Remodel 101: Getting Started

Preparing for a remodel is both exciting (planning for your dream space!!) and stressful (but where to begin?). Luckily, we’ve pulled together our team of Marsh K&B experts to help you start your project on the right foot, beginning with your budget.

BUDGET

A step by step guide to budgeting for a remodel

1. The first step is to determine how much you’d like to spend. Sounds obvious enough, but there’s more of an art to landing on this number. First, look at your finances to get an understanding of how much you can afford to spend on your project. Next, think about how long you plan on staying in your home. If it’s more than five years, prioritize your family’s preferences and comfort. If it’s less than that, think about only spending what you could get back when you sell your home.

2. Make a list of your renovation priorities. Beautiful cabinetry? Natural stone countertops? State-of-the-art appliances? Knowing your must-haves versus your wish-list will help you make important decisions throughout the design process.

3. Getting smart on how your budget breaks down helps you better understand how far your dollars will go. Plan to spend the majority of your budget on cabinets (around 35%). About 20% of your budget should go toward appliances, 10% toward windows (if needed), and 5% toward fixtures. You’ll also need to take the cost of labor into account, which should be 20% of your budget.

4. Set aside 20% of your budget to handle the inevitable: unexpected costs. Most renovations, especially in older homes, come with a few surprises. If you’re prepared to cover those extra renovation costs, these discoveries will feel less stressful.

5. And finally, don’t forget about costs related to your renovation that may not be top of mind during planning. Will you need to live somewhere else during construction and install? Are you going to have to eat out more than you normally do because your kitchen won’t be available? Take that into consideration as you put pen to paper.

Once you have your budget ready, it’s time to head to the showroom to begin the fun part: designing your new kitchen or bath.

VISITING A MARSH K&B SHOWROOM

How to prepare and what to bring

1. Have your newly established budget ready and in hand!

2. Bring in high-quality photos of the space you’re renovating. Capture the room at different angles so we can help you envision what’s possible.

3. Have your dimensions ready with accurate measurements of the room. Knowing the size helps us understand the right amount and type of materials needed.

4. Be ready to share the vision for your remodeled space with us via mood boards and inspirational photos. Are there particular colors or materials that you’d like to work with? Design elements that are must-haves?

5. Jot down any and all questions for the design team to bring to your first meeting. From specific needs to wants, to clarity around cost, nothing is too small for us to better understand your needs and tailor our recommendations.

Embarking on a remodeling project can feel overwhelming. But with the right people on your team—including our experts at Marsh K&B—it can also be an exciting next step as a homeowner.