Is Remodeling My Kitchen a Good Investment?
“For potential buyers, the kitchen is the room that can make or break the sale,” writes Kristen Hampshire at HGTV. “An upgraded, attractive kitchen can make your home irresistible.”
Kitchen remodels continue growing in popularity. For one reason, they often give a huge boost to a home's resale value. In 2022, an $80,000 kitchen remodel recouped an average of 56% of the cost upon the sale of the house. A smaller $28,000 remodel netted an average return of 71%.
Smaller remodels can have greater ROI because they tend to aim at solving functional problems. They are often designed with more versatile styles. More expensive projects tend to place a high priority on personal style and aesthetics. Although potential buyers will care that the plumbing and appliances work, most will not need a highly ornamented kitchen.
Unless your goal is to immediately sell your house, it’s best to design a kitchen you’ll love. Ultimately, your kitchen is more than an investment. It’s where you provide for and nurture your family. The kitchen is where you entertain friends and guests. It’s the living and breathing hub of your home, where thinking, conversing, and resting happens.
If you’re living in your home for the years to come, then pick out what you want and enjoy it. The Research for Cooking & Kitchen Intelligence found that 40% of homeowners say they wish they had spent more money on their kitchen renovation. Their biggest regret was not adding more organizational features.
How Can You Save Money on a Kitchen Remodel?
Kitchen remodeling budgets have ballooned over the last several years. Not only have kitchens gotten bigger over time, but they’ve also gotten fancier. Even modestly priced homes are increasingly demanding luxury features.
While you can include special features and custom cabinetry on a smaller budget, you may need to find ways to be frugal.
Here are some ways to trim kitchen renovation costs:
Shop Smart
Start early and take your time to find bargains. First, research products so you can evaluate quality. Think about making your large purchases around Black Friday and other national holidays where companies offer major discounts. If the timing doesn’t work out, look online and at discount outlets for deals. Keep in mind that buying in-stock merchandise usually costs less. Finally, if you find a product you like that’s out of budget, look for similar styles at less expensive retailers. You could also try shopping at reuse centers and salvage stores.
Keep Your Current Layout
Anything that involves moving plumbing, gas, or electrical will hike up your budget. To cut costs, get a design that preserves your existing kitchen layout, or has slight modifications. It's possible to move some appliances without moving their hook-up. For example, a dishwasher can usually be moved to the other side of a sink.
Do-It-Yourself (DIY Remodel)
Rather than hiring a professional for your home improvement project, consider a DIY remodel. There is no shortage of DIY-friendly remodeling materials. Everything from ready to assemble cabinets to peel-and-stick tiles and much more allow the everyday homeowner to get their hands dirty. RTA cabinets are a great area to save. Since they come flat packed, you save money on the cost that would typically come with assembled cabinets.
DIY installation for cabinets, countertops, tile, flooring, and lighting will also help you save a considerable amount of money. For more complex trades like drywall, electrical and plumbing, check the code requirements ahead of time so when it’s time for inspection, everything checks out.
Get Free Professional Services
CliqStudios offers free professional design services. Let your designer know that cost is a priority. They will use their expertise to help design your kitchen with cost in mind. The professionals at lighting, appliance, tile, and countertop stores can also be valuable sources of advice.
Light gray shaker kitchen cabinets
Light ray shaker kitchen cabinets surrounding a chef-style white range with stainless steel accents, a gas and griddle cook surface and a large stainless steel kitchen hood above.
Do-It-With-Me Projects
Even if you don’t have construction or DIY skills, you might consider the Do-It-With-Me option, managing your project as your own general contractor. Being your own general contractor could save you up to 30 percent on your entire home improvement project.
Save on Countertops
To give some relief to your budget, consider using single thickness countertops or opting for laminate. Choose less expensive countertop materials to save money. If you’re selling soon, keep in mind that many buyers look for stone surfaces like granite or quartz.
Hit the Books
One of the best ways to stay on budget is learning from other remodelers. Luckily, there are extensive resources about remodeling on a budget. Here are a few:
- Remodel! Without Going Bonkers or Broke: A Home Improvement Primerby Jim Molinelli
- Affordable Kitchen Upgradesby Steve Cory and Diane Slavik
- Do It Yourself: Kitchens: Stunning Spaces on a Shoestring Budgetby Better Homes and Gardens
- So You Want to Be a DIYer...Top 5 Tools for Getting Started in DIY by Melissa Tyler at Lake and Lumber
- How to Find Your Signature Design Style by Cait Pappas at Nest Out West
Learn More About Kitchen Remodeling Costs:
- How Much Does It Cost to Remodel a Kitchen?– HomeAdvisor
- Kitchen Remodeling Cost: Remodeling Professionals Tell All– The Spruce
- The Beginner’s Guide to Remodeling a Kitchen on a Budget– Budget Dumpster
- How Much Does a Kitchen Makeover Cost?– Houzz
- Remodeling a Kitchen for Resale– HGTV
- Cost vs. Value 2023 – Remodeling Magazine
How much does it cost to remodel a small kitchen?
The average cost to remodel a small kitchen ranges from $5,000 - $15,000. This often includes upgrades like:
- RTA cabinets or refacing and refinishing existing cabinets
- Inexpensive countertop upgrades like laminate surfaces
- Painting walls and ceilings
- Appliance upgrades
- Upgraded lighting like LEDs and recessed lights
Overall pricing will vary from project to project because every home is unique. Square footage, cabinet finishes, wood types, door styles, moldings and cabinet storage will all affect pricing. If you want more upgraded features including granite or quartz countertops, consider increasing your budget to the mid-range at $15,000 - $30,000. For the most luxurious finishes, fixtures and appliances, the average investment is $154,483.
What's the average cost to remodel a kitchen?
In the United States, the average cost to remodel a kitchen is $26,268. However, the cost of your project will vary depending on the size of the kitchen, materials used, and cabinet style selected and other personal design preferences. One-size fits all kitchen pricing is not possible because every home, project and design is completely different.
Where one homeowner wants basic white shaker cabinets for their kitchen design, another may want artisan Walnut base cabinets with white shaker wall cabinets and an island with furniture-style features. To find out what your kitchen remodel costs will be, talk with a CliqStudios designer today!
How much does it cost to remodel a 10x10 kitchen?
A 10ˈx10ˈ kitchen is a generic design that represents a standard kitchen layout with basic cabinets. This pricing is meant to show the difference in price between door styles so you can make an educated decision for your budget. The average cost of a kitchen in the U.S. is $26,268, but you will find the typical spending range is anywhere from $14,607- $40,616.
These totals cover a wide variety of remodels, from basic refreshes that are merely facelifts to high-end updates that include a completely new layout with custom cabinets and materials. Labor will affect cost as well as what type of materials you select from.
How do you calculate kitchen remodeling costs?
Easily start calculating costs for your project by referencing our The Cost of a Kitchen Remodel | Understanding Your Budget article. Within this article, the pie chart breaks down cost by percentage in categories like kitchen cabinets (29%), appliances (17%), installation (13%), countertops (11%) and more.
In addition to this information, we break down the average kitchen remodel costs for low, medium, and high priced remodels along with installation estimates for different features of your kitchen. Remember, it takes time, planning and professional consultation to outline a remodeling budget. Talk with a kitchen design professional at CliqStudios- it's free!
How do I estimate the cost of a kitchen remodel?
Easily start calculating costs for your project by referencing our The Cost of a Kitchen Remodel | Understanding Your Budget article. Within this article, the pie chart breaks down cost by percentage in categories like kitchen cabinets (29%), appliances (17%), installation (13%), countertops (11%) and more.
In addition to this information, we break down the average kitchen remodel costs for low, medium, and high priced remodels along with installation estimates for different features of your kitchen. Remember, it takes time, planning and professional consultation to outline a remodeling budget. Talk with a kitchen design professional at CliqStudios- it's free!
How much does labor cost to remodel a kitchen?
The cost of labor will vary for every home improvement project. Pricing depends on a few things: square footage of your kitchen remodel, how detailed it is, whether you are willing to complete demolition and the quantity of cabinets. Average labor costs are usually 13% of your total remodeling budget.
Start by calculating your kitchen remodel budget by making a wish list. Take inventory of your existing kitchen and decide what needs to be changed along with the wish list items you desire and start acquiring cabinet quotes. Then, talk to installation professionals about your floor plans to receive an accurate installation estimate.
How do I keep kitchen remodel costs down?
Kitchen remodels can get expensive fast, but there are great ways to keep kitchen remodel costs down. Simple ways to keep money in your pocket include DIY installation or using DIY materials like ready-to-assemble cabinets. You will save money on cabinet assembly and installation which is normally thousands of dollars.
Other options are shopping for countertop remnants if you want a granite or quartz countertop or using a less expensive material like solid surface or laminate countertops. Lastly, look at upgrades in your kitchen design and see what you’d be willing to part with. This could be crown molding, roll-out trays, upgraded paint finishes, stacked cabinets, or glass cabinet inserts. CliqStudios offers cabinets for every style and budget. Talk to a designer to get started today!
 - Shopify)