The 5 Biggest Expenses in Your Kitchen Remodel

Homeowners need to know what a new kitchen build is going to cost them before they begin, regardless of the size of the project. Several factors affect the price, including materials, appliances, space changes, and labor. Here are the five biggest expenses you should know about before beginning your kitchen remodel.

Cabinets and Hardware

Your cabinet choice will greatly affect your final estimates, as cabinets can consume as much as 35% of your budget. Choices, including the type of material, color options, hardware, and special requirements, await you. You must decide if you want your cabinets to be pre-built or custom-built in the factory.

You may save money choosing the first, but your choices in functionality and placement will be limited. Next, do you want the cabinetry made from MDF or real wood? Do you want to paint your cabinets or go with a wood stain?

What kind of hardware do you want, including handles, hinges, and sliders? How will these pieces function in your kitchen and are you satisfied with that? Do you want roll-out cabinets? What about a special trim?

These choices will change how much of your budget will go to this critical feature of your new kitchen.

Labor 

One of the first choices you face is who will install your new kitchen – you or installers. All projects cost you time or money and you must determine which is more valuable to you. If you choose to do it yourself, you will save on labor expenses, which can total up to 20% of the project cost, but you will spend more of your time and may have to buy tools. If you choose to hire the labor, the installation crew will cost more, but a crew includes expert craftsmen who specialize in their specific areas (plumbing, cabinetry, electricity, etc.) and bring years of experience and training to the table.

Appliances

Upscaling your current appliances will cost you, but save you money in the long haul with better efficiency. Refrigerators vary in price from a few hundred for traditional top freezer models to a couple thousand dollars for newer models with bottom freezers, French doors, and through the door water/ice service.

Ranges could cost as little as $350 for an electric coil range with manual oven cleaning or as much as $2,000 for stainless steel dual-fuel ranges that use convection heating and are self-cleaning. If you want a basic four-burner gas cooktop, expect to spend a few hundred dollars; pro-style gas cooktops, however, cost as much as $2,500.

If a wall oven sounds appealing, a single oven costs $700 while a dual oven could cost up to $3,500.

Countertops

Although you may want to choose a countertop based on looks alone, you should not ignore other considerations, including durability, maintenance needs, and cost. The countertops can make up as much as 20% of your budget. If you choose a granite top that’s easy to get, you won’t spend as much, but imported granite will set you back.

Other stone choices, including, marble and limestone, require more delicate use and maintenance; any stone countertop will need periodic sealing. Engineered stone tops such as quartz and porcelain offer more variety and durability and less maintenance. Solid surface tops are growing in popularity because of the endless color variety, seamless installation, and increased durability they offer. Concrete counters offer complete customization and a variety of finishes, but are sensitive to temperature changes and require sealing up to four times a year and waxing every two to three months.

Flooring 

A floor can break your budget quickly, so think about what flooring you need in your kitchen, including appearance, the comfort of the surface, installation requirements, and durability. Stone and tile stand up to heavy traffic but require proper sealing and cost more.

Wood provides a classic, timeless look and toughness, but requires special care and cleaning. Cork offers increased foot comfort and reduced energy costs while giving you insulation against sound.

Vinyl and linoleum flooring save on installation costs and are the best DIY option. They are also durable and easy to clean.

For more help in planning for your kitchen remodel, schedule an appointment with Kurtis Kitchen & Bath today.