Kitchen Remodel Cost Estimator: How To Stay in Budget

How To Use the Kitchen Remodel Cost Estimator

Just getting started on planning your kitchen remodel? Home experts recommend setting aside at least 15% of your home's current value for a total renovation — however, that number may vary depending on your personal needs and preferences.

To determine a realistic budget for your new kitchen using our cost estimator, insert your home's current value and change the percentage based on what you're planning to update. For example:

• If you're DIYing your remodel or keeping your existing cabinets or countertops, you may only need to set aside 5%-10% of your home's value.
• However, if you have a luxury remodel in mind, you may need to spend upwards of 20% of your home's value for the kitchen of your dreams.

Of course, if you've already set your budget, you can enter it in the field provided.

Once you've entered the information required, hit “calculate” to receive a complete breakdown of your kitchen remodel costs, including cabinets, counters, electrical, and more. Percentages are based on industry standards, but feel free to change them to better understand what elements will impact your budget most.

The Methodology Behind the Calculator

Our kitchen remodel budget calculator is based on cost estimates and recommendations provided by the National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA). According to the NKBA, the amount you plan to spend on a kitchen remodel depends on:

• Your home's total value: The standard recommendation is to spend approximately 15% of your home's total value on your kitchen remodel. For example, if your home is valued at $400,000, your renovation budget would be $60,000.
• What you plan to update or replace: Once you have that 15% in mind, you can break down your budget even further based on what you plan to update. The NKBA estimates that the largest expenses will likely be new cabinets (29% of your budget), labor (17%), and appliances (14%).

Tips for Planning Your Budget

Staying within budget during a kitchen remodel requires careful planning and disciplined decision-making. Follow these tips when planning your budget:

• Set aside 5% for a contingency fund. Remodels rarely go according to plan, and you'll likely run into issues you may not have budgeted for. It's wise to allocate 5% of your budget to unforeseen expenses, and if you don't end up needing it, you can add it back to your budget toward the end of the remodel.
• Obtain multiple quotes from contractors. Make sure you're getting quality products and services at an affordable price by requesting quotes from multiple contractors and suