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.
Greenbrook DesignYou have just waved goodbye to your last child as they head out to college. While you adjust to not having kids in the house, you also begin to realize that you now have more space, but you’re not sure what to do with it. There are many ways to reuse the space, expand existing spaces, or make room for something new. Let’s take a look at the design possibilities available to you.
In the second of our three-part series on selection tips, we want to focus on tile. Backsplash, shower walls, and flooring are just a few of the many uses for tile since it is beautiful, durable, and timeless. Sometimes considered a small part of the design, it has the potential to make a big impact on the design. Here are some helpful tips when choosing tile.
While cabinets tend to be the focal point of the main spaces, such as kitchens and bathrooms, it is the details that add the final touch to the design. The selection process can be one of the highlights of the design phase, but it can also be overwhelming with multiple styles, colors, and options. In this three-part series, we want to give our best tips for the top three categories of selections and help make this as enjoyable and simple as possible. Our focus today is hardware.
In our final part of the selection tips series, we want to focus our attention on lighting. Good lighting can make a difference in the room; no one enjoys struggling to see around the shadows cast by insufficient light or the glare of one placed too low. Here’s what should be on your list of things to look for when selecting your lighting.
There’s no denying the appeal of HGTV’s popular renovation shows such as Fixer Upper, Love It or List It, and Property Brothers. These programs consistently deliver impressive home transformations, turning outdated properties into stylish, modern living spaces—all within the span of a neatly packaged, one-hour episode.
While unexpected challenges and budget concerns occasionally arise, the hosts reliably navigate these obstacles, keeping projects on track and showcasing the kind of resilience and problem-solving that resonates with homeowners and renovation professionals alike.
Walker Woodworking
Greenbrook Design