Design Notes
Budget is a keyword that we often use 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 a plan for how you want to spend your money. It is one of the most essential pieces in the renovation plan and helps guide the project. We get asked multiple questions on this topic, including:
- What is a reasonable 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, including cabinets, flooring, hardware, and fixtures. We realize stress and confusion come with a remodel of any size, which 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 specify the products and layout to show you. In this blog, we will share what a reasonable kitchen renovation budget should include and a general estimate for the total.
How Much Does It Cost To Remodel A Kitchen?
This is the most basic question, and it can be hard to determine what a good kitchen renovation budget is. 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 the materials and features you choose for 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 your goals. 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, 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 your goals and priorities for the renovation. It is essential 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: The size and style of appliances usually dictate the budget.
- 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 itis helpful 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, it is that 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 budget so that you know what will be available to spend on the actual product, such as 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 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.
It is always fun to watch those home improvement shows. It is always a delight to watch designers come up with a plan that completely transforms the space from drab to fab. Often, after watching those shows, you have a tendency to look around your own home, wishing you could give it an update, but a renovation is not conceivable at the moment for one reason or another. The good news is that you don’t have to undergo a renovation to give your home a lift or freshen it up; sometimes it’s the little things —the details —that can completely revamp your space and make a big impact without breaking the bank. Discover six simple ways you can freshen up your home and even make it feel completely new without going through a renovation.
Here are some steps you can take to ensure your kitchen is healthy and ready for creating dishes that are not only delicious but also beneficial for your family’s health. We know that it is not always easy to stick with the decision to be healthier, but with a well-designed kitchen, it can be. With over twenty years of experience, our design team is well-versed in planning a kitchen design that functions well for your specific needs while also reflecting the style you will love. We serve more than 15 counties and invite you to visit our 5,000-square-foot showroom, where you can walk through multiple kitchen displays to get a feel for the possibilities that await you. Connect with us and let’s start planning a healthy kitchen design.
Organization is a key part of a successful life. You make a plan, you know what you need, and how you will accomplish your goals. This strategy requires you to lay everything out so you can be prepared, which is why people love apps that help them stay on track or write it down in an old-fashioned paper planner. An organization can also infiltrate multiple areas of life, such as time management and home layout, meaning it has made its presence known in the design world. More and more designers are seeking ways to integrate organization into their designs, to the extent that a new term has been coined to describe this approach: organizeology. Let’s unpack what organizeology means!
If you are looking to hit the refresh button on your home, color is always a great way to start. From simple accent pieces, such as pillows and rugs, to repainting an entire room, choosing a new color can inspire you and help you regain your focus. The color of the year for 2022 are a wonderful place to start and can guide you down the right path for your home. Come visit our showroom in Uptown Shelby, NC, where you can walk through our 5,000-square-foot space and experience the possibilities for your home.
Lighting is a crucial aspect of interior design; it significantly influences the mood in the home and alleviates eye strain when there is minimal natural light or when it gets dark. More often than not, a home suffers from insufficient lighting instead of overillumination. For seniors, lighting is even more critical, as the muscles in the eye weaken over time and the pupil size decreases, making it harder for light to enter. Better lighting reduces the chance of bumping or falling over an obstacle and lessens the strain on the eyes as you look around. Good lighting also helps create a comfortable and relaxing environment, exactly what you want for your well-deserved retirement. Let’s talk about how you can have the best lighting, what the benefits are, and which lighting choices are best for certain areas in the home.







Walker Woodworking 
Walker Woodworking 
Walker Woodworking
Greenbrook Design