We’re going to cut to the chase and say that it is estimated that the average kitchen remodel comes to around $27,000, with most homeowners spending within the range of $12,000 to $60,000 on their new kitchens.
However, this generalized average hardly helps homeowners estimate the cost of a kitchen remodel in their situation since so many factors can affect it. Without a clear understanding of these factors, it becomes impossible to estimate and plan for the cost of a kitchen remodel.
Using this simple guide, homeowners and designers should be better able to estimate the price of their kitchen remodels without being blindsided by unexpected additional costs.
What Can Make Kitchen Remodeling Expensive?
By recognizing which parts of kitchen remodeling are the priciest, homeowners can narrow down the baseline cost for their specific project. Here are the top three costs:
1. Cabinets, for example, remain the highest expenditure for kitchen remodels.
Whether using mass-produced or custom cabinets, these consume nearly a third of the project’s budget on average. If you’re satisfied with your cabinetry, you can cross off the biggest expense from the average cost right away.
2. Labor costs and appliance costs occupy the second third of the average kitchen remodel’s budget.
Labor includes the cost of installing, upgrading, or relocating new fixtures, electrical systems, plumbing lines or access. The costs for on-site inspections can not be overlooked as county or city inspections can be costly in some areas.
3. The last third of the cost of the average kitchen remodel is taken up by everything else, including:
Countertops, floors, lighting, paint, backsplashes, hardware, and faucets.
While not every remodel will deal with every factor, these are the least expensive aspects of most kitchen remodels. Ironically, they are also the aspects that DIY remodelers often fixate on at the expense of less exciting yet more pressing issues such as electrical and ventilation systems.
Factor in the Remodel Size
Not all kitchen remodels are equal; they are classified by a price point that could be cover a lot of materials in a small or standard-use kitchen, but barely scratch the surface in a large gourmet kitchen.
- Small remodels are typically classified as those that are priced at or below $22,000. In small remodeling jobs, the cabinets may need to be refaced but not replaced; the paint needs to be redone, or tile floors need to be regrouted not replaced.
- Medium or mid-scale remodels, up to $46,000, may require appliance replacements or relocation, the addition of a new ventilations system, changing from electric to gas range, or all new systems, cabinets, and fixtures. Mid-scale remodels often involve minor structural changes, painting, and material upgrades.
- Large or full kitchen remodels, up to $60,000 and above, require complete overhauls of the space, including new electrical and plumbing work, demolition, new cabinets, floors, and appliances. Full-scale remodels may opt for upgraded high-end flooring and countertop materials as well as premium cabinetry.
Understanding the scope of the remodel helps clarify the cost even before shopping for new appliances and materials, though these numbers are generalized based on averages.
Other Factors to Consider When Remodeling a Kitchen
Factor in the Size
Consider the size of the kitchen when calculating the cost. Based on average remodeling costs, account for $75 per square foot for small remodels and $250 per square foot or more for full remodels. By this logic, and with the other factors included, you can more accurately predict your project costs since even a full remodel of a tiny kitchen likely won’t cost $60,000.
Factor in the Location
The cost of kitchen remodeling differs by location based on numerous factors, including material costs, sales tax differences, labor costs, and more. Urban areas, and other high-cost living areas are more likely to see higher casts than in rural areas. The scope of the project or shipping costs for materials can be added expenses in either location.
Additional Factors to Consider
Even small kitchen remodels have quirks and issues many homeowners may miss. For example, permits and inspections may be required to make certain renovations, especially if they involve changes to the square footage or electrical and plumbing systems, or if they require demolition. Building permits and inspections are additional costs that must be considered, though these can differ by location and delay or change your project.
Repairs should also be considered. Once you pull out sinks, dishwashers, or flooring, the findings may surprise you, and not in a good way. Hidden leaks, rotting subfloors, and mold are some of the more common revelations brought about by renovations.
This may require a plumber to identify and correct the issues, costs will be added for new subfloors or drywall replacement, and in worst case scenarios, mold abatement.
In large-scale remodeling projects, appliances and other household goods may need to be moved and stored until the project is finished, which adds additional labor and storage costs to the project. Since renting a storage unit can cost as much as $300 per month, these additional costs can quickly add up.
Trust the Pros at Southern Maryland Kitchen, Bath, Floors, and Design
Many people think DIY kitchen remodels will save money, but the truth is that even with a clear design and a strict list of priorities, remodels can be messy, costly projects. A professional remodeling company can offer access to luxury brands, experienced tradesmen, permit arrangements, plumbing and electrical expertise, custom design experts, and more to help you refine and execute your vision for your kitchen without costly mistakes.
Contact our team today to learn how Southern Maryland Kitchen & Bath can help you focus on important tasks, customize a consistent stylistic vision, and minimize costs in your professional kitchen remodel.