Kitchen Remodeling 101: What impacts your cost? Read these tips to get smarter.

The National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA) suggests budgeting your remodel as a percentage of your home’s value. For a kitchen, they recommend 10% to 25%. But hey, that still gives you a lot of wiggle room! Learn more about how to determine a kitchen remodeling budget. And take control of your project’s costs.

First, ask yourself, why am I remodeling?

A little perspective can help you avoid the sticker shock of a “wish list” approach. Are you remodeling to make your home more attractive to buyers? Then budget to match the rest of your neighborhood, and nothing more. Upgrading to a kitchen you’ll be in for a long time? You’ll definitely want to spend more to ensure the space will work for you for years to come.

Are you updating an existing footprint? Or changing the layout of your space?

The amount and types of changes you’re planning for your remodel have a big impact on your budget.

Updating: You’re changing less; this can involve:
- Painting walls
- Upgrading appliances
- Installing new cabinets and countertops
Changing: You’re making structural changes, which may include:
- Changing the entire kitchen layout
- Reworking wiring or plumbing
- Installing new flooring
- Substantial construction

Six more ways to get control of costs.

Here are some other things to think about before you set a remodeling budget.

1 Check your size.

Generally, a bigger house has bigger rooms—and a bigger room requires more cabinets, larger surface areas, more hardware, and more labor.

2 Plan your cabinets first.

Cabinets and finishes are a critical part of your budget. For most remodels, cabinets are a significant part of the cost.

3 Material-ize your budget.

Cabinet styles, wood species, finishes, hardware, countertops, and tile or stone walls and backsplashes are available at a wide range of prices. Ask us how to create similar looks with different budgets.

4 Refresh, reuse.

Replacing every element costs more. Ask your designer how you can keep existing design elements and focus on the changes you really need to make.

5 Set style priorities.

Really want that quartz countertop? It’s your budget. We can show you how to eliminate choices or cut costs in one area, so you can splurge in another.

6 Know what’s included.

Marsh Kitchen & Bath design services focus on cabinets and surface products to change the look and function of your kitchen. If you are looking for a more extensive renovation, such as moving a wall, you’ll need a contractor for that. We can usually recommend contractors and work with you on timing.

For the best cost control, work with a professional designer.

At Marsh Kitchen & Bath, we know what people are spending on remodeling in your area. Our Dream-to-Done process helps you plan for the right design at a price that works for you. You’ll get the most impact for your dollar—in ways that may surprise you.

Check Your Budget