Choosing to embark on a remodeling project can be intimidating. What should we do? How long will it take? How much will it cost? These are all reasonable questions that unfortunately, can be hard to answer. Especially the cost question. But that’s not why you’re here. You want answers!
And answers you will get. But it’s going to take a little explaining before we get there. Let’s start with some of the questions that make it difficult to predict the cost of a renovated kitchen:
- Is the kitchen in a single family home or a condominium? Condos are harder.
- Are any major appliances or the sink changing locations?
- Is the electrical service in the home sufficient to support a modern kitchen?
- Was the home built before 1978 and will require the use of lead safe work practices?
- Are there walls to be removed to open up the space? Does this require structural work?
- Do any doors or windows need to be relocated?
These are just a few issues that can impact cost. It is a long list. Did you notice that many of these questions are design related? The overall design/layout of the space is a major cost factor. The materials selected are another major factor . Cabinets, countertops, appliances, tile, etc. costs can vary wildly. Keep this is mind as you make selections for your new space.
Let’s get back to the original question. How much does it cost to remodel a kitchen? To answer this we need to first outline some parameters for our project:
- The kitchen is in a single family home located in the suburbs of Washington, DC
- Professional designers will be used for the layout of the space and material selections
- Good quality, name brand materials will be used in the project
- The project will be built in accordance with applicable building codes
- A permit will be procured and the project will be inspected by local officials
- The work is done by a professional firm that is licensed and insured
- All work is backed by a 5 year warranty
Sitting down? Here we go…
The numbers at the top of the graphic are basic ballpark budgets for typical components of a project. Helpful, but not much detail. Lets examine the scenarios:
Scenario A
The project outlined in Scenario A is what is often referred to as a “pull and replace,” project. Everything in the existing kitchen is removed and replaced with new finishes. But- the location of the sink and range do not change. It is also not a large space with less than 15 cabinets.
Scenario B
This scenario anticipates a larger space with more cabinetry. It also begins to show the impact of material selections.
Scenario C
This scenario anticipates an expanded space (within home- not an addition) with higher end cabinetry and finishes.
An important caveat to these budgets- they do not include appliances. You can spend $5-10,000 on appliances or splurge with a $20- 40,000 appliance package.
Budgeting for a kitchen remodeling project can be tricky. The “type” of home (condo, townhouse, single family), age of the home (need to update utilities, lead paint hazards), location (urban with no parking), design/ layout of the kitchen, size of the space and material selections can all influence the final price of the project. So, how much does it cost to remodel a kitchen? It depends…
For more information, watch our kitchen budgeting video:
https://www.facebook.com/CaseDesignRemodeling/videos/408261371983808
For design inspiration, visit our portfolio.
