Calculate Your New Dream Kitchen Cost in 5 Easy Steps

If you're planning a kitchen remodel, creating an accurate budget is crucial. The average minor kitchen renovation runs $20,000-30,000, while a full overhaul of a medium-sized kitchen easily tops $60,000. With costs varying widely based on factors like layout, finishes, and quality, it's essential to understand what goes into pricing a dream kitchen so you can plan accordingly.

Follow our tips to get the kitchen of your dreams while avoiding budget pitfalls and surprises down the road.

Step 1: Determine the Scope of Your Remodel

First, decide whether you want to do a full remodel or target specific elements like appliances and countertops. This initial decision dramatically impacts your total budget.

Full or Partial Remodel

A full kitchen overhaul involves changing the footprint, layout, cabinetry, surfaces, lighting, and appliances. It's a major undertaking but allows you to completely transform the space. Full remodels often cost $60,000 or more.

Partial remodels focus on surfaces like installing new countertops, backsplash, or flooring. You may also upgrade fixtures and appliances. Partial updates typically range from $20,000-$35,000.

Set Your Remodel Goals

Carefully consider your must-haves versus nice-to-haves. Are you limited to a tight budget or willing to splurge for premium finishes?

Also, factor in how long you plan to stay in the home. Large investments in a forever home make more sense than going all-out on a starter house.

Step 2: Get Accurate Measurements and Create a Layout

Proper planning and layout are crucial to a functional, efficient kitchen design. Take detailed measurements and use them to create a floorplan either yourself or with a professional.

Hire a Designer or Architect

Experienced kitchen designers and architects translate your wish list into a workable floorplan. They'll account for plumbing, electric, windows, doors, and structural elements.

Their expertise comes at a cost, however. Expect to pay $50-$150 per hour or 10-20% of the total project cost.

DIY Design Option

If budget is a concern, create your own layout using an online kitchen planner or app. Accurately measure appliances, doors, windows, and available space.

Plan where cabinets, countertops, and fixtures will go. Take "before" photos to visualize changes.

Step 3: Select Finishes and Materials

The options for cabinets, countertops, flooring, and appliances are nearly endless. Narrow down choices in your budget to lock in pricing.

Cabinetry

Stock cabinets cost $100-300 per linear foot installed. Semi-custom ranges from $350-500/linear foot. Full custom cabinets average over $1000/linear foot.

Door material and construction type also affect cost. Research brands to comparison shop.

Countertops

Countertop prices span from $40/sq.ft installed for plastic laminate to $125+/sq.ft for natural stone. Compare quartz, granite, solid surfaces, and tile.

Evaluate durability, maintenance needs, and aesthetics like edge options. Visiting showrooms can help narrow choices.

Appliances

Appliance costs vary tremendously. A budget dishwasher may be $500 while premium brands with advanced features run $1500+. Look at how often each appliance will be used.

Also factor in any special considerations like gas versus electric stovetops or ventilation needs.

Flooring

Ceramic tile, hardwood, luxury vinyl, and laminate flooring cover a wide spectrum for price and performance. Measure the space and get quotes.

Consider durability for a high-traffic kitchen along with maintenance requirements.

Step 4: Understand Installation and Construction Costs

Besides materials, factor in labor expenses for demo, installation, electrical, plumbing, carpentry, and more. Here's how to budget for pro services.

Hiring Contractors

General contractors have network of specialty subs like electricians and plumbers. Get multiple bids and check references thoroughly.

Local contractor rates average $65/hour but range from $50 to $100/hour based on project scope, location, and expertise.

DIY vs Professional Install

If you're skilled, DIY demolition and cabinet assembly saves big. But electrical, plumbing, and complex carpentry often requires hiring pros.

Factor in your DIY abilities (and time) before deciding. Some key tasks may require a contractor's specialized tools.

Step 5: Add Up Total Costs and Set Your Budget

Now it's time to tally up all estimated expenses for the remodel and set your budget. Stick closely to it to avoid cost overruns.

Create a Budget Breakdown

Add up your quotes and estimates line-by-line including appliances, cabinetry, labor, materials and the design fee if using a professional.

Also factor in an extra 10-15% contingency fund for unexpected issues that often come up in kitchen remodels.

Adjust Expectations Accordingly

If your dream kitchen totals more than you budgeted, look for areas to scale back like choosing mid-range appliances or fewer layout changes. Dialling back luxuries can yield big savings.

For smaller gap closing, strategically use DIY labor without compromising quality. Every bit counts.

By following these steps, you now have a clear roadmap to calculating the cost for your dream kitchen remodel while avoiding sticker shock. Careful planning and budgeting sets you up for success.

Focus spending on must-haves like quality cabinetry and adequate prep space. Look for cost-cutting opportunities in areas that won't impact daily function. And enjoy showing off your gorgeous, cost-effective new kitchen!