Without the right plan in place, kitchen remodels can overwhelm even veteran homeowners. Fortunately, developing a renovation strategy isn’t difficult — just start with your budget! Here’s a look at the primary cost considerations to include in your remodeling plan.
COUNTERTOPS
Your countertops are your kitchen’s functional centerpiece. Here’s a
look at the installation costs associated with each material:
Affordable materials:
• Laminate: $3,000 – $4,000 Laminate is affordable and offers huge variety of colors and designs. Some laminate is vulnerable to chipping, scratching, fading and aging. Replacing old or damaged laminate is cheap and even DIY-able.
Mid-range materials:
• Butcher Block: $1,700 – $3,100 Wooden countertops go well with any design style and offer DIY-friendly installations. Butcher block countertops require regular maintenance and are susceptible to heat and moisture.
• Solid Surface: $2,200 – $5,000 Solid surface countertops mimic the look of more expensive materials at a fraction of the price. Solid surface is also resistant to scratches, burns and water damage.
High-end materials:
• Stainless Steel: $3,000 – $6,000 Stainless steel is the ideal material for hardcore cooks or modern décor. While stainless is practically indestructible, avoiding scratches and smears can be difficult.
• Granite: $3,100 – $4,500 Granite doesn’t require massive amounts of upkeep and when compared to other high-end materials, its costs are reasonable.
• Quartz: $5,900 – $14,000 Silestone or CaesarStone (the brand names typically associated with quartz) are popular alternatives to marble and granite. While quartz is still expensive, it doesn’t require the sealing or constant maintenance that its competitors do.
• Marble: $8,000 – $11,000 Marble is a classic choice for high-end countertops. But, unlike granite, marble is highly susceptible to stains and etching.
CABINETS
Your cabinets are one of the primary features that will define the aesthetics and functionality of your new kitchen. How much you pay for your new cabinets will depend on their material and fabrication. Here’s a look at the costs associated with each:
Affordable materials:
• Wood Veneer: $1,930 – $13,000 Veneers are strips of wood glued to a plywood or particleboard frame. Wood veneer cabinets aren’t as durable as solid wood, but they do offer similar looks without the additional cost. The construction of veneer cabinets makes them susceptible to humidity and excessive moisture.
Mid-range materials:
• Laminate: $4,000 – $15,000 Laminate construction is similar to veneer fabrication: Laminate sheets are glued to a plywood or particleboard frame. Laminate cabinets come in both high-pressure and low-pressure options. High-pressure laminate is of higher quality and longer lasting. Formica and Pionite are sought-after high-end laminate brands. Like wood veneer, excessive moisture can damage laminate cabinets.
High-end materials:
• Wood: $5,000 – $25,000 The durability, looks, and longevity of wood cabinets make them the top choice for many homeowners. Here’s a breakdown of popular wood cabinet options according to cost:
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Fabrication Costs
Cabinet fabrication breaks down into three categories. Here’s a look at each:
Affordable:
• Stock: $60 – $200 per square foot. Stock cabinets are pre-fabricated and sold as a ready-to-install unit. Stock construction offers fewer design and layout alternatives, but costs less than semi-custom or custom designs. Quality and measurement issues are sometimes an issue with stock alternatives. Always measure your kitchen before purchasing your cabinets.
Mid-range:
• Semi-custom: $100 – $650 per square foot. Semi-custom cabinets require a larger budget but offer custom sizing, aesthetics and more design options than stock alternatives. Pre-fabricated elements still exist within with semi-custom cabinets, so it’s important to measure your kitchen before making a purchase.
High-end:
• Custom: $500 – $1,200 per square foot. Custom cabinets are built to meet your exact spatial and design needs. This construction is perfect for homeowners with a specific design and functionality needs. Installing custom cabinets is also an ideal solution for oddly shaped kitchens.
Hardware Costs
Cabinet hardware is an important part of creating a seamless look in your new kitchen. Here’s a look at popular hardware materials and their costs per knob:
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Cabinet Installation Costs: $1,971 – $7,202
The construction and size of your new cabinets will determine your installation costs. Large, custom or oddly shaped cabinets will take longer to install and require a larger a budget. Pre-fabricated and conventional designs are easier to install and will cost less.
FLOORING
Your flooring will play a key role in defining the aesthetics and practicality of your kitchen. The price of new kitchen flooring will break down into installation and material costs. Here’s a look at your options.
Flooring Material Costs
The costs of flooring materials vary widely. Here’s a breakdown of popular flooring options according to price:
Affordable materials:
• Vinyl and Linoleum: $2.50 – $3.30 per square foot (vinyl), $3.30 – $4.20 per square foot (linoleum). Vinyl and linoleum hold up relatively well over time and don’t require significant upkeep. But, unlike heavier materials like wood and tile, vinyl and linoleum are more susceptible to cuts, burns and wear. Repairing vinyl is cheap and sometimes even DIY-able. Modern vinyl and linoleum also come in simulated wood, tile and stone designs.
Mid-range materials:
• Ceramic and Porcelain Tile: $1.30 – $7.50 per square foot. Tile is a long-lasting, low-maintenance option that comes in a variety of looks and price points. Tile is vulnerable to cracking, chipping and grout discoloration. Most tile and grout upkeep is simple and even DY-able. Tile is also perfect for creating backsplashes and easy-to-clean walls near sinks or prep areas.
• Natural Stone Tile: $7.50 per square foot. Natural stone’s durability and classic looks make it a popular choice for many homeowners. Stone tiles come in a huge variety of materials, including granite, marble, slate, travertine, limestone and quartz. You can repair most minor damage to natural stone with mineral oil and re-polishing. Certain materials like marble will require special care and consideration.
High-end materials:
• Laminate: $5.50 per square foot. Laminate flooring is designed to provide the look of higher-end materials without the extra cost. The composition of the laminate also makes it resistant to scratches and dents. Laminate cannot be refinished or stained. A complete replacement is necessary for a new look or to repair major damage.
• Hardwood: $8.00 – $10.00 per square foot. Hardwood flooring is the number-one flooring choice for many homeowners. Wood is durable, long-lasting and able to withstand several refinishes. Most hardwood flooring is susceptible to scratches and moisture. Older homes with shifting foundations can also cause wood flooring to buckle and break apart.
Flooring Installation Costs: $1,524 – $4,241
Installation costs are a major part of your overall flooring budget. How much you spend will depend on the size of your kitchen and the type of flooring you choose. You can DIY your flooring installation to lower costs if you have the experience, but do-it-yourself mistakes can lead to pricey mistakes and repairs. It’s best to hire a qualified pro to handle your flooring installation.
ADDITIONAL CONSIDERATIONS
• Appliances Installation Costs: $115 – $274. The price of appliance installations varies based on the type and size of the installation. Swapping outdated appliances with newer, similarly sized replacements will require minimal installation time and eliminate the need for major renovations. Moving the location of appliances will require rerouting utilities and moving cabinets and countertops, which will significantly increase your costs.
• Fixture Installations: (lighting) $141 – $711, (plumbing) $154 – $331. No kitchen remodel is complete without new lighting and plumbing fixtures. These installation costs are typically low if you’re replacing existing fixtures. But adding new fixture locations will require moving electrical and plumbing systems, which will increase costs.
• Plumbing and Electrical Lines. Many kitchens remodel require moving water, electricity and gas lines. Be sure to outline any utility relocation in your plans before you begin your remodel. Moving utilities will increase your remodel budget and require the help of a pro.