When remodeling your kitchen one big question you might have is “what will my kitchen remodel cost?” While unsatisfying, the most honest answer is that kitchen costs vary widely. The average kitchen remodeling cost depends largely on two factors. First, how extensive is the kitchen renovation in terms of scope and physical size of your space? Second, what kind of appliances and finishes will you choose?
A more budget-friendly kitchen remodel that involves replacing old appliances and hardware and doing a new coat of paint, for example, will cost less than a complete restructuring of the floorplan.
Types of appliances and finishes also impact your bottom line. Understandably, going with luxury selections will cost you more. Our team at Jennifer Duncan CKD breaks down some options below to help you get a sense of kitchen remodel cost.
Minor Update/Kitchen Facelift – Cosmetic Remodel
The most affordable kitchen remodeling option is likely the one we call a “cosmetic remodel.” This type of renovation saves a lot of time and money through simply updating the existing features of the kitchen. This involves painting cabinets and walls, installing a new backsplash, changing out plumbing fixtures, updating lighting fixtures, installing new appliances, and possibly replacing countertops.
This type of light kitchen renovation might take 1-3 weeks with a budget of roughly 5% of your home’s value, depending on how many things you update and the cost of the new features you install.
Pull and Replace Kitchen Remodel
A “pull and replace” remodel involves removing all aspects of the existing space, including cabinets, and replacing them with new and comparable materials. Remodeling, while keeping the same footprint, allows you to get the newest-looking kitchen without breaking the bank. Since you are removing everything, you will need to factor kitchen cabinetry into your cost. Kitchen cabinets are usually the most expensive part of a new kitchen, at about 25% of your total budget.
Why do cabinets cost so much? Having good quality wood material is important in order to hold up to day-to-day use. As with good quality furniture, there is a lot of labor and skill involved in the creation of cabinetry. More expensive cabinetry might have decorative features that add to the beauty and final cost. Additionally, there is a level of skill involved in installing cabinetry properly that adds to labor costs.
If you are replacing your floor, you’ll have additional choices that affect pricing as well. Kitchen flooring can change the average cost of the kitchen remodel dramatically. Ceramic tile costs anywhere between $2-$250 per square foot plus installation, while hardwood can be priced between $6-$25 per square foot for materials only. Luxury vinyl tile can be economical without sacrificing looks, while marble or limestone tile floors are some of the most expensive.
Ultimately, the cost to redo a kitchen through the pull and replace model will be approximately equal to 10-15% of your home’s value
Structural Change Kitchen Remodel
A kitchen renovation that involves structural changes such as moving walls, plumbing, and electrical features is the most involved type of remodel.
This will take the longest to complete and costs more because of the effort involved. In addition to all the features of a pull-and-replace remodel, a skilled designer will need to be involved to ensure that the new footprint of the kitchen matches your needs and the flow of your home. A structural engineer may be called in to ensure any load is distributed properly when removing walls.
Any beams, walls, or columns that are to be removed need to be done with care and skill to ensure that load-bearing needs are met to keep your house structurally sound. You’ll also look to skilled labor for plumbing and electrical restructuring. Structural remodels are currently very popular, especially if you have an older home in Richmond, so that kitchens can be enlarged and opened up to neighboring rooms and eating spaces.
This kitchen renovation could take anywhere between 6-12 weeks and will cost approximately 20% of the home’s value.
Luxury Kitchen Remodel
With a luxury kitchen remodel, the sky’s the limit. Your space will be redesigned with the most state-of-the-art, designer kitchen technology. To achieve this polished look, you’ll be spending anywhere from $35,000-$75,000 on luxury appliances like Sub-Zero Refrigerators, Wolf Ranges, and Miele built in coffee makers.
High-end cabinetry, depending on the size of your kitchen, can cost upwards of $70,000. Additional materials like plumbing, lighting fixtures, and quartz, marble, or porcelain countertops can add another $30,000. Factoring in labor, design, and other fees, places the cost of a luxury kitchen at approximately 25% or more of the home’s value.
Having a gorgeous, remodeled kitchen is uplifting and makes daily life more functional, but it also adds value to your home. Designers often recommend setting aside 5-30% of your home’s value into a kitchen remodeling budget. This illustrates the vast importance your kitchen plays as the centerpiece of your home. The investment is worth it!
Contact us to learn more about our design services and how we can help you budget for the kitchen remodeling project that meets your needs.
