Though it’s our focus today, forget remodeling for a second. Which part of your house costs the most, from bottom to top, and all the appurtenances in between? I bet it’s your kitchen.
Kitchen remodels are expensive because most homeowners want to replace many costly appliances and finishes. Remodels aren’t simple renovation projects where a few new coats of paint or some new hardware can make a big difference. They involve significant changes to the layout, structure, and materials of the kitchen.
How expensive is a kitchen remodel? What’s the most expensive part of a kitchen remodel? This post will answer these questions to help you budget smarter.
Key Factors Driving Up Kitchen Remodel Expenses
1. The Time You Can’t Use Your Kitchen (Home)
Most folks totally overlook this cost when budgeting for upcoming kitchen remodels. They forget that kitchen remodeling starts with tearing up your:
- Plumbing (affecting the entire household at some point).
- Electrical wiring (Could affect the entire household).
- Floor.
- Cabinets.
- Walls (which could lead to dust and debris spreading throughout the house).
- Countertops.
You see, kitchen remodels substantially disrupt your daily routine. The length of the remodel depends on the scope of work. It could take weeks or months, meaning you’ll incur considerable take-out expenses.
2. Labor Costs
Kitchen remodels demand different, specialized contractors equipped with the skills and equipment needed for various operations. Your first kitchen remodel expense should be allocated to pay designers and architects.
- Designers:
Designers guide you in creating a functional and visually pleasing kitchen layout. You’ll either pay a flat rate or an hourly rate of $40-200 an hour, depending on their experience level and your project’s complexity.
- Architects:
Architects can also provide design services, but they typically specialize in more complex remodels that involve structural changes to the kitchen. They’ll cost you $60-125 hourly for their expertise.
Other Labor Costs
You’ll also need:
- Electricians will handle wiring, outlet placements, and lighting installation.
- Plumbers to install new plumbing fixtures.
- Contractors or handypersons are to handle the physical labor of demolition, construction, and installation.
These specialists charge different prices depending on the location, their experience, and your project’s complexity. Get multiple quotes from different professionals for the best price and quality.
3. Materials & Cabinetry
Most folks remodel to upgrade, meaning they aim to use premium materials and designer cabinetry.
For example, marble floors and countertops cost more than vinyl and laminate. What about cabinetry? Custom-built and high-end cabinetry, like KraftMaid, will cost more than stock cabinets from stores like IKEA.
Remember, premium materials are costly for a reason. It may seem expensive when you’re doing it, but it may be more cost-effective over time due to improved durability and warranty support. Premium materials are more durable and require less maintenance, saving you money that goes into frequent repairs and replacements.
For more details, read “Are More Expensive Kitchen Cabinets Worth the Cost?“
4. Appliances
Kitchen remodels upgrade almost everything, including appliances. If you’re planning on keeping your old appliances, they might not fit in with the new design and layout of your kitchen.
Older appliances also tend to be less energy-efficient, relying on outdated technologies. Remember, energy-saving innovations have advanced significantly over the years. Due to wear and tear, old appliances are also less energy efficient than new ones.
It might be more cost-effective in the long run to replace your old appliances with newer, energy-efficient models that fit in with your kitchen’s new design.
Some common appliances that you may need to upgrade during a kitchen remodel include:
- Refrigerators.
- Ovens and stovetops.
- Dishwashers.
- Microwaves.
- Range hoods.
5. Permits & Unexpected Issues
We’re in one country but subject to different state, city, and county regulations. Depending on your local laws, you may need permits for your kitchen remodel. These can include:
- Building permits.
- Plumbing.
- Electrical permits.
- Even permits for replacing windows or adding a skylight.
To avoid any unexpected issues, do some research beforehand to find out what types of permits are required in your area.
What Is the Most Expensive Part of a Kitchen Remodel?
The most expensive part of a kitchen remodel is cabinetry, which consumes over 30% of most budgets. Countertops come in a distant second unless you’re upgrading all your appliances and installing smart technology.
Let’s go over some of the costliest aspects of a kitchen remodel and how you can trim costs.
1. Cabinetry
Cabinets are the most visible and used feature in any kitchen. They dominate the aesthetics, form, and function of the kitchen space. They also take up the most space and are the most used component of the kitchen.
Quality cabinetry starts at the design stage. Before selecting the type of cabinet, you should determine what you need from your kitchen cabinets.
- Do you prefer natural wood or painted finishes?
- What kind of storage do you need?
- Are there any architectural restrictions to consider?
Once you have a clear idea of your needs and preferences, you can decide to go for custom or stock cabinets.
Remember, cabinets also comprise hardware such as hinges, latches, and handles. Various hardware styles determine your cabinet’s aesthetics and functionality.
Apart from storage, cabinets are also one of the main design elements in the kitchen. They set the tone for the overall look and feel of the space.
For example, white cabinets with sleek lines can create a modern and minimalistic vibe, while dark wood cabinets with intricate details can give off a more traditional and elegant feel.
Additionally, you should consider the layout of your cabinets to maximize efficiency and convenience in your kitchen. If you can find pre-made cabinets that match your needs and style, that’s great.
