7 Components to Include in Your Kitchen Design Budget to make Your Renovation a Success!
We’ve been handling a lot of kitchen renovations lately, and have found that HGTV and home improvement shows (while fun to watch) do a disservice to homeowners by only showing the “sexy” parts of what a renovation actually encompasses. They rarely cover the more mundane (but equally important) subject of the costs of a quality kitchen project. It’s important for us at B ² Design to educate our clients in the latter before we begin, so that there are no unexpected expenses that lead to frustration or worst of all - having to stop the project.
So what are all the areas that your budget will need to cover? The cost of a kitchen renovation can vary greatly depending on several factors: the size of the kitchen, the extent of the renovation, the materials used, and your geographic location. On average, a moderate kitchen renovation can cost anywhere from $15,000 to $50,000 (USD). However, high-end renovations can cost upwards of $100,000 (USD) or more. Of course, it's always a good idea to get multiple quotes from contractors and discuss your specific needs and budget with you designer to get the most accurate estimate.
The following is the list that we discuss with our clients before their kitchen redesigns. It's important that they have a clear understanding of the expenses in order to maintain a good handle on the overall cost of the renovation:
Labor: This includes hiring professionals such as contractors, plumbers, electricians, and carpenters to complete the renovation work.
Materials: This is the cost of cabinets, countertops, flooring, tiles, paint, plaster, and any other materials needed for the renovation.
Design and Planning: An interior designer/architect will have a fee to do the actual design of the kitchen. This is separate from the labor cost.
Permits and Inspections: Depending on the scope of the renovation, you may need to obtain permits from your local municipality, and there may be associated fees. Inspections may also be required during and after the renovation that would incur additional costs.
Removal and Disposal: If you are replacing existing cabinets, appliances, or flooring, you will need to pay for their removal and disposal.
Appliances: Are you splurging for a chef’s stove or high-tech refrigerator? In Hong Kong homes rarely have dishwashers, so this is often what our clients like to include in their dream kitchens. Make a list of all appliances that you will have installed. We typically categorize sinks and faucets under this heading as well.
Furniture + Lighting: If you’re putting in an island with seating, don’t forget the chairs! How about lighting? For example, will there be pendants hanging over the island? The contractor quote will include the electrical lighting points, but you will still need to budget for all the actual light fixtures.
So there you have it: the major cost components in a kitchen renovation. Be sure to take this list with you for reference when you visit a kitchen showroom or speak with a potential builder. It will guide you in asking the right questions and help you not to miss anything important.
Finally, if you’re ready to get started on your kitchen now, don’t hesitate to schedule a Discovery Call with B ² Design. We’d love to work with you!
