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.
We use it every day but hardly pay any attention to it, yet it can impact the overall design of the home. We are, of course, referring to your flooring, and its importance should not be overlooked or underestimated. It is the largest design element in the home, which means it tends to serve as the foundation of the look and feel in the room. It has the ability to make or break your space and is subconsciously the first thing we notice in a room. Since it is used consistently, it must be durable and functional for the particular area, whether slip-resistant or waterproof. Flooring should also complement the overall design style you choose and be carefully considered before finalizing your choice. Here are some aspects to remember when making your selection.
The kitchen backsplash tends to be overlooked during the planning session for a renovation, but it has a big impact on the overall look of the design, and it should not be underestimated. To many, it may seem like such a small element, but it has the power to bring style, class, and protection to the heart of the home. When walking through a model home or flipping pages in an interior design magazine, the kitchen always has a backsplash that often draws our eye. Coming in multiple sizes, styles, and shades, the kitchen backsplash has come a long way from being a simple surface to creating a glamorous highlight that immediately draws the eye.
This deficiency has led to a readjustment of space, a call to renovate the home, and to provide a more functional design for everyone. There are also other reasons motivating homeowners to reevaluate their current living situation, such as greater flexibility at home, an open concept, personal space, and plenty of storage. While kitchens and bathrooms are still among the most renovated areas in the home, new emphasis is being placed on four additional sections in the home, which we want to highlight today.
You love your home, but there are some areas that are no longer working for you, if they ever did at all. You have made the big decision to renovate your kitchen, to give yourself the space you have always envisioned, but it feels overwhelming. How do you know which layout will work best for you? Which style best represents you, and what wood type will pair perfectly with certain colors? The kitchen can be a more difficult renovation because it involves multiple facets, such as plumbing and electrical. Adding in the appliances, lighting, and cabinets decisions can be enough to make your head spin. Planning is a critical part of a kitchen renovation, making it a key area of focus, which is why an experienced designer can help you accomplish your dreams on time and on budget.
James Martin Vanities has not disappointed us but provided many of our clients with a bathroom vanity that suited their unique needs, and the shorter lead times have allowed them to get the upgrades they needed within their timeframe. Our goal will always remain to provide our clients with the best possible products that fit their project, whether that is a custom, semi-custom, or predone option like the James Martin Vanity. We are here to assist you in finding the vanity that works for you, which is why we offer a variety of options. Are you ready for a change? Come visit our showroom where we have multiple vanities available for you to browse, and if you like one, you can take it home with you.







Walker Woodworking
Walker Woodworking

Walker Woodworking
Greenbrook Design