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What is a Realistic Budget for a Kitchen Remodel?
When budgeting for your kitchen remodel, you don’t want to cut corners to lessen costs, but you also don’t want to put yourself in debt by adding every little detail you want. A realistic budget for your kitchen will account for the size of the space and remodel plans (material, designs, labor, time, etc.) You need to budget essentials while cutting anything unnecessary that breaks the bank.
HomeAdvisor shares that as of 2023, an average kitchen remodel price in Scottsdale or Phoenix is in the $14,549-$14,425 range. The budget you’ll need to set for your own remodeling will depend on the project size and what you’re redoing. A kitchen remodel typically involves cabinets, countertops, appliances, flooring, and lighting.
If you’re only doing a minor remodel, it could cost less than $10,000. If you plan to redo the entire kitchen, brand-new appliances, countertops, etc., it could cost up to $100,000, depending on your chosen materials.
You don’t want to overspend on your kitchen remodel, but you also don’t want to be so tight with your budget that you end up with a result you don’t like. Look at what you wish to remodel and combine the approximate kitchen remodel costs to get a baseline idea for your budget. Always prioritize the costs of what’s most important to you and build in a contingency fund (approx. 10%-20%) to cover unexpected expenses.
What I Wish I Knew Before Remodeling My Kitchen
Anyone who has done a kitchen remodel can tell you what they wish they had known prior or what they would’ve done differently. Executing and planning a kitchen remodel is a time-consuming, multifaceted process. Before you begin, take the necessary steps to prepare for the remodeling project.
Set a budget. Put together a rough estimation of costs for labor and materials. How much does the average contractor cost? What is the cost per sq. foot where you plan to buy your tile? Once you have a general idea of remodeling costs, determine what’s most important to you and narrow down the exact costs for a budget.
Design. Once you know how much you can afford to add or change, you can begin the kitchen design. Create a bird-eye view floor plan to rearrange cabinets, furniture, etc. You can use online platforms like KitchenPlanner and RoomSketcher that give you a 3D professional approach to kitchen design.
Create a timeline. Once you’ve determined your project’s intensity, you can begin to assemble a timeline. Consider the availability of laborers or contractors you plan to hire, downtime between tasks (e.g., removing and painting cabinet doors), and any personal deadlines or pre-existing obligations you must factor in.
Choose materials. The materials you choose are among the most significant determinants of your overall remodeling costs. For example, cabinets can cost as low as $60 per linear foot or as high as $1200 per linear foot, depending on what design, quality, size, and type you choose.
You can go with more expensive materials for the most essential parts of your project and opt for less costly materials for smaller parts. You may go for higher-quality hardwood flooring and cheaper wall trim. The price of material often determines its quality, so do your research to ensure you’re getting the best quality in your price range.
Hire laborers/contractors. While you can always DIY your remodel with the right amount of knowledge, time, and budget, it’s recommended that you reach out to the pros for more complex projects. Look at multiple contracting agencies/building companies before making a final decision. Review their customer feedback and photos they’ve posted on their site.
Consider permits. Be aware of any permits your local government requires before you begin remodeling. While this may sound extreme, many kitchen remodels call for significant changes, including:
- Structural changes (changing doors or windows, etc.)
- Electrical changes (removing or adding outlets, installing lighting fixtures, etc.)
- HVAC changes (relocating or resizing heating or cooling vents, etc.)
- Plumbing changes (adding or relocating fixtures like sinks, dishwashers, refrigerators, etc.)
What is Most Expensive in a Kitchen Remodel?
The cost of your remodel is largely based on the materials you choose and the space you need to cover (square footage of flooring, number of cabinets, counter space, etc.). Cabinets are typically the most expensive item in a kitchen remodel. Cabinets are crafted and designed, made of wood, metal, or plastic, with solid wood being the most costly option. Along with cabinets, expect to budget higher for countertops, backsplashes, and appliances (sink, refrigerator, stove, etc.)
How Do I Design a New Kitchen Remodel?
For a new kitchen remodel, you’ll need to establish your goals for the project. What is it you wish to accomplish? If you want to install tiling, decide on the type of tile (color, design, size, etc.) and the floor measurements. This is the stage of remodeling where you get to be creative and throw together precisely what you want. Once you’ve created a solid overview, you can look at what’s reasonable for budget, time, and abilities.
Next, you need to decide how you’ll meet your goals. Do you need to hire a contractor? Do you need to make time for the project? How much money do you need to put aside to afford the remodel? Consider the layout of your kitchen and how complex the project may be.
While DIY might sound like the cheapest option, you may have an unwanted outcome without proper expertise and advice. Working with a designer allows you to communicate your exact vision to understand your options better and what’s realistic, given your budget and space requirements.
Are Kitchen Remodels Worth It?
You and your family likely spend most of your time in the kitchen, and if you plan to resell, the kitchen tends to leave the biggest impression on buyers. As Zillow shares, kitchen renovations and remodels provide up to 80% return on investment. If your kitchen has outdated appliances or designs, or needed repairs, a kitchen remodel can increase the overall home value.
A kitchen remodel not only makes your kitchen more marketable, but it also provides an opportunity to personalize the space and express your unique identity. You get to work with different colors, shapes, and designs. Partnering with a designer, you can incorporate your personal preferences into a redesign that fits you and will attract buyers in the future.
How Can I Update My Kitchen Cabinets Without Replacing Them?
If you want to change your kitchen cabinets without completely removing and replacing them, you can do some of the following for a fresh, new look:
Paint. You can add a fresh coat of paint, either the same color or new, to give your cabinets a newer appearance.
Knobs/handles. Changing the types of knobs or handles on your cabinets can contribute to a new theme in your kitchen. There are a lot of fun colors, shapes, and sizes of knobs to choose from.
Lighting. Adding light fixtures underneath cabinets can brighten your kitchen counters and add a more dynamic appearance to your kitchen.
Open shelves. Consider removing your cabinet doors altogether. In the right setting, this can provide a more open feel to your kitchen and allows you to showcase decorative items, spices, etc.
Trinity Homes AZ Offers Whole-Home Transformations
Our team of professional builders and interior designers wants to make your ideal kitchen come to life. Let us work with you on your vision of a complete kitchen remodel. We’ll create vision boards to communicate color schemes, material selections, and more.
When you partner with us, we won’t stop until we’ve created the perfect design that suits you. Contact us today to learn more about who we are and how we can serve you.
