Cheapest kitchen Renovation

Remodeling a kitchen is one of the most effective ways to raise the overall value of a home before selling, and it can be a wonderful way to give any home a face-lift. The cost of remodeling a kitchen can vary widely depending on the size and scope of your project, with the national average coming in around $17, 000, with most homeowners spending between $12, 000 and $21, 000. This guide can help estimate your costs and give you a starting point for various upgrades and services.

Where Will Your Kitchen Budget Go?

Before you budget, you must decide what you want to remodel. Some homeowners don’t have the budget or time to completely remodel the entire kitchen. As such, you have to pick and choose your additions. Remember, the smallest details can sometimes make the biggest difference. Refacing your kitchen cabinets or replacing your kitchen hardware can oftentimes have as big an effect as large kitchen renovation projects.

Nonetheless, if you you’ve reviewed our average kitchen remodeling costs above, you’ll want to know where every dollar is going. While every kitchen renovation project is different, common trends have emerged over the years. According to the National Kitchen & Bath Association, kitchen remodeling costs break down as follows:

• Cabinetry & Hardware: 29%
• Installation: 17%
• Appliances & Ventilation: 14%
• Countertops: 10%
• Flooring: 7%
• Walls & Ceilings: 5%
• Lighting: 5%
• Design Fees: 4%
• Doors & Windows: 4%
• Faucets & Plumbing: 4%
• Other: 1%

Remember that the above numbers are averages. Just because most homeowners spend nearly 30% of their budget on cabinetry and hardware, that doesn’t mean you have to as well. If you think your floors are in really bad shape, spend more there. Even if you’re completely renovating your kitchen, you must spend and distribute your budget wisely. To ensure you’re putting your money where it needs to be, continue reading below.

Small Kitchen Remodel

Budget: $1, 000 - $12, 000

While many of the prices above may seem intimidating, know that all include professional installation or repair. If you’re working with a small kitchen, expect to pay between $5, 000 and $12, 000 on your kitchen renovation. Nonetheless, whether you’re working with a small or big kitchen, the best way to cut costs is to DIY. ImproveNet has a wide array of DIY articles and videos, no matter how much or little DIY experience you may have.

If you have to hire a pro and still want to limit your kitchen remodeling costs, focus on smaller ticket items like cabinet repairs, hardware changes, the faucet or smaller appliances. See their costs below:

• Cabinet Repairs: Even durable cabinets become damaged over time. Whether it’s the kids horsing around or an adult slamming one too hard, cabinets need repairs every so often. Luckily, the average cost of cabinet repair is only $364.
• Hardware Updates: Hardware is often referred to as the jewelry of the cabinetry. Luckily, certain styles and types of hardware are cheap, but can still transform the look and feel of any kitchen. Just know that a typical kitchen can have anywhere between 20-40 knobs and pulls. Remember, the cheaper items will not last as long as the more expensive purchases.
• Faucet Installation: Believe it or not, installing a kitchen sink is not expensive, with the average coming in at $250. If you have recently updated your kitchen and didn’t touch the faucet, chances are, your old sink does not mesh well with the new design. Given its low cost, there’s no reason to put it off any longer.
• Replace Appliances: There are millions of kitchen appliances out there, which means there is the right fridge, stove or dishwasher for every kitchen and its remodeling budget. The average cost of having an appliance installed in the kitchen is $471.

Mid-Range Kitchen Remodel

Budget: $12, 000 - $20, 000

Those homeowners willing to spend between $12, 000 and $20, 000 can afford a few high-end finishes as well as not worry about completing the project yourself. While finding your own materials or helping out your pro will certainly decrease your total cost, a mid-range kitchen remodel can be completed without your assistance.

If you have the money, start off by replacing old or inexpensive counter materials, such as laminate. Granite and corian are popular choices, but Quartz, while pricey, has been dominating the new the kitchen counter industry for the last few years and we don’t see that trend going away anytime soon.

Additionally, you also have the budget to repaint the kitchen if you wish. If you want your kitchen to look bigger, go with white or other bright colors. An all-white kitchen can create an illusion of roominess, as it offers a seamless transition from walls to floors.

Finally, in addition to all projects discussed below, you should consider installing energy-efficient lighting in the ceiling and under the cabinet. Their upfront costs may be more, but they’ll certainly last and help the environment.

High-End Kitchen Remodel

Budget: $20, 000+

Once you get beyond $20, 000, your wish list is almost endless (without going crazy). After replacing all counters and refacing or installing new cabinets, focus on the flooring, backsplash and island. If you don’t have a kitchen island, go out and find a kitchen pro to add one right away. They are becoming a staple in kitchens across the country. They not only add a new and improved design feature, but also improves your storage and expands your seating.

Other high-end kitchen updates may include:

• Installing custom cabinets
• Installing high-end kitchen appliances
• Adding recessed lighting and rewiring as necessary
• Opting for additional overhead lighting
• Adding tech features such as automatic lights or Bluetooth speakers

Kitchen Remodel Cost Factors

Besides the budget, cost of materials and price to hire a pro, there are other factors that greatly affect your total kitchen renovation cost. Return on investment (ROI) is key with not only kitchen remodels, but any remodel throughout the house. Furthermore, your general taste, how long you plan on living in the home and general kitchen remodeling trends can all increase or decrease your total kitchen renovation cost.

Budget

The No. 1 component of any kitchen remodel is your budget. If you don’t have the money, you can’t spend it. It’s imperative that all homeowners know exactly how much you can and can’t spend on a kitchen remodel. Those who don’t set a budget almost always go over and spend way more than they originally intended.

Like any renovation project, always have a contingency budget. Surprises can and will happen when you open up the walls, floors or other components you can’t see before the remodel begins.

Cost of Materials

Even if you DIY the entire kitchen, you still have to pay for the raw materials. Their overall costs will depend on your budget and style. As previously discussed, there is a wide range of prices for all counters, cabinets, flooring types and so on. For example, laminate counters start at $25/sf, while engineered quartz counters start at $38/sf.

Price to Hire A Pro

Most kitchen renovations are not simple and as such, many homeowners opt to hire a pro. Well, no one works for free and that expert labor will add to your total costs. For mid-range or high-end kitchen remodels, expect 25% of your total budget to go towards labor.