The kitchen is the centerpiece of your home; where people gather, and memories are made. Kitchen remodels are expensive investments that yield high returns. In planning your next remodel be sure your budget has room for expensive items like appliances, countertops, and cabinets.
Appliances
Adding new appliances to your kitchen are an expensive part of the remodel. On average, new appliances cost about $8,000. The price will increase if you invest in higher end appliances with new technology or move the position of your sink and stove. When you invest in new appliances, you upgrade the atmosphere and functionality of your kitchen. Outdated appliances can seriously impact your productivity in the kitchen. When planning a kitchen remodel, it is important to let appliances take 10 to 20 percent of your anticipated budget.
Countertops
Kitchen countertops are also an expensive part of your kitchen remodel. The amount you end up paying for your countertops ultimately depends on the material you choose. For example, granite, marble, wood, or quartz are different options that will impact your budget. Quartz is as strong as granite but is easier to install due to flexibility. Wood, concrete, porcelain, and travertine countertop prices tend to be more budget friendly but have a shorter lifespan. Laminate counters are certainly the most affordable option, but often lack quality and visual aesthetics. Ultimately you should choose the material you remodel with that matches the overall aesthetic you are looking for and is a high-quality item within the range of your budget.
Cabinets
Perhaps the most expensive element of a kitchen remodel is the cabinets. Replacement cabinets cost an average of $15,000. Cabinets are designed to outlive your appliances, looking good for 15-20 years. The quality of your cabinets depends on the material you choose: solid wood like maple, cherry, walnut, and mahogany is expensive but provides stunning results. New cabinets are a high investment for life-long quality. Before investing in new cabinets, you can consider refinishing your current ones to extend their life, give your kitchen a makeover, and save a little more than you otherwise would.
A kitchen remodel is one of the most expensive home improvement projects you will ever complete. Establishing a budget and a prioritized list will help you make decisions regarding your remodel. It is important to keep in mind that some items are worth the expense, while others can easily be replaced later.