Kitchen Remodel Prices: 3 Budgets, 3 Kitchens

Seems that whenever I meet a prospective new client, the very first question is, “How much will this project cost?” I then try to explain this is like asking, “How long is a piece of string?”

You see, there are simply too many things that will influence a project’s cost. From basic construction difficulties, such as fixing what might require repairs, to customer selections for appliances, cabinets and whatever else, to if we intend on moving items around or adding space, there are so many variables that are involved.

Let us peek at three kitchens, all remodels. The first we’ll call fundamental, but it is anything but. The next is a little more upscale, and the next is high fashion. If those were cars, they would be market, full-size and lavish.

More: How to Remodel Your Kitchen | Mapping Your Scope of Work

W. David Seidel, AIA – Architect

The Basic Kitchen Remodel

This kitchen remodel is proof that fundamental does not mean dull. The colors, sense of pleasure and attention to detail all contribute to a kitchen that’s a pleasure to use.

A $20,000 to $30,000 kitchen remodel (performed by specialist designers and construction workers) typically includes:

1. The identical arrangement as your current kitchen.
By maintaining the appliances and fittings at the very same locations and maintaining the space undamaged, there’s little need to redo plumbing and electric work.

2. Simple light. Sure, all those recessed lighting might be fine, however light fixtures like those shown here will light the room efficiently and inexpensively (each recessed lighting will typically hold just a 60-watt bulb, whereas a decorative fixture may have 120, 180 or more total watts). This is a no-brainer when the lighting works with the design, as it will here.

W. David Seidel, AIA – Architect

3. Basic appliances. No built-in appliances, heating drawers, wine coolers, microwave drawers and so forth.

4. Ceramic tile backsplash and vinyl flooring. Whether it is the backsplash, flooring or other surfaces, using fundamental and affordable materials will help you keep down costs. Easy and straightforward white ceramic tile works nicely for the backsplash, and a vinyl tile floor may produce a real design statement.

In case you don’t enjoy it or do not have the funds for ceramic tile, try using a simple laminate 4-inch tall backsplash and paint the rest. Use a lasting paint. And for the ground, try sheet goods such as linoleum.

W. David Seidel, AIA – Architect

5. Refinished cabinetry. Keep your costs down by reusing the existing cabinets. Maybe some refinishing or new doors or a couple of new cabinets are all that you need to receive the function and style you’re looking for. Survey your present cabinets to ascertain their condition, size and whether it is logical for them to be vaccinated. In the end, it would not make sense to shake or place new doors on cabinet boxes that were damaged beyond easy repair.

6. Stylish details. With touches such as glass in the cabinet doors, you are able to incorporate a great deal of style at a minimum cost.

W. David Seidel, AIA – Architect

7. Laminate counters. Laminates have developed quite a bit over the past couple of years. With better advantage designs and picture printing, it’s easy to save the money and utilize laminate. And dressing up the edge is just one really nice and affordable means to earn a laminate counter shine.

Another cheap option for a countertop is ceramic tile, particularly if you do the setup yourself.

Bud Dietrich, AIA

The Mid- to Upper-Range Kitchen Remodel

What if the present kitchen design does not work? Maybe you want to have more space since you really love to inhale and want a place to roll and cut out all those holiday snacks. Or a a kitchen island is something that you’ve always desired so that family and friends can sit as you exhibit your culinary abilities.

A $40,000 to $75,000 kitchen remodel might include:

1. A total rework of the space.
Everything, including the kitchen sink, might need to be moved, which means new plumbing, electric, air ducts and so forth.

2. Professional-style appliances. In the 48-inch built in stainless steel fridge to the 48-inch cooktop with grille and griddle to the 30-inch double convection ovens, this particular kitchen is all about creating wonderful meals.

3. Custom island. And should you would like an island, why not make it like a massive item of furniture with legs and beadboard? It’s a perfect location for those kids to sit and do homework while the evening meal has been prepared.

Bud Dietrich, AIA

4. Custom cabinetry. Beaded, inset doors of clear alder using a custom stain and glaze in nonstandard sizes with all of the accessories make for a beautiful and functional kitchen at a cost.

5. Designer hardware. Forget about using big-box knobs and handles. Just take some time to find the pieces that are special. After all, you’ll be using these items constantly.

6. Wood flooring. Wood or porcelain tile or a rock floor will be more costly than a vinyl tile or sheet.

Bud Dietrich, AIA

7. Stone counters and a glass tile backsplash. A quartz or natural rock material such as granite will surely be more costly than the laminate top. For many, the look and texture of those materials is well worth the extra cost. And while laminate might begin to look utilized and nicked up in a couple of years, rock will be fresh and new looking for many years, even years, after initially being installed.

Bud Dietrich, AIA

8. Customized storage. With custom cabinets, you do not have to settle for what is stocked. Therefore, if you’d like a cabinet designed to handle modest appliances using drop-down doors that become extra counter space, custom is the only way to go.

Garrison Hullinger Interior Design Inc..

The Deluxe Kitchen Remodel

If custom cabinetry, built in refrigeration and a La Cornue range are all must-haves, you are speaking high style and the price tag that goes with it. This kitchen is for real cooks. It’d be a pity to be surrounded by all this stunning stuff, not use it.

A $100,000-plus kitchen remodel might include:

1. A total rework of the space.
As with the mid- to – upper-range kitchen, do not be surprised when everything, including the kitchen sink, has moved, which means new plumbing, electric, air ducts and so forth. Often, you’re gutting the space and beginning from scratch.

2. Architectural consistency. A tall ceiling with beadboard complete, crown moldings, leaded glass windows, authentic baseboard and casing, plus additional architectural elements make sure that the kitchen space will visually connect with and feel as a part of the rest of the house following the remodeling is finished.

3. Rich accessories and materials. Wood floors, stone counters, a chandelier and an Oiental rug will all contribute to the high-end style and elegance you are after.

4. Custom cabinetry throughout. Well-made, well-crafted and attractively finished cabinetry in custom sizes will make your kitchen.

Garrison Hullinger Interior Design Inc..

5. A cooker and hood a French chef would be pleased with. Sure it is the cost of a small (or maybe a large) BMW, but why not? This cooker by La Cornue, hand assembled and custom built to an operator’s specification, has personality, beauty and function all in one.

6. Stone mosaic backsplash. Reinforce the special nature of the cooking area using a backsplash that brings attention to it.

Garrison Hullinger Interior Design Inc..

7. Furniture style. In the tablelike island to the feet on the sink base, these particulars allow you to know that the cabinetry does not have to look like cabinetry. Obviously, we want all of the accessories that produce the cabinetry but that’s on the inside. So let’s create the exterior appropriate to the style and age of the surrounding house.

8. Appliances that hide behind timber doors. Custom wood panels that match the cabinetry hide the larger appliances.

Garrison Hullinger Interior Design Inc..

9. Beautiful details. A farmhouse-style sink and a faucet that appears as though it might have been original to the house all add to the period appeal. Along with the edge of the rock counter makes for an elegant shirt.

Obviously you’ll pay more for these details as well as the high-quality pipes fittings, but that cost will ensure the remodeled kitchen isn’t simply a pleasure to use, however a visual treat too.

More:
Kitchen Workbook: How to Remodel Your Kitchen

How to Map Your Scope of Work

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