What Is the Most Expensive Part of a Kitchen Remodel?
Although there are always many good reasons why homeowners should renovate a kitchen and ultimately end up making that call, it is natural to have questions when one is considering such an investment. For one, it costs a significant sum of money upfront. Even when the returns on the resale value of the house are huge, it never hurts to know what to expect and how much budget to allocate for each element in your kitchen. In fact, that knowledge can help homeowners plan their remodeling project much more efficiently and instill an awareness that helps to save on some costs.
So, what part of the kitchen generally takes up most of the budget? Although it is safe to say that typically, the cabinetry and the appliances cost the most — it is important to remember that remodeling projects are much more dynamic to peg it down to one straight answer. It is hard to have a hard and fast rule to this as most remodeling projects are very personal and focus on the problem areas of homeowner’s current kitchen. For instance, if the cabinetry still looks great but it is the countertop that has given way, one may be even able to cut corners by replacing just the worktop. Ultimately, it all boils down to the extent of your kitchen remodel.
How to Plan a Budget for Your Kitchen Remodel
Despite the ambiguities surrounding a partial kitchen remodel, it is possible to get a rough estimate on what constitutes an efficient full-scale remodeling project. While projects costs can vary from anywhere between $30k to $125k for an average of 200 sq. Ft. Kitchen, it is possible to estimate where the money goes in a typical renovation. This breakdown helps you be better prepared for what lies ahead so that stress doesn’t turn up unnecessarily.
The Cost Breakdown: Knowing Where Your Money Goes
- The Basics of a Room
Besides framing and flooring, this can also include changing the paint for a more vibrant color or having a drywall replacement. It should not take up more than 10 to 20 percent of your whole budget, so try to restrict your spending and not get carried away.
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Cabinet Purchase & Installation
Cabinetry can take up a major part of the budget. Even in a minor renovation project costing around $30,000, the cost of cabinetry alone can be more than $15,000. In a full-fledged renovation project, this should at least make 20 to 40 percent of the whole budget. After all, besides setting the tone of the place, it is also one of those things that you deal with hands-on regularly. Do not stinge when it comes to installing high-quality cabinet hardware either. The convenience it brings surpasses the cost in the long run.
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Countertop Material & Installation:
Whether it is the regular worktop or a splendid looking backsplash, you can’t underestimate the aesthetic value they add together. Besides making sure they match one another, you should buy materials that complement the cabinetry and also go well with your lifestyle. For instance, if you cook often, it is pertinent to invest in a heat-resistant worktop. The budget for this could be anywhere from 10 to 30 percent — depending on your preferences.
- Appliances, Their Installation, and Electrical Work
A modern kitchen that has outdated appliances is unfit for the fast-paced lives we lead today. New appliances can contribute to adding a more urbane feel to the whole space while making your lives much more comfortable in the process. A change in appliances could mean anything from a regular coffee maker to a voice-automated one that readies your coffee even before you wake up. Assuming you go for the regular ones, the purchase should take up at least 10 to 20 percent. On top of that, electrical work should also take about 5 to 10 percent of the budget.
- Plumbing Fixtures
It is unlikely that anyone would say they rarely use the kitchen faucet. It is possible for heavy usage to attract rust and fixtures to corrode over time. This is why it is important to get high-quality fixtures that can tackle it all. If you have an island top with a washing unit for veggies and meat, make sure it is of good quality too. All in all, even if you go for the best fixtures, the cost comes around less than 5 percent.
- Plumbing Work and Fitting of Appliances
If you have installed a new sink, chances are that you would need to get a plumber to connect it to the main water line. Even the strategic placement of dishwashers or garbage disposal units should require professional help. This should cost anywhere between 5 to 10 percent.
- HVAC Work
Since lack of proper HVAC work can be hazardous, we highly recommend getting a professional contractor to do the work. A DIY attempt may risk the safety of you and your family later on. Besides, the cost is insignificant compared to the rest and is not worth the risk. After all, it only makes up less than 5 percent of the overall cost.
Ensuring a Headache-Free Kitchen Renovation
Anyone who works in the Remodeling sector knows one thing: It is always better to expect the unexpected than to be shocked by it. Despite careful budget allocation, there is always a little deviation. All experts unanimously agree that it is perfectly normal to have slight overruns and spend a little more on a few things than previously planned.
There’s no need to worry, though. Besides controlling your spending on appliances, being aware of how your choices of finished products like a countertop, cabinets, etc affect the overall budget can help you control the extent of that unexpected expenditure. If you can do without an extraordinarily pricey Soapstone countertop and spend more on other things, it can help to prioritize. As some companies offer Free Consultation to help you plan your remodeling project in accordance with your kitchen size and preferences, it can be a good idea to seek professional help too.
We wish you Happy Remodeling!