7 Steps for Planning and Budgeting Your Kitchen Remodel
The kitchen is truly the heart of the home. We break bread with loved ones in the dining room and make lasting memories there, but the kitchen is where the magic begins.
Americans spend 400 hours per year in the kitchen, and that’s just an average! Passionate home chefs and foodies have a deep connection to their kitchens, which is why they prioritize the kitchen in their remodeling plans. From aesthetics to functionality, a kitchen remodel is a powerful investment in your home, your life, and your mental well-being.
The big question, of course, is where to begin? Kitchen remodels can range from $10,000 to over $100,000, depending on what you want to achieve and whether you hire designers and contractors to help.
According to recent data from Angi, the average price tag tends toward the smaller end of that range ($14,490 – $41,529), but with hidden costs and potential surprises, it’s important to create a clear plan and budget before you begin.
Once you’ve identified your goals and mapped out the costs, you can proceed with confidence, building a comfortable, functional nook to create your culinary delights.
What we'll cover
How Much Do Kitchen Remodels Cost?
The cost of a kitchen remodel can vary tremendously based on what you want to do with your space. Here’s a quick breakdown of the average cost ranges for different types of remodels, from light cosmetic changes to extensive luxury overhauls.
Cosmetic Remodels:
Painting the walls, updating the cabinet hardware, and installing new light fixtures are examples of how you might change the aesthetics of your kitchen without transforming its functionality. Homeowners in the U.S. might expect to spend between $10,000 and $20,000 on a cosmetic remodel, according to Angi. That said, if you’re a talented Do-It-Yourselfer, you can cut that cost considerably.
Mid-Range Remodels:
Mid-range remodels involve substantive changes like new countertops, modern stovetops and ovens, and more. Angi’s report says this can range from $20,000 - $65,000, with the average ending up toward the lower end.
High-End Remodels:
Luxury kitchen upgrades can include anything from custom cabinetry to premium countertops. It might even involve something like building a kitchen island into the space, which is a major production. Given everything you can do with a high-end remodel, costs might range from $65,000 to $130,000 in some markets.
It’s important to note that you can replace some old appliances with high-quality, state-of-the-art products while performing a mostly cosmetic remodel. For example, a Hauslane range hood delivers both modern design and functionality without breaking the bank.
Whatever your goals, the following 7 steps will help you plan your remodel, create a budget, and build the perfect kitchen for your needs.
Step #1: Identify Your Priorities and Build a Rough Budget
It’s time to let your imagination run wild, envisioning your dream kitchen and exploring what’s possible. Write up your wishlist, from new appliances to cosmetic changes like new countertops, flooring, and cabinets.
Next, identify the rough price tag for each item and add in contractor costs for anything that you’re not planning to DIY. This will give you a rough idea of what you’ll spend, and you can pare down from there—or add even more if you’ve got more money to play with.
What are some appliances you can upgrade?
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Stovetop
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Range hood (to reduce indoor air pollution)
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Oven
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Microwave
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Dishwasher
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Garbage disposal
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Refrigerator and freezer
Be sure to prioritize energy-efficent appliances as they will save you money in the long run while reducing your impact on the environment.
What are some design elements you can explore changing?
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Cabinets and pantry storage
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Countertops
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Flooring
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Sink and faucet
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Island
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Walls and ceilings (painting or wallpaper)
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Window treatments
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Decorative accents (e.g., paintings, rugs, plants, moldings)
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Entryways and transitions
Research the cost of each item on your list and add it to your rough budget.
What do contractors cost?
Contractor costs can vary widely based on the region and the type of work you need them to perform. Rates range from $50 - $150 per hour, while some charge flat fees based on the total cost of the project.
The best way to get a rough cost estimate is to call some local contractors and gather rates along with estimates for the time it will take to complete each part of the project. You’ll get into the details in Step #4 when you further consult professionals and refine your plan, but this will give you a general idea of what you can afford.
Step #2: Create a Preliminary Timeline
Once you’ve identified the items that fit your budget (factoring contractor labor into the equation), it’s time to come up with a general timeline for your kitchen remodel. You’ll refine that timeline in the final step, but for now, it’s important to get a sense of how long the project will take.
Why does it matter? You need to figure out how much free time you want to spend remodeling your kitchen—how many precious weekends to dedicate—and how much time you’re willing to have contractors in your house making noise and disrupting your daily life.
Every home improvement project is a cost-benefit analysis. Is that new kitchen island worth the effort? Maybe it is! Only you can decide.
Step #3: Expect (and Plan for) the Unexpected
Now that you’ve got a budget and a timeline, add a cushion to both because home improvement projects don’t always go as planned.
A few things that can slow down a kitchen repair include:
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Unforeseen structural issues
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Delays in permits
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Supply chain issues
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Inadequate planning
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Hidden damage (e.g., mold, water damage)
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Inefficient communication between homeowners and contractors
A few things that can raise the cost include:
Of course, many of the same items that cause delays will also raise the cost, such as hidden damage and supply chain issues. For that reason, it’s important to add another 10–20% to the budget and the timeline, if not more for older homes and more labor-intensive renovations.
Step #4: Consult Professionals and Gather Price Quotes
Once you’ve found a rough budget you can work with and a general renovation plan, it’s time to consult with any contractors and designers you’re considering hiring. Narrow it down to a short list after reviewing their work and chatting with a few on the phone, then get detailed price estimates for your remodeling plan.
It’s important to find someone you trust, so be sure to read online reviews on websites like Angi, and make sure you trust your gut before settling on a contractor. Get full estimates for timelines and costs, and move on to the final step.
Step #5: Crunch the Numbers and Finalize Your Plan
Now it’s time to add up all the costs and finalize your plan and budget. Be sure to revisit Step #3 when you finalize your budget, increasing the costs based on potential, unforeseen budget-inflating issues.
Budgeting is a matter of finding the right balance, and while we don’t recommend spending your life savings on a kitchen remodel, it’s important to choose quality products and fine craftsmanship. After all, a kitchen you love will increase the quality of your life and bring you joy in the years to come.
And if you end up selling your home within the next 10 years? According to a recent report from the Journal of Light Construction, a modern kitchen can significantly increase the value of your home.
Looking for a Modern, High-quality Range Hood?
The range hood is an essential kitchen appliance that removes cooking exhaust and other harmful chemicals from your home. If your current range hood is outdated, it will not only clash with your updated kitchen, but it may fail to protect your family from cancer-causing smoke and other chemicals.
The good news is that even if you’re doing a mostly cosmetic remodel, you can replace your range hood at a reasonable price.
Hauslane range hoods feature a sleek, modern design and state-of-the-art filtering in a range of styles, including wall-mounted range hoods, island range hoods, and more.
Shop now to find the perfect range hood for your kitchen, maximizing value with modern design and exceptional quality—all at a reasonable price.
Shop Powerful Range Hoods
From HAUSLANE
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