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 DesignIf you design with your budget in mind from the beginning, there should be no need to scale back during your project. It is a well-known fact throughout the building industry that the main selling points within a home are the kitchen and the bathrooms. These rooms can be the most costly areas in a house to renovate. Costs add up quickly, and each dime spent should be carefully thought out to get a good future return on your investment. Before you start budgeting for your kitchen and bath project, here are some key tips to keep in mind:
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