Upgrading a kitchen is a big investment, but if done properly it can add value to your home. These days, the kitchen is the central hub for the home. It’s where activities take place, family and friends gather, and most importantly, where food and drink run plentiful. However, with endless factors to consider, upgrading a kitchen can be intimidating. We’ll help you make upgrading your kitchen a little less scary by taking a look at costs associated with upgrading a kitchen, and some tips for keeping those costs in check.
How Much Does a Kitchen Upgrade Cost?
Project Scope
A minor kitchen remodel, which typically includes new cabinet faces, hardware, countertops, and appliances, can cost anywhere from $12,000 to $30,000. This type of remodel is a good option if you’re looking to update the look and feel of your kitchen without making any major structural changes.
A major kitchen remodel, on the other hand, can involve structural changes, new cabinetry, and high-end finishes. This type of remodel can cost upwards of $50,000 or more, depending on the materials and products you choose. This type of remodel is good if you want to change the layout or functionality of your kitchen, or if you’re looking to add luxury features such as a large island or a high-end appliance package.
Materials
Cabinets, countertops, and appliances are typically the largest expenses in a kitchen remodel, so it’s important to carefully consider the materials you want to use.
Basic cabinetry can start at around $3,000 to $5,000, while high-end cabinetry can cost $10,000 or more.
Countertops can range from $2,000 to $5,000, depending on the material you choose. And appliances can cost anywhere from $1,500 to $10,000 or more, depending on the brand, style, and features you select.
Labor
Hiring a professional designer or contractor can add significantly to the overall cost of the project, but it can also ensure that the work is done correctly and that the end result is exactly what you want. The last thing you want is to go through a kitchen remodel only to reach the end with a project that went overbudget and unsatisfactory final design.
The cost of labor can vary depending on where you live, so it’s important to get quotes from multiple contractors and compare costs and services before making a decision.
Hiring a kitchen designer is usually worth it if you’re planning on a remodel that will exceed $7,000. As a contractor, I’ll even use a kitchen designer to work on certain kitchen remodels if I know the homeowner will desire a bunch of custom upgrades or fuctutiallity based redesigns. I’ve used these guys who offer a slew of kitchen services in Phoenix, AZ.
Keep in mind that there can be unexpected expenses that come up during a kitchen remodel. For this reason, it’s a good idea to budget for a contingency fund, which can be used to cover any unexpected costs that may arise.
Final Money Saving Tips
- Prioritize your needs and wants: Before you start the remodel, make a list of everything you want to change and prioritize them by importance. This will help you focus on the most important changes and keep costs in check.
- Shop around for materials: Do your research and compare prices on materials like cabinets, countertops, and appliances. Look for sales and discounts, and consider buying from discount retailers or online.
- Be flexible with your choices: Be open to using different materials or products than what you originally had in mind. Sometimes, you may find something that looks just as good but is less expensive.
- DIY: Some aspects of kitchen remodel can be done as DIY project, this can save you a lot of money on labor costs.
- Keep the layout: If you’re happy with the overall layout of your kitchen, consider keeping it the same and just updating