Custom cabinets may be the way to go if you have specific requirements or want a unique look. If you’re considering them, read “Kitchen Theme Ideas for a Renovation or Remodel.“
2. Countertops
Kitchen countertops are used for food preparation, storage, and other tasks. They also affect our moods. Imagine cooking in a cluttered, cramped space versus an open and organized one. The countertop material you choose will make or break your remodeling goals.
Various countertop options are available, each with its own pros and cons. Some popular materials include granite, quartz, marble, and laminate.
Most folks replace old countertops because they become outdated or damaged. They also want to upgrade their kitchen’s look and feel.
That’s why natural stones like granite and marble are popular choices. They’re widely considered premium countertop materials due to their durability and aesthetics.
3. Appliances & Installation
Smart appliances and AI technology can easily become your costliest kitchen remodeling items if you’re incorporating these technologies. It all depends on your budget, inspiration, and kitchen size.
For example, you can overhaul your entire kitchen and purchase all new appliances with the latest smart features. Alternatively, you can keep some of your existing appliances and only replace outdated or damaged ones.
The cost will vary depending on the scope of your kitchen remodeling. Remember, appliances come in different styles and finishes, so you must research what best suits your kitchen design.
Hire professionals, especially if you’re automating your kitchen.
How to Save on Your Kitchen Remodel
1. Keep Plumbing/Electrical in Place to Avoid Rework
The costs of hiring electricians, plumbers, and handymen to overhaul your kitchen’s plumbing and electrical systems completely can add up quickly. You’ll have to demolish walls and floors, rewire and replumb everything, and buy new fixtures, outlets, and wiring.
Why not keep your kitchen’s plumbing and electrical systems where they are? You’ll save a significant amount of money by avoiding all of that work. Plus, if you’re happy with your kitchen layout and design, there’s no need to completely change it.
2. Sell Some of Your Old Appliances and Furniture
You want to replace every furniture, appliance, and fixture in your kitchen. However, some of your old assets may still be in good condition. Consider selling them instead of throwing them away or leaving them to collect dust in the garage.
You can post advertisements on online marketplaces or hold a yard sale to get rid of these items and earn extra cash for your renovation project. It will help declutter your space and reduce the overall remodeling costs.
3. Consider Refacing Cabinets
Cabinets are often one of the most expensive aspects of a kitchen remodel. However, consider refacing them instead of completely replacing them with brand-new cabinets.
You’d save by just replacing cabinet doors and drawer fronts and retaining the current cabinet boxes. It can significantly reduce costs without sacrificing the overall look of your kitchen.
4. Buy Designer Cabinets Online
We agreed that online cabinet retailers like us offer high-quality cabinets at affordable prices. Designer Cabinets Online partners with the most respected manufacturers, such as KraftMaid, JSI Cabinets, Norcraft Cabinetry, and Ultracraft Cabinets.
These manufacturers have various styles, finishes, and colors in their inventories. We have all of them on our online store. So why not take a look and choose the ones that would best suit your kitchen?
Remember, online stores cut out the middlemen, rent, and other overhead expenses, allowing us to offer the best prices possible. It’s one of the four ways to transform your kitchen on a budget.
5. Compare Contractor Quotes and Negotiate Labor Costs
Your chosen contractor will make or break your entire kitchen remodeling. You want someone who:
- Can understand your vision.
- Has the necessary skills.
- Can work within your budget.
The most effective way to find a contractor is by asking for recommendations from friends and family. There are also online reviews and ratings of contractors in your area.
Once you have a few options, ask them to provide detailed quotes for the project. Then, compare the quotes. Remember, the cheapest option may not always be the best choice.
After comparing quotes, negotiate with the contractors to get a better deal. Some may lower their labor costs or offer special discounts if you agree to buy materials from them.
6. Avoid DIY Kitchen Remodeling
We aren’t big fans of DIY kitchen remodels.
Kitchen remodels are high-stakes projects that require professional expertise. While it may be tempting to try and save money by doing the work yourself, it can cost you more in the long run if mistakes are made.
DIY kitchen remodeling also takes a significant amount of time and can significantly disrupt your daily routine. Hiring professionals frees you up to focus on other aspects of your life while they handle the renovation process efficiently.
In addition, licensed contractors have access to special discounts on materials and equipment, which can help lower overall costs for your project. They also have the necessary skills and experience to handle unexpected issues during the remodel.
DIY remodeling may not meet building codes or safety standards, resulting in potential hazards, costly repairs, and other legal issues. Hiring a licensed contractor helps obtain all the necessary permits and inspections, avoiding any legal consequences.
Let’s Handle Your Remodeling Needs
Are you considering a home remodeling project? Let’s help you manage the most expensive part of the kitchen remodel. At Designer Cabinets Online, we have in-house designers with robust access to the best materials, qualified builders, and contractors that will be effectively utilized in creating your dream kitchen.
We appreciate the importance of adhering to building codes and safety standards. Most importantly, we appreciate the importance of delivering quality at healthy discounts.