The Pricey Trio: Identifying the Most Cost-Intensive Aspects of Kitchen Renovation
Kitchen remodeling is a highly fulfilling project; however, it can also take a toll on your wallet. Experts suggest that homeowners must allocate 10-15% of their home’s value towards a kitchen remodel [1]. Therefore, it is wise to understand the cost before going through your kitchen remodeling. Here, we will dive into the financial aspect of remodeling. We will unveil the average cost of kitchen remodeling, what makes the kitchen expensive, the three most expensive items, cost-saving tips, and cost-friendly alternative materials for your kitchen renovation.
What is the average cost of a kitchen remodel?
The core foundation of your remodeling project is your budget. Deciding and setting how much you’re willing to invest to build your dream kitchen is essential. Of course, the cost of your kitchen remodel will vary depending on the details of the project. The total cost can be affected by the size and layout of your kitchen, fixtures and appliances, labor costs, and unexpected expenses [2]. Including the fixtures, materials, and labor, kitchen remodeling may run to an average price of $12,000 to $60,000 [3]. This estimated cost range can cover minor to major kitchen remodel.
What makes kitchen so expensive?
A kitchen is not just a simple space in our homes; it is a place that where we run most of our daily activities. As the kitchen serves many functions, it also requires a price. Kitchen remodeling is expensive as it needs much quality and services such as quality materials, labor charges, plumbing, electrical work, cabinets and countertops, and appliances [4]. There is also unexpected cost that runs over the process of remodeling; it can inflate the overall expenses of your project.
What are the three most expensive items in a kitchen remodel?
Remodeling your kitchen is costly, but it can be an excellent investment. Understanding which items take much cost in your kitchen remodeling project would be essential in planning your budget. To spill the tea, cabinets, countertops, and appliances are the top three most expensive items in kitchen remodeling. These elements play an essential role in the design and functionality of your kitchen [5].
Cabinets
Your kitchen cabinets are more than just a safe storage space; they also set the tone for your kitchen style and design. The cabinetry of your kitchen might consume about 30% of your total remodel cost [6]. The cost of cabinets varies widely depending on the size, design, and material.
Countertops
Most of the things we do in the kitchen happen on the countertops. It is where slicing, mixing, and spilling happen. Of course, you will choose a durable countertop to withstand your daily kitchen activities and fit your style. On average, kitchen countertops take up about 10% of your remodeling budget [7].
Appliances
Your appliances serve as your partner inside your kitchen. It helps you in all of your kitchen activities, making it efficient and convenient at the same time. High-quality and energy-efficient appliances can significantly reduce costs. Kitchen appliances might consume 10%-20% of your overall budget [8].
How can I estimate the cost of a kitchen renovation?
Let’s make it straight: the best way to estimate your renovation’s cost is to consult a professional contractor. They will be the ones to assess and examine your ideas for your kitchen and give you the breakdown of expenses needed for your kitchen makeover. In estimating the cost of kitchen remodeling, contractors start calculating the cost after making the floor plan. From there, they can see which materials and fixtures are needed. Then, they will calculate the cost of purchase. More than just the materials, it is also crucial to determine the cost of labor as part of your budget. A Gross Profit Margin (GPM) is recommended to cover excess costs and profit [9].
Are there any cost-saving tips for a kitchen remodel?
Regarding the kitchen update, it is recommended not to rush. Take your time in planning and gathering money. Taking your time will help you make smart and cost-effective decisions for your kitchen makeover. It would also be wise to take time and wait for sales. You can take advantage of Black Friday, Christmas, and January sales to buy your remodeling materials. Paying things with cash will also save you from paying more in loan interest. You can also do DIY in your kitchen; however, you must be wise in picking which task you want to do on your own. Choose only what you can do and let the experts care for the rest. Another significant way to save money in kitchen remodeling is to keep the same layout and reuse your cabinets and appliances. Sometimes, repainting and refacing them is just what it needs [10].
Are there alternative materials and brands that can help reduce costs during a kitchen renovation?
Of course, kitchen renovation doesn’t need to exhaust your wallets and banks. There are always budget-friendly alternative materials for your kitchen makeover.
Fancy Cabinets
High-quality and natural wood cabinets, just like maple or walnut, are highly in demand, but they can cost tens and thousands of dollars. Melamine (TFL) Cabinets and wood veneer cabinets are the best cost-effective alternative for your cabinets. It is designed to look like natural wood, concrete, metal, or other design [11]. Using Ready-to-assemble cabinets (RTA) is also an affordable option. It costs only $175-$400 per linear foot compared to $500-$1200 custom cabinets [12].
Quality Countertops
Countertops need to be durable, but it doesn’t need to be that pricey. There are a lot of budget-friendly materials for your countertops. You can have tile countertops that can cost $15-$35 per square foot, solid surface countertops that are mainly made with acrylic and polyester can only cost $40-$150 per square foot, or concrete countertops that can only take $65-$135 per square foot. If you want the cheapest laminate countertops is for you, it can only cost from $15-$65 per square foot [13].
Smart and Energy-efficient Appliances
For your appliances, some brands offer affordable appliances with smart, eco-friendly, and energy-efficient features. First on the list is LG, which provides appliances for $179-$8999 with a two-year warranty. We also have GE, which has an appliance price of $109-$4888 with one year warranty. Aside from phones and other gadgets, Samsung also competes in kitchen appliances. Their appliances can cost from the range of $289-$4799 with one year warranty. Other brands such as Miele, Café, Frigidaire, and Bosch Home also have budget-friendly offers on their appliances [14].
We need to be meticulous in setting our budget for our kitchen renovation. We must understand what parts of our kitchen will take much cost to create an alternative plan and help us lower the price. We must make wise decisions about where to cut costs and where to prioritize investing in high-quality materials. Of course, smart choices can be made with the help of certified professionals. If you need a kitchen remodel partner, reach out to FAC Remodeling Services, the home of certified and skilled engineers, electricians, plumbers, and contractors. Contact us now!
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