You’ve decided that it’s time for a new kitchen. But where to start? Exploring kitchen design ideas and developing a budget lays the groundwork for bringing your vision to life.

Kitchen remodel cost is a key consideration in the re-design planning process. A budget helps you, the homeowner, decide what you can afford and the overall design.

Kitchen remodeling costs can vary wildly depending on design goals and the extent of the remodel, but certain expert-recommended guidelines will get you headed in the right direction.

How to Create a Kitchen Remodel Budget

The first step involves determining how much to spend on your kitchen remodel. As a general guideline, some resources recommend spending 10-20% of your home value.

• How Long You Plan to Stay in Your Home: Homeowners must consider how long they plan to own their home. If they plan to sell in five years, the kitchen remodel will be seen as a home improvement that can increase the purchase price. In these instances, homeowners should consider ROI when setting their budget. If you plan to remain in your home for the foreseeable future, budget for a kitchen that makes your family comfortable.
• Does Your Kitchen Meet Your Current Needs? If your family or lifestyle has changed over the years, investing in a new kitchen may encourage home gatherings, better storage, and improved efficiency.

Below are some things to consider when developing a kitchen remodel budget that makes sense:

Kitchen Remodel Budget Breakdown

After setting a budget, consider how much to spend on each component. Here’s how costs tend to break down.

• Cabinets: 29% of budget

• Appliances: 17% of budget

• Installation: 13% of budget

• Countertops: 11% of budget

• Lighting and Electrical: 10% of budget

• Plumbing: 6% of budget

• Flooring: 5% of budget

• Backsplash: 5% of budget

• Miscellaneous: 4% of budget

Reserve 20% of Your Budget for the Unexpected

The unexpected should always be expected in a remodeling project. It’s not unusual for problems to arise when a contractor “looks behind the walls” and discovers an electrical or plumbing issue that impacts the project. It’s wise to include some wiggle room in your kitchen remodel cost by adding an extra 20% to a kitchen remodel budget to cover the unexpected.

Start with a Vision

How would you like your kitchen to function? Do you like cooking or entertaining? How will your family use the kitchen? Start with reasonable expectations and goals. Consider the necessary features that your family needs to get through their week. What features would be great to have in your new kitchen and a few features that would be nice but are not required? Our experienced kitchen designers can guide you through the process and define a reasonable budget.

Decide How You Will Pay for the Project

Not many have the cash to pay for a kitchen remodel outright. A home equity loan is often used to fund a kitchen remodel project since this upgrade will enhance the value of your home. Home equity loans are tax deductible, which may offset some expenses.

Life During Construction

While your kitchen is being remodeled, preparing meals may be difficult. Strategize how meal prep and dining will be handled without a kitchen.  If you choose to eat out during construction, consider the cost of purchasing meals.  As an alternative, some meals can be purchased at a grocery store in advance and heated in a microwave, or air fryer, or cooked on a grill, for example. Both options can add to expenses and should be included in your budget.

Decide If You Will Stay in Your Home During the Renovation Period

If the kitchen remodel is extensive, household members may decide to stay somewhere else while the project is underway. In these instances, applicable expenses like Airbnb, storage, and moving fees may add to the budget.

Keep Tabs on Your Budget

Homeowners may create a spreadsheet that accounts for how much they plan to spend on each item. The spreadsheet should be updated to account for each expense. If spending begins to exceed the budget, determine how to keep it under control.

DIY to Minimize Spending

If you’re a handy person, doing some of the work yourself can save money, such as painting the walls or installing a tile backsplash. Installing cabinetry and countertops can require more skills than the average homeowner possesses so leave installation, electrical, or plumbing to the pros,

Will Your Appliances Fit?

While your kitchen designer will ensure the appliances you select for your new kitchen will fit within the design, have you considered how that new extra-large refrigerator will be moved into your home and kitchen? Will it need to be carried upstairs and will it fit through the doorway?

Indisco Will Keep Your Kitchen Remodeling Cost Under Control

Our kitchen designers love helping our clients create a kitchen remodel budget.

The journey to a kitchen you’ll love begins with a single step – contacting us to schedule an appointment. Give us a call at 207-883-5562 to schedule your free consultation.

If you’re in the area, visit our showroom in Scarborough to explore cabinetry options and chat with our designers.

We’re here to help you “Love your Kitchen” again.