There are several big areas to consider when you’re looking into a kitchen remodel, and at or near the top of the list for virtually every homeowner here is the budget. Remodeling a kitchen can come with a huge variety of potential costs depending on your needs and the areas addressed, and getting these details squared away is one of the most important parts of the early process.
At AWA Kitchen Cabinets, we have a huge variety of base cabinets, wall cabinets, vanity cabinets and numerous other choices for you to browse. We’ve helped clients with both lavish, expensive remodeling jobs as well as those on a strict budget – we know how to help you assess and set a proper number plus stick to your guns throughout the process. Let’s go over some important steps to both setting and sticking with your budget.
Set the Number
When first setting your kitchen remodel budget, focus on defining a general range that speaks to your available funds plus your desires for the project. Are you moving out of the home within a few years and looking to upgrade its resale value, or are you in it for the long haul and looking for personal improvements? These factors can play a bigger role in the budget than you might think. And of course, all of this plays in front of a backdrop of your overall budgeting range, which will be the primary driver of setting your number.
What’s Included?
Once you have a defined budgetary range, it’s time to consider the various elements you’re planning to apply these funds to. Some kitchen remodels are just to replace some older cabinets, while others overhaul the entire room for a completely new look. Here are some of the elements you may be considering:
- Cabinets
- Windows and doors
- Flooring
- Fixtures and appliances
- Labor costs
- Countertops
- Lighting
- Electrical factors
- Hardware
- Ceilings
- Backsplash
- Paint and design elements
Cabinets First
That list above can seem imposing if you’re overhauling your entire kitchen, so here’s a good tip: Handle the cabinets first. Cabinets are generally the single largest expense in a kitchen remodel, but they can also vary pretty widely in price depending on what you’re looking for – they take up roughly 25 percent of the budget for some remodeling projects, but may take up closer to 40 or even 50 percent in other situations.
For this reason, make that choice first before moving to others. Once you have your largest expense out of the way, fitting everything else in around it will be easier.
Unexpected Expenses
Always prepare for unexpected expenses along the way, such as plumbing issues, rot, asbestos discovery or several others. We recommend setting aside at least 10 percent of the budget for these issues, and possibly up to 20 percent. Also remember that if you are doing a full kitchen remodel, you will have to arrange for other cooking and eating processes during construction.
Track and Stick to Your Budget
Once you’ve set your budget, it’s important to stick to it. This is why factors like leaving a buffer for unexpected expenses are important – you can’t be caught off guard by little cost-related surprises. Sticking to the budget also speaks to good research beforehand: If you’re suddenly discovering the cabinets of your dreams halfway through construction, you didn’t do your research well enough.
Throughout the process, be sure to track your expenditures and ensure you’re on target. This can allow you to adjust as necessary rather than getting to the end of the road and realizing you’ve gone way over budget.
For more on this or any of our kitchen cabinets or home remodeling services, speak to the pros at AWA Kitchen Cabinets today.