The first step toward remodeling your kitchen is creating a budget for the project. If you move ahead with renovations without first settling on a budget, you’ll be surprised at how quickly costs add up, possibly outpacing your ability to pay for the improvements. HGTV.com reports that the average cost of an upscale kitchen remodel is $80,000, but don’t worry. There are numerous ways you can come down on the overall cost of your remodeling project, if a job that pricey isn’t in your plans.
The breakdown for costs, HGTV.com notes, usually looks like this:
- 35 percent: cabinets
- 20 percent: labor
- 20 percent: appliances
- 10 percent windows
- 5 percent: fixtures
- 3 percent: fittings
- 7 percent: other
But before you start breaking down the budget for your kitchen, settle on an overall cost you can afford without worry. Some people remodel using cash they have saved, while others depend on loans. Many Americans use home equity loans for their kitchen remodeling projects. If you are going to take a loan, factor the cost of the payments and interest into your plans, to be sure you are borrowing an amount you can afford over an extended period of time. Keep in mind that you’ll likely need some money up front for down payments on work and materials.
Once you know how much you have to invest in your project, stick with that number. It can be tempting, as you move through the phases of remodeling, to add one more appliance, or fancier window treatments, or a countertop you just love even though it is twice as expensive as one you planned for. Resist these impulses to spend above your budget. You’ll want to enjoy your new kitchen with the knowledge that you were able to safely afford it.
Now, consider the following elements of the average kitchen remodeling project:
- Appliances
- Venting
- Cabinets
- Cabinet Hardware
- Countertops
- Sinks/Plumbing
- Kitchen Island
- Flooring
- Windows and/or Window Treatments
- Lighting/Electrical Work
- Paint and/or Wallpaper
- Contractor/Labor
- Architect/Kitchen Design Professional
- The cost of temporary housing, a temporary kitchen and/or eating out during your remodeling project
Once you’ve listed all of the potential costs for your project, set some priorities. Are you good at interior design, or do you need professional help? If you are in the position to hire an architect and/or professional kitchen designer, make sure the cost of their services is included in your budget. The design professionals at Atherton Appliance & Kitchens have more than 30 years of experience in the kitchen design field, and will be happy to offer professional design services that are informative, enjoyable, educational, and best of all free of charge.
Once you’ve decided on your approach to design, consider whether every single item in your kitchen really has to be re-done or replaced. Maybe one or two of your appliances are relatively new, and will work for your new kitchen. If so, you can match any new appliances with the ones you already have. If you are adding new appliances, you will have to make sure they are vented properly if necessary, and that electrical or plumbing work is in place. But it’s possible you can use venting or plumbing that already exists. It is also possible your windows can stay, although a change in the curtains, shades, or blinds, is in order. Go through your project element by element, decide what you really need, and “delete” the rest from your plans and your budget.
Next, ask yourself if you can handle any of the work yourself (maybe you are handy at painting, for example). Any labor you can do on your own, or with family and friends, will save on your overall costs.
Once you have a list of the items and labor services you will need, do some comparison shopping. Interview contractors (be sure to request pricing for their services, as well as references, and to get quotes in writing). Stop by the showrooms at Atherton Appliance & Kitchens or BSC Culinary and ask us to help you compare appliance brands and the costs of other items you’ll need. Decide on appliances and materials that fit into your budget. If you ask us, we can recommend reputable companies for other items on your list (lighting fixtures or flooring, for example).
Remember to set aside a certain amount (HGTV.com recommends 20%) of your budget for unexpected things that come up. Water damage, for example, might be discovered during the course of renovations and have to be remedied before your new kitchen can be completed.
Once your budget is in place, your design is finalized, your contractor is hired, and you know exactly what appliances and materials you need and can afford, it is time to start your kitchen remodeling project—and to steel yourself to sticking to that budget. We look forward to helping you, every step of the way.