Budgeting for a Kitchen Remodel 2024
Dreaming of a kitchen makeover but wondering about the expenses? No worries—I'm here to help you create a budget that's as practical as it is stylish! According to Remodeling Magazine's 2023 Cost vs. Value Report, an upscale kitchen remodel usually brings back around 50% on your investment, and a mid-range upgrade can score a 55% return. But beyond the numbers, having a kitchen that's both beautiful and functional? That's truly priceless for you, your family, and your guests.
Let's break down the budget basics and dive into what you can expect with a Basic, Mid-level, or Premium kitchen remodel. Remember, costs can vary by region, so start by checking out local figures. Set a budget that feels right for you, and don't forget to stash away an extra 20% for any unexpected surprises. Here's a quick guide to get you started:
$75-$110K+ for a Large Kitchen
$65-$85K+ for a Medium Kitchen
$35-$55K+ for a Small Galley Kitchen
Now let's take a look at how to distribute that money and what you can expect for these 3 levels:
Basic Kitchen Remodel Budget Breakdown
Let's dive into the first crucial questions to kickstart your budgeting journey:
Quality Expectations: If you're someone who appreciates the finer things in life, your kitchen deserves the same treatment. Take a peek into your closet and garage—your style preferences are often reflected there. Keep in mind that two kitchens of the same size can have vastly different costs based on the finishes chosen. Your love for high-end items should guide your expectations for quality in your kitchen.
Kitchen Size Matters: Square footage is the unsung hero in determining your budget's reality. Certain baseline costs can't be overlooked, and as a rule of thumb, the larger the kitchen, the larger the price tag. While our budget guide provides a general overview, feel free to customize it. Maybe you're passionate about a stunning backsplash or unique lighting fixtures—reallocate your budget to prioritize what matters most to you. Let's make your kitchen uniquely yours!
Jean Stoffer Design
Cabinetry
BASIC
Stock cabinets. Averages $70 per linear foot, Cons - limited sizes and finishes
Re-paint (professionally) or Re-surface your existing cabinetry
Buy reusable cabinets from Habitat for Humanity and have professionally painted
Ikea flat-pack cabinets - Good for DIY'ers but consider cost to have assembled and trips back and forth to store for inevitable mishaps
MID-LEVEL
Semi-custom cabinets - Averages $150-$250 per linear foot.
Typically comes in 3" increments so you can have more precise configurations without a lot of filler pieces.
Quality can vary from veneered particle board to plywood
Many lines offer custom paint color selections
PREMIUM
Custom Cabinets - Averages $250-$500 per linear foot
Designed to your kitchen so there are no filler panels
Ability to add custom features such as lift cabinets, knife storage, specialty storage
Ability to do custom appliance cover panels for refrigerators and dishwashers
Plywood boxes
Premium wood species such as Walnut
Any paint color
Decorotation Interiors
Construction & Labor
BASIC
Plan to DIY most of the work. Leave electrical and plumbing to the professionals. Always work with a licensed insured pro and ask for references from past clients.
Don't DIY the cabinetry paint. A pro should paint the doors in a professional spray environment that prevents hair, debris, etc. from sticking to wet paint. Always use the right paint for the job.
Plan to assemble your own cabinetry if they don't arrive pre-assembled
MID-LEVEL
Plan to hire more help.
Save money by doing your own demo work.
Premium
Leave the work to the pros
House Beautiful
Major Appliances
BASIC
Re-use existing
Re-finish with Liquid Stainless Steel
Purchase white appliances which tend to be less expensive than their stainless counterparts.
MID-LEVEL
Mix appliances - Perhaps you decide to splurge on a nice range but save on a dishwasher
Buy a suite of appliances - If you don't mix, consider buying all from the same line which are often discounted when bundled.
Time your renovation so you can take advantage of Black Friday deals.
PREMIUM
Consider finer appliances such as Viking and Blue Star which allows you to customize the color of your appliances
Look into integrated panel-ready appliances such as refrigerators and dishwashers that blend with the cabinetry for a custom look.
Maureen Stevens
Floors & Wall Tile
BASIC
Plan to keep your existing floor
New ceramic backsplash tile. Lay them in a unique pattern for visual interest
MID-LEVEL
Existing hardwood floors can be refinished
Replacing existing floor tiles may blow your budget if you don't find other areas to save
New ceramic backsplash tile. Lay them in a unique pattern for visual interest
PREMIUM
New tile or wood flooring
Wood flooring can be laid in interesting patterns such as herringbone or chevron
Can play with inset tile "rugs"
New backsplash can be natural stone or more premium ceramic tiles
Ladybird Designs
Countertops, Sinks & Faucets
BASIC
Countertops - Level 1 Granite or Quartz (Simple edge details, 2CM thick), Butcher block, Laminate
Level 1 plumbing and faucets
MID-LEVEL
Countertops - Level 2 Granite or Quartz (Simple edge details, 2CM thick)
Level 2 plumbing and faucets
PREMIUM
Countertops - Level 3 Granite or Quartz (Detailed edge profiles, Thicker 3CM), Natural Stone
Level 3 Plumbing and Faucets
Pure Salt Interiors
Lighting
BASIC
Recessed Lighting
Look for salvaged or DIY options
MID-LEVEL
Recessed Lighting
Level 2 lighting on basic such as island pendants, or over sink light.
PREMIUM
Recessed Lighting
Level 3 lighting throughout
Under cabinet lighting and/or cove lighting.
