Embarking on a kitchen remodel is an exciting venture that promises to breathe new life into one of your home’s most lived-in areas. However, it also represents a significant investment that requires careful planning and consideration. At EXALVA Remodel Experts, we understand that budget plays a critical role in the decision-making process. Let’s review the costs associated with kitchen remodeling in 2024 to help you design the perfect space at the ideal price.
“How Much Does a Kitchen Remodel Cost?”
It’s a common question. Here, we’ll provide overall estimates and a more detailed breakdown of those costs.
The cost of remodeling a kitchen can vary widely, depending on several factors, including the size of the kitchen, the quality of the materials chosen, and the extent of the changes you’ve planned. On average, homeowners can expect to spend anywhere from $45,000 to $90,000 for a mid-range full kitchen renovation. Mid- or high-end renovations, including custom cabinetry, top-of-the-line appliances, electrical upgrades, moving plumbing, and extensive layout changes, could push costs upwards of $150,000+.
Breakdown of Kitchen Remodel Costs
- Cabinetry and Hardware: These are often the most significant expenses, accounting for about 25-50% of your total budget. The first decision is whether to install prefabricated, builder-grade cabinets or have your cabinets custom-made. The cheaper sticker price of builder-grade, or stock, cabinets may be tempting, but remember the old adage that you get what you pay for.
- Stock cabinets are less expensive, but they’re limited in style and dimensions, making it difficult to effectively use every nook and cranny of your kitchen or achieve the exact look you’re hoping for. They may also not come with soft-close hinges or drawer slides.
- Custom-built cabinets cost more, but they offer more customization and durability. We always recommend going with locally built cabinets because they will hold value much better than their builder-grade counterparts. Custom cabinets are made to fit the exact dimensions of your kitchen with the look and features you’ve envisioned. Take into account that the cost of custom cabinets can vary depending on whether they’re painted or stained and whether they include features like custom glazes, glass fronts, overhead or under-cabinet lighting, and more.
- Appliances: Upgrading to new, energy-efficient appliances is a significant part of any kitchen remodel. These appliances typically consume about 5-20% of your total budget. The cost varies widely based on factors such as the brand, technology features, color options, and whether they need to be custom-sized to fit specific spaces in your kitchen. Investing in high-quality appliances can lead to long-term energy savings and improved functionality, but it’s essential to consider how these costs fit within your overall budget.
- Countertops: Countertops are a focal point of the kitchen, impacting its overall aesthetics and functionality. Due to their durability and eye-catching natural appeal, materials like granite and quartz are popular choices. New countertops typically account for around 10-20% of your budget. However, the cost depends on the type of material, thickness, edge profiles, and installation complexity. It’s essential to choose countertops that not only enhance the visual appeal of your kitchen but also align with your lifestyle and budget requirements.
- Flooring: Flooring is not only a beautiful way to make a statement in the kitchen, but it also affects the feel and comfort level of the room. Depending on the material, plan on flooring taking about 5-15% of your total expenses. Options range from hardwood and tile to laminate and vinyl, each with its own benefits, installation processes, and fees. Factors such as durability, ease of maintenance, aesthetic appeal, and standing comfort should be considered when selecting the flooring material for your kitchen renovation.
- Lighting: Proper lighting is crucial to creating a functional and inviting kitchen space. Lighting costs typically account for about 5-15% of your remodeling budget. This cost includes overhead lighting, task lighting, and accent lighting to enhance various areas of the room. Investing in energy-efficient LED fixtures can reduce long-term energy costs while providing ample illumination for cooking, dining, and entertaining. Electrical upgrades such as installing can lights, under cabinet lighting, and plug mold strips to hide outlets under upper cabinets may increase costs. Still, these extras in the electrical department may be worth the cost to improve the functionality and comfort of your kitchen.
- Design Fees: Hiring a professional designer can streamline the remodeling process and ensure that your vision for the kitchen is brought to life effectively. Design fees typically account for around 5-10% of your remodeling expenses. A designer can help with space planning, material selection, and project coordination, saving time and potentially costly mistakes. While it’s an additional expense, working with a designer can save you time and hassle and help you achieve the cohesive and visually appealing kitchen design of your dreams.
- Installation: Labor costs for installation often account for up to 20-40% of the overall budget. The complexity and details of the work involved will vary, depending on what needs to be done and which materials you’ve selected for your remodel. Tasks such as demolition, carpentry, plumbing, electrical work, and finishing touches all require skilled labor, which adds to the overall expense. It’s important to obtain detailed quotes from contractors and factor in labor costs when budgeting for your kitchen remodel to ensure the project stays within a comfortable financial window.
Kitchen Remodel Cost-saving Tips
- Plan Your Budget: Before you start, clearly understand your budget. It’s a good idea to allocate a contingency fund for unexpected expenses. We tell clients that the key to a successful remodeling project is to know your budget and work in 5-10% for unforeseen items or upgrades you forgot to consider. EXALVA Remodel Experts will work our project details around your financial plan to make sure the project gets done on time and within budget.
- Prioritize Your Needs: Make an itemized list of all your kitchen renovation dreams and Identify what you need versus what you want. Keep costs in check by investing in necessities first, then adding the extras to your list one at a time until you reach your budget limit.
- Refinish or Reface: Consider refinishing or refacing cabinets instead of replacing them. A professional can help you assess the condition of your current cabinets and which refinishing options are possible.
- Do Some DIY: While the major tasks should be left to professionals, tackling smaller projects like painting or simple installations can reduce costs. Talk to your contractor about items that would be acceptable to DIY for your project.
- Pick the right Contractor: You may like the price point of a less expensive contractor, but in the end, if the lower price means a contractor is less experienced or over-stretched between more jobs, you’ll likely end up paying more down the road. But price-shopping contractors can be tricky because many of them will make unrealistic promises or under-bid to get the job, knowing that by the time the actual price lands in your lap, you’ll be too far into the project to argue. The EXALVA Remodel Experts promise is to dive deeply into each aspect of the job, understanding your vision and budget. We’ll walk you through every step of the remodeling process so that by the time we start, you are prepared with a construction plan and a detailed estimate that will not change unless you decide to make changes. Picking the right contractor will save you time and money. And we’d love to show you what makes our team and process exceptional.
Why Choose EXALVA Remodel Experts?
At EXALVA Remodel Experts, we pride ourselves on delivering high-quality, custom kitchen remodels that cater to our clients’ unique needs and budgets. Our team of skilled professionals works closely with you from initial design to final installation, ensuring that your vision comes to life within your budget. We also offer flexible financing options to make your dream kitchen a reality without financial strain. We provide a lifetime warranty for all of our craftsmanship, and most of our suppliers have a lifetime warranty on their products. (Warranty details are based on products and services.)
Renovating your kitchen is a huge undertaking, but it’s a worthwhile investment that can enhance your home’s functionality, aesthetic appeal, and value. When a remodel combines exceptional materials and style with the highest quality in craftsmanship, it’s possible to see a high ROI for your project. Understanding the costs involved and planning accordingly can make the process smoother and more enjoyable. With EXALVA Remodel Experts by your side, you can rest assured that your kitchen remodel is in the best hands. Contact us today to start your journey toward the kitchen of your dreams.