Budget is a keyword that we use often around here. The amount of money you feel comfortable spending on a kitchen renovation will determine the scope of work you plan to do for your kitchen remodel. A budget is to have a plan in place for where and how you want your money spent. It is one of the most important pieces in the renovation plan and helps guide the project. We get asked multiple questions on this topic that includes:

• What is a good budget for a kitchen remodel?
• What is the purpose of the remodel? 
• Is a contingency fund necessary in the renovation budget? 
• What should be included in the budget?

One of our first goals in a design meeting is to establish a budget for the entire project that could include cabinets, flooring, hardware, and fixtures. We realize stress and confusion comes with a remodel of any size, and this should not be a side effect for you to worry about.  Starting with a list of questions before you start is key to the success of your remodel. The budget will set the tone for the entire project and enable us to know exactly what products and layout to show you. In this blog, we will share what a good kitchen renovation budget should include and a general estimate for a total.

How much does it cost to remodel a kitchen?

This is the most basic question and it can be hard to narrow down exactly what a good kitchen renovation budget is but typically you should budget around $100 to $200 per square foot of the space. The following is a general estimate but remember that it can change depending on what materials and features you chose to include in your kitchen renovation. 

$25,000 to $125,000 is the general range and includes cabinets, flooring, appliances, hardware, lighting, and other design elements you want in this space. Remember that this number is flexible based on what you are looking to accomplish. Adding new light fixtures, countertops, and hardware can give your kitchen a new look for much less. A higher-end budget would be needed if you wanted to redesign your entire kitchen layout and start fresh. Read more details about the cost of a kitchen renovation here. Our experienced designers can assist you in creating a budget that is just the right fit, just one of the many benefits of hiring a designer. Read more of the benefits here.

Design options

One of the first things you need to do when starting a kitchen renovation is to create a detailed list of all the things you are looking for or wanting to do in your upcoming renovation. It is important to have this list so that you and your designer can properly allocate the budget to include these items. Things you may want to write down during your budget planning session:

• Appliances: Size and style of appliances usually dictate the budget amount.

• Tile: This includes backsplash and accent pieces. 
• Flooring: Do you want hardwood flooring or tile? 
• Fixtures: Hardware, lighting, and faucets fall into this category.

Remember you can always revise as you go, this is for the initial planning phase, but it is good to have a rough idea of what you want to spend on each area of the renovation.

Should I have a contingency fund?

If there is one thing that is certain, there will always be unexpected costs. Even with the best of plans, unforeseen problems can arise during a renovation so it is best to have a contingency fund in place. Most agree that 5% to 10% of the overall renovation budget should be set aside to cover any such emergencies.

What about those fees?

When setting up your initial renovation budget it is easy to forget about permits, installation, shipping, and taxes. These costs need to be factored into the renovation budget so that you can know what will be available to spend on the actual product like tile, flooring, and hardware.

What about the extras?

While everyone enjoys splurging a little, it is wise to consider which ones will give you the most value and will benefit you and your family. Some items to consider would be:

• high-end countertops such as granite, or quartz
• extra lights in the kitchen
• hardwood flooring over laminate
• prep zone or additional sink

Talk with your designer about which options are the most important so that they can help you plan out a realistic kitchen renovation budget.

Let’s get started

Sometimes it can feel overwhelming and even difficult to sit down and create a detailed and realistic budget which is where we come in. At Greenbrook Design, we specialize in assisting our clients to write down their needs and then creating a budget that accomplishes these goals. Call today to schedule an appointment and let’s get started on making your renovation dreams come true. You can also download our free guide here or for more information fill out this contact form.