In larger cities like Houston, it can take a lot of work to sort through the myriad of contractors, subcontractors, and builders that may be giving you different information regarding your kitchen remodelling budget. Kitchen remodelling, despite many homeowners’ concerns, is not and should not be very expensive. Setting a realistic budget with clear end goals can help you get the job done within your schedule and without any unexpected expenses. Read on to find out more about what your kitchen remodelling budget should look like.
How Much Should a Kitchen Remodel Cost?
Every kitchen remodel is different in terms of size, what needs to be replaced versus retouched, and what the overall end goal is. These considerations will cause overall costs to vary somewhat, but there are also some average numbers that we can rely on to help us get a view of what is reasonable.
In Houston, the average cost for a kitchen remodel is around $20,000.00. That may seem like a lot initially, but it’s also important to remember that a well-designed kitchen is also one of the spaces that can add the most value to your home.
Additionally, remember that $20,000.00 is the average cost. If your kitchen is smaller, it may cost closer to $10,000.00. If your kitchen is larger than 10’ x 10’ or you want customized details in your kitchen, prices can rise closer to $40,000.00 or higher.
Takeaway: The average kitchen remodel will cost $20,000.00, but prices can vary from $10,000–$40,000 and up.
Project Cost Breakdowns
Once you have an overall budget for your kitchen, you can also break it down to estimate what portion of your total budget will need to be allocated to each part of your remodel. The National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA) has provided research that says typical kitchen project budgets break down like this2:
| Kitchen Component |
Percentage of Total Budget |
|---|---|
| Cabinets | 30% |
| Appliances | 14% |
| Countertops | 10% |
| Lighting | 5% |
| Plumbing Fixtures |
4% |
| Paint | 2%–3% |
| Tile | 1%–2% |
Where to Save & Where to Invest in Your Kitchen
Every kitchen may be slightly different, but the core will be the same, and you’ll need to account for these things in your budget. Whether your kitchen is average-sized, small, or large, you’ll want to consider these things as you plan how much money to allocate to each category:
Cabinets: 30%
Cabinets take up the most budget percentage in a kitchen remodel. They’re also one of the most defining features of your kitchen. Adding custom cabinets can truly make your kitchen one of a kind, but you will want to make sure you budget a little more for this focal point. On the other hand, if you’re happy with the style of your current cabinets but are looking for a way to update them, one option is to paint or refinish the existing pieces.
Takeaway: Custom cabinets can be a beautiful focal point. A less expensive alternative is to paint or refinish existing cabinetry.
Appliances: 14%
Appliances take a larger percentage of your budget as well.Appliance smake your kitchen functional, and some amount of thought must be paid to them while setting your budget. When buying appliances, you should consider not only the look of the appliance but also its energy consumption and how it will function in your kitchen. For example, how much cooking do you do? And does the range hood you have now meet your cooking needs?
You also will need to keep their energy consumption in consideration. Appliances make up a major portion of your energy bill, so choose wisely. You’ll be using the kitchen for more that 50% of your day, so you’ll want to make sure you’re getting the appliances that will best meet your needs.
Takeaway: Appliances allow your kitchen to function. Consider not only their look but their energy efficiency and how well they will meet your needs.
Countertops: 10%
Granite, quartz, and quartzite are just a few examples of the seemingly endless variety of countertop materials available today; each has unique qualities that make it an excellent choice for a kitchen counter. You should select a countertop that works well with your home’s existing decor, as well as your needs and preferences in terms of how you use your kitchen.
For instance, if you want to instal countertops and you want something strong and practical, you can choose between light or dark granite, depending on the style of your house. Marble countertops are an excellent choice if you’re searching for a more classic material. Alternatives that are not as expensive, but still of high quality, exist on the market, such as imitation marble.
Installing granite or marble countertops is a smart move if you plan to eventually sell your home. However, if you’re on a tight budget but still want to update your kitchen, you can get the same effect with fake countertops.
Takeaway: Different countertop materials have different strengths and different prices. Find one that will fit your kitchen needs.
Lighting: 5%
Proper overhead lighting is a must for any room. Though, given how much time you spend in the kitchen and the variety of tasks you perform there, you should also consider installing task lighting, such as under-cabinet lights. It will facilitate your daily routine and draw attention to your best features (cabinets and counters).
Hob lights and LED strip lights are a cost effective option you can explore. When not using the kitchen for cooking, you can use the strip lights to give the space good illumination that you can use to navigate around. Hob lights help concentrate light directly on your hob, so you can clearly see what you are cooking. Strip lights are an example of general lighting, which gives your space essential illumination. Task lighting such as hob lights illuminates workspaces in your kitchen. You will need to strike the right balance to get the most out of your kitchen lighting system.
Takeaway: Create a budget around general lighting and tasking lighting for your kitchen lighting system. Doing so will help you have a clear amount in mind while buying the
Plumbing Fixtures: 4%
In terms of budget, plumbing fixtures can be purchased in a variety of price points. The good news is that you can often find a cheaper alternative to the fixture you love. Explore the market and your options to find what you lookfor. Setting a budget can help you focus on the necessary without getting derailed by all the choices that would be available to you.
Takeaway: Fixtures finish a space, but if the fixture you love is out of your budget, there’s probably a similar replacement option.
Paint: 2%–3%
Paint is inexpensive, simple to apply, and straightforward to alter. And the best part is that it is a great way to infuse your home with some much-needed vibrancy and coziness. The services of an interior designer may be warranted if you are having trouble deciding which colour scheme will be most successful. Though some designers will ask for payment for this service, others will offer it at no cost. Using their services will eliminate unnecessary hassles and free up valuable time in your kitchen remodelling schedule.
Takeaway: Paint adds personality to space, is a low cost, and is easy to change. Not sure what color you want? Start by talking with an interior designer.
Tile: 1%–2%
Tile is an understated material with a big impact. It can either serve as a backsplash to draw attention to other features in the kitchen, or it can be the main attraction all on its own. The same holds true for tile, which is a popular choice for floors. Make sure you leave some wiggle room in your budget if you plan to use it as a flooring material, so you can afford to buy enough tile to cover the entire kitchen floor and any adjoining rooms the tile may flow into.
Takeaway: Tiles can complement your kitchen design or be a focal point. If using tile for flooring, make sure to purchase enough. Backsplash tiles are also a very good option to add character to your kitchen.
Labor: 33%
The cost of labour is the second largest consideration when redecorating a kitchen. You might want to go with the cheapest option or do some of the work yourself, but remember that quality matters more in the long run. A poor installation job can make a high-end cabinet detail look unfinished, which is especially frustrating if you have already spent a significant amount of money on the materials themselves. The possibility of a bad installation is added to that. Is that backsplash properly installed, as an example? If you don’t, you risk severe water damage to your drywall. We are not suggesting that you accept the highest bid, but rather that you take the time to find the most qualified and experienced professionals to work with.
Takeaway: Cheap labor may result in poor or even faulty installation. You invested in quality materials. Make sure you work with qualified professionals.
Getting Started: Estimating Costs & Finding a Professional
Consider your kitchen’s ultimate goals and needs when creating a preliminary remodelling budget. Budget a little more than usual if you plan on adding fancy touches like glass inserts in the upper cabinets or other custom cabinetry. Focusing on functionality rather than aesthetics can help you get your house ready for sale at a lower cost, and this includes the materials you choose. If you’re not sure where your home might fall on the scale or how much it might cost, a consultation with a professional can be a good place to start.
Trying to find a design direction for your kitchen make-over? When you remodel your kitchen with Smart Remodelling, we’ll provide free design services, plus we have amazing deals for you to take advantage of.
For years, customers have relied on Smart Remodelling to ensure the success of their renovation projects. We are able to assist you as well. Get in touch with us now for a no-cost initial consultation.