anywhere from $15,000 – $30,000, while more complicated or larger projects can easily surpass over $100,000 in costs.

Before getting started with the many choices when it comes to your new dream kitchen, it’s important to realize that not all renovations are alike. If you have an open-plan space or galley style kitchen, then only minor improvements may be needed; if any at all, simply replacing cabinetry doors will do just the trick.

The Basics

A common question that homeowners ask is why a kitchen remodel costs so much more than a simple fix-up would cost them. The answer is mainly because of the labor involved in designing, installing, and finishing your new dream kitchen. You should also keep in mind that during a typical kitchen renovation project, you will have to remove all existing cabinetry, appliances, countertops, and appliances (if they are older or not up to standard), fixtures (i.e., sinks, grab bars, etc.), flooring, non-load-bearing walls (walls which don’t support weight) and more before anything can begin. On average, this type of work will take anywhere from 4 – 8 weeks, but it can sometimes take more time depending on the condition of your existing kitchen, and how involved the job is.

The Factors

So now that you have a better idea of what goes into a typical kitchen remodel, the next step is to determine just how much this type of project will cost you. There are many factors involved in estimating just how much your new kitchen renovation will set you back, and these include:

• Type of cabinets:Lower quality cabinets easily lend themselves to be outdated or wood which is not as sturdy as some other options such as high-end stainless steel, glass, and stone. Expect to pay top dollar if opting for custom cabinetry, and on average, they may cost you anywhere from $3,000 – $8,500+ depending on the materials used.
• Appliances: It’s important to take into consideration that not all kitchen appliances are the same, and those built with lower quality parts will need replacing sooner rather than later as they can end up costing you more in the long run as well as create a lot of unnecessary stress if something goes wrong. In terms of cost, higher-quality appliances will start at around $600 per unit and go well over $1,000 for top brands.
• Countertops & Backsplashes:Granite alone can make a huge difference in a kitchen remodel cost and style, and it is often one of the first options that homeowners turn to as a result. For top of the line, you can expect to pay anywhere from $35 – $120 per square foot, and for more affordable options such as Corian, solid surface, quartz, or engineered stone, costs will come down significantly with average price points of around $25 – 40 per square foot depending on what type is chosen.
• Appliances & Fixtures:In short, the more elaborate your hardware, the higher the cost, so plan accordingly. Simple pulls and handles will cost you less than those made out of copper, nickel, or chrome. Also, keep in mind that if any fixtures need replacing, this can also affect overall kitchen remodel costs, especially when it comes to plumbing. On average, a faucet will cost you anywhere from $75 – $300, but for high-end models, it’s not unheard of to pay as much as $700 or more.
• Flooring & Cabinetry: Tile, hardwood, and other types of flooring can be a big hit on your wallet, especially if you go with higher-quality materials. On average, homeowners spend around $15 – 20 per square foot on wood plank tile and about the same for porcelain ceramic. Keep in mind that if opting to refinish existing flooring, this can mean significant savings. In terms of cabinetry, lower-end custom cabinets will fall into the range of around $3,000 – 10,000+ whereas stock ready to assemble units can be purchased from most home improvement stores for about $1,000 – 3,500.

Other Additional Costs

Many additional costs may come into play when renovating your kitchen, depending on your specific needs and what you want the result to be. If you need certain appliances that require their power supply or need more storage space, this can also affect how much work is involved in planning and construction. Also, remember that hiring outside help during installation can also raise overall kitchen remodel cost. Still, it might be necessary in some cases, especially if this is not a skill set you possess yourself. The key here is to research extensively (if possible) before hiring any pros so as not to get taken advantage of and to always request a detailed estimate with written breakdowns before moving ahead with any project.

The Final Word

Kitchen remodels, whether simple or extravagant, need not be expensive, especially if you have the time and patience to do some research. In short, it is possible to create a beautiful new kitchen for under $30,000, provided that you’re open to using affordable materials such as fiberglass or cultured marble. Suppose opting for high-end appliances; however, this could cost upwards of $50,000+ but keep in mind that these come with extended warranties and the peace of mind knowing that top brands have manufactured them. Although prices will vary depending on all the different elements involved, any kitchen renovation that you plan on doing yourself will be much more cost-effective than hiring professionals, so keep this in mind if you are interested in making changes to your existing space.