How Much Does a Kitchen Makeover Cost?
How much is it going to cost? This inevitably comes up during an initial consultation for a remodeling project, and is important to address. As an architect, I usually provide ballpark ranges early on in the process to ensure that everyone is on the same page and that the scope of work we are talking about is realistic for the budget the homeowner has in mind. A more detailed construction estimate comes later, once a design has been completed.
Let’s look at remodeling a kitchen as an example. The ranges below are based on my experience as an architect and a builder in the Louisville, Kentucky, area. Of course, these costs will vary based on locale; a kitchen remodel tends to be more expensive in large metropolitan areas, less expensive in smaller towns and rural areas, and comparable in other midsize cities.
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1. Basic upgrade: $5,000 to $15,000. This may include updates as simple as new cabinet knobs, light fixtures, plumbing fixtures and paint — often DIY projects. Perhaps it includes replacing the appliances, painting the cabinets or putting new doors put on them, installing new countertops or adding a tiled backsplash. But the general rule in this price range is that everything will more or less stay in the same place, and the shell of the kitchen (floors, walls and ceiling) will stay intact.
2. Renovation: $15,000 to $35,000. This scope would allow for all of the above plus new cabinets and possibly some changes to the room's shell, such as removing soffits, relocating lighting or adding a skylight. It may include new flooring or replacing a window within an existing opening. But as with the first category, this budget assumes that the major features will stay in place and that the floor plan will not be dramatically altered.
3. Remodel/addition: $35,000 to $75,000 and up. A larger-scale remodel may include any or all of the above, as well as a new layout of the kitchen space and possibly nearby rooms. It could involve an addition or opening walls up to adjacent spaces. With a project of this scope, it is wise to enlist an architect or other design professional to ensure that you are making the best use of the space and exploring all options. Sometimes there are relatively simple things, such as relocating that bulky refrigerator or making some minor changes to the floor plan, that you may have never thought of and that can have amazing results.
While the third option is indeed the most costly, it is usually well worth it for the improvement of space and functionality that can result. Things such as natural light and space flow may be less tangible than granite countertops, but they are infinitely more important in creating a space that feels good. I believe in getting the space itself right even if it means having to select less-expensive fixtures and finishes.
What's great about this kitchen? Foremost, the window and the tree. How different would this space feel if there were a solid wall at the end?
Costs will vary widely
Obviously the categories above are broad, and the project cost will vary widely depending on location, scope, how much help you need and the finishes you choose, but they can be useful as you start weighing what is important to you.
Having realistic expectations of how much your dream kitchen is going to cost, and adjusting your scope accordingly, will make for a more enjoyable and successful project regardless of your budget.
More: How to Remodel Your Kitchen | Find a Kitchen Designer
