Variables That Affect Kitchen Renovation Cost

There are a few variables that can impact kitchen renovation cost. These include the size of the kitchen, scope and services required.

On average, cabinetry takes up 28% of the total budget for a kitchen remodel. Custom cabinets and hardware drive up costs, but refinishing or reusing existing cabinets can help reduce costs.

Cabinets

Cabinets make up the biggest chunk of any kitchen renovation cost, especially if you’re replacing all or most of them. They also require the most labor to install, which pushes up cost even further.

If you’re not changing the layout of your kitchen, keep your cabinets in place and update them with new doors and hardware. This can save you thousands while still improving the look and feel of your space.

Real estate agent Stacey Glenn recommends upgrading countertops to granite that’s either solid or features a veined design similar to marble. This is a high-impact renovation that boosts home value. However, she recommends avoiding trendy designs and opting for more classic choices. Flooring is another area she says homeowners can hold back on to save money.

Countertops

The type of countertop you choose will largely affect your kitchen remodel costs. From inexpensive laminate to classically luxurious marble, countertops account for a significant percentage of overall materials and labor costs.

In addition, if you decide to change or relocate your sink or stove, you’ll need to pay for plumbing and electrical work to do so. This level of renovation is also likely to require a permit and associated inspections.

Mase recommends saving money where possible, such as with flooring or cabinetry, and then investing in countertops and other high-end elements that will hold up better to wear and tear. She also advises homeowners to steer clear of trendy styles in favor of timeless options, like a classic granite or quartz slab with a natural veined design.

Backsplash

Backsplashes protect walls from water, grease and other kitchen messes and add an additional design element. Depending on the material, they can cost from low-end plastic panels to high-end tile and natural stone.

Backsplash installation costs rise with complexity of the design and pattern. Complex patterns, such as herringbone, require more labor to lay the tiles and keep them aligned correctly. Also, a backsplash that wraps around corners and/or has many outlets or other features may increase the project’s labor cost.

Keeping existing plumbing and piping can save up to 5% of the total project cost. Similarly, installing a backsplash at the same time as countertops can reduce overall project costs by 10% to 20%. Lastly, homeowners can help lower backsplash costs by being open to new designs that don’t follow trends.

Flooring

A new floor is often part of a major kitchen renovation and costs on average between $1,000 and $4,000 depending on materials. Budget-friendly flooring options include laminate and tile.

Remodeling a kitchen on a tight budget requires careful planning to ensure the finished project is within your budget. The scope of the project influences the final cost, and it's important to prioritize what elements are most valuable.

If your project involves altering the room footprint, changing electric wiring or gas lines, or removing asbestos, you will need to obtain a building permit. A general contractor can help you navigate the permit process, which is typically around 10% of your project costs. If you want to avoid delays, have your Sweeten general contractor order all necessary materials early in the process.

Appliances

A medium-sized small kitchen renovation cost usually includes replacing appliances with new energy-efficient ones, putting in a garbage disposal, adding more storage and upgrading lighting fixtures. This type of remodel typically costs between $22,000 and $46,000, according to nationwide appliance retailer Appliances Connection.

Adding more counter space, flooring and storage is often the most important change homeowners make in their kitchens. However, if you’re renovating for resale, consider what features potential homebuyers want and don’t overdo it with the fancy stuff.

It’s also a good idea to consult with a pro before you grab your tools and tear down any walls. Not all walls are load-bearing, and removing one without proper support could cost more than you’d expect. And if you’re planning to relocate plumbing or electrical lines, that's best left to the professionals.