Tips from the trade, why so many kitchen renovations go over budget:

Not working through the budget with a designer.

Starting any home project can be daunting, but especially a full-scale kitchen renovation. There are so many decisions to be made and most homeowners have no basis for planning out their remodeling budget. The overall budget for any kitchen project will depend on three main factors:

1. The size of the space
2. The scope of the project (reface, new everything, or total gut)
3. Client selections

We recommend always working through your project with a budget-minded kitchen designer whose experience will guide you through the process. Even with professional assistance, many projects still exceed their budget. Here we will seek to explain why that is such a common occurrence and how to avoid expanding the budget. Learn more about our kitchen and bath design services here.

One main reason that projects exceed their budget is that clients end up making selections for more upscale finishes and materials than what was originally allocated in the budget. At Greenbrook Design, we would be happy to meet with you prior to your renovation.  We offer a budget analysis of your project, which will guide you in the right direction of making selections and knowing exactly where to begin in the process.

Lack of understanding about how design and selections can affect the budget.

Material cost planning seems to be a recurring issue for many homeowners, so I’m going to red flag some areas where costs can escalate quickly.  Cabinetry costs will fluctuate depending on the materials used, finishes selected, and special features that the client decides to add into the cabinets.  Some specialty features we offer include spice pullouts, double-decker drawers, appliance panels, mixer lifts, and blind corner swivel shelving.  You can see some examples of this here. Obviously, the more you add, the higher the price tag can get. Appliances can also be hard to plan for in the budget since price ranges of appliances vary so much from high to low end. I’d recommend doing some online shopping and plugging in some rough numbers to the budget based on features you desire in your appliance package. If you prefer to see them in person many appliance retailers would be happy to take time with you to answer specific questions and work on your appliance budget.

Material costs can also differ substantially when it comes to your countertop selections. Laminates and solid surfaces will be the most budget-friendly options. Basic solid colored granite countertops can be a lot less expensive than a complex and rare type of marble. Again, the best way to explore your options is to visit a showroom to view different slabs and get a rough idea of costs, in order to plug a realistic number into your budget. Fixtures and lighting can also affect the budget and so these things should be allowed for as well in your preliminary budget.

Unforeseen Construction Issues.

Another common reason for a budget strain is unforeseen issues that arise during construction. It seems that we’ve all heard the stories, the renovation nightmares. A wall is torn out revealing an infestation of small critters, an unknown leak has caused substantial damage, or outdated plumbing and electrical must be stripped out and replaced. Chances are that you will be renovating a structure that has some age to it, so you can expect a hiccup or two along the way. There is no guarantee as to what issues may arise, but you can be prepared for them by allocating 10-20% of your upfront budget to unplanned renovation needs.

Change Orders

The last common budget blaster when it comes to kitchen renovations is the client’s decision to change their mind on final selections/adding to the scope last minute. This is a common occurrence when completing a renovation and can cause change order fees to be incurred, as well as costly delays because the project schedule has changed. Here at Greenbrook Design, it is our process to review all aspects of each cabinet with you in detail and we give you detailed plans which can be used by your subcontractors.  Our clients can make changes up until the final sign off is complete, a change made after that point will incur a change order and additional payment on any completed cabinetry.

Don’t get overwhelmed by these common “budgeting errors”. They can be avoided with proper planning, and we are here to help you through the entire process. You can learn from these common mistakes, then make your list and check it twice. If you aren’t sure where to begin with your project, please call us today for an in-home consultation or visit our showroom to see installed products that you would want in your home. Check out this article from HGTV on how to budget for a kitchen remodel.

Finally, be confident in your choice, and always work with a reputable professional.  We are here to help, give us a call at 704.404.9600.

Visit Us!

Greenbrook Design, a kitchen, and bath home center is only an hour from Asheville, Charlotte, Greenville SC, and Hickory.  Call or stop by our showroom to find out more about the different cabinet storage options and cabinet lines we offer. Our ability to design your space with several cabinet options is like no other experience in the kitchen and bath industry. We design cabinets from Charlotte to Boone and Greenville to Asheville. Having our own local cabinet shop offers a great advantage to the endless options to have a great design that stays within your budget. Organize your kitchen today!

If you are visiting nearby, Uptown Shelby has a lot to offer in shopping, food, and entertainment. Our Uptown district is quaint and we have some really unique and friendly places to visit.  Come visit us and our charming small town with restaurants, stores, and entertainment that are sure to not disappoint. 

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