Creating Your Kitchen Remodel Budget: Key Considerations & Ways to Save
From hosting friends for cocktail hours to intensively preparing meals for your family, your kitchen is the central hub of your home. So it’s no surprise that kitchen remodels are popular upgrades. But just like any home renovation project, revamping your kitchen can come at a cost.
In this article, we’ll walk through key considerations for creating your kitchen remodel budget, plus ways you can save while still achieving your dream kitchen.
What’s the Average Cost of a Kitchen Remodel?
Before setting your budget, it’s essential to understand the average cost of a kitchen remodel. According to HomeAdvisor, the average cost for a kitchen remodel in the United States is between $20,000-50,000. However, the cost can vary significantly depending on factors including your local market, the materials you choose, and the labor rates.
For instance, if you’re planning to do a lot of DIY work, you could save yourself serious labor costs and work the average down to between $9,000-30,000. It’s just important to ensure you’re skilled enough to do the work well — otherwise, the lower investment won’t be worth it at all.
Cost Considerations for Kitchen Remodels
While many homeowners focus on the material costs, it’s essential to factor in all the costs that make up your kitchen remodel budget. This can include:
- Labor costs
- Building, electrical, and/or mechanical permits
- Design fees
- Appliance costs
- Any unexpected expenses that may arise during the project — and they always seem to slip in, no matter how much you plan! Experts recommend budgeting an additional 10-20% of your total budget for such emergencies.
Tips for Remodeling Your Kitchen on a Tight Budget
In an ideal world, we’d all have $50,000 ready to splurge on a beautiful kitchen makeover. In reality, that’s not feasible for most homeowners. However, a smaller budget doesn’t make a kitchen remodel impossible; it just requires more careful planning and prioritization. Here are some tips to help you save and get the most out of a kitchen remodel investment.
Make a List of Priorities
When building your kitchen remodel budget, it’s essential to decide what is most important to you. Consider which aspects of your kitchen you would like to upgrade and what the essential features are for your lifestyle. This will help you optimize and prioritize your budget for items that matter most.
If you’re not sure of what your priorities are, a good rule of thumb is to start with high-impact changes rather than a full overhaul. Think: replacing old cabinets or installing new countertops.
To stay within budget, some items can and should wait until you have more cash on hand. But everybody’s priority list looks different, so it’s important you decide upfront and stick to your plan.
Get Quotes From Various Contractors
Once you have a clear idea of your kitchen remodel budget, it’s time to start shopping for contractors. Consider getting quotes from various contractors to compare prices and services offered. Always check their credentials and references to ensure they are reliable and will deliver quality work.
Don’t Skimp Where It Matters — Make Your Investment Worth It
If you remember one thing from this article, we hope it’s this: while it’s absolutely possible to save money on a kitchen remodel, it’s critical that you’re on board with spending enough to make your investment worth it. You shouldn’t pinch pennies on things that are very important to you, such as items on your priority list.
Take this for example: if you’ve been dreaming about a beautiful quartz countertop (we’ve got a great selection from Cambria!) but find that laminate is a few hundred dollars cheaper, you shouldn’t immediately switch gears. The quartz is what you truly want, and it’s important to you — not to mention, it’s more durable and will last longer than a laminate option. It’s worth the consideration of spending a little more.
The point we’re trying to make is that the cheapest option isn’t always the best one, even if you’re on a budget. To make your kitchen remodel investment worth it, it’s worth opting for durable, long-lasting materials that can withstand the wear and tear of daily use. It’s also worth purchasing energy-efficient appliances and fixtures to save on utility bills. Homeowners who do this often find themselves happier with the result and happier with the increase in the value of their homes.
Need Help Planning Your Kitchen Remodel? Talk to Our Team
Remodeling your kitchen can add value to your home and enhance your living experience. But before embarking on your kitchen remodel project, it’s essential to plan and budget carefully to avoid any unpleasant surprises. Our team at Elevations Design Studio by Zeeland/Standard is ready to set you up for success. Your first consultation is FREE!
Stop into our showroom or get in touch online to get your project started.