Your budget will normally dictate your choice of products but there are other considerations you need to take into account when working out how much your new kitchen is going to cost.

Prices vary quite a lot, so the figures given below are just a guideline and, as always, shopping around is the best bet.

But work out roughly how much money you want to spend and use this figure when talking to designers and contractors.

Below are some guidelines for establishing a realistic budget.

Budget Guidelines

First of all, if you limit your spending to 15% of your home’s value you should recoup 90% of the costs when you sell. Try to keep your investment relative to your homes worth, but at the same time make it worth your while by spending on the items that you really want.

Second, figure your product costs to be 1/2 to 2/3 of the total remodel. Choose your appliances, cabinets, countertops, flooring and all other fixtures first. The remaining money will go towards installation and design.

Third, if you become overwhelmed with selection choices hire a design consultant to help you. A designer can save you money in the long run by helping to prevent costly mistakes in product selection and layout.

It is well worth initially just talking to a kitchen designer (as opposed to a contractor or architect). They can, at the very least, point you in the right direction and you will get free advice!

We are professional design consultants and know the ins and outs that can help simplify the remodeling process for you. We offer free consultations with no obligation to you (click here for more details).

Cost Breakdown

The approximate percentage breakdown of where your money will go is as follows:

• 40% for cabinets
• 15% for appliances
• 15% for countertops
• 16% for labor
• 6% for design
• 5% for flooring
• 3% for fixtures

Keep in mind that this is only a guideline. You must remember to set your own priorities.

For example, if you really want to use the new Du Pont Zodiaq countertops and find a stock cabinet line that you are happy with, then the percentages will change.

Also, if you use lower priced products but your plumbing, electrical and drywall is in major need of updating, the installation percentage may be a lot more than the products. However, a lot of the time the cost of the products and the cost of installation are equal.

Budgeting basics for three different types of remodels

In the $10,000 – $25,000 budget range:

• Consult with a designer to get advice only
• Do tear out and disposal yourself
• Work with existing layout
• Use stock cabinets
• Reface your cabinets (click here for more info on refacing)
• Install laminate or Swanstone countertops
• Purchase new standard appliances
• Choose laminate or vinyl flooring
• Add a new window, pantry storage, or use tile only on the backsplash.

In the $25,000 – $35,000 budget range:

• Have your designer take care of the complete installation
• Change the layout of your kitchen, add an island or desk area
• Upgrade to semi-custom cabinets
• Install Corian, Zodiaq or Granite countertops
• Use real hard wood floors or stone tile

In the $35,000 plus budget range:

• Have your designer take care of the complete installation
• Knock down a wall, build an addition, or expand your kitchen into an adjacent room
• Implement task specific areas in kitchen such as a second sink, baking area or computer desk
• Install custom cabinets using various woods, styles and glazes
• Use professional style appliances, add dishwasher drawers, wine coolers or double ovens
• Add skylights, larger windows or a patio door

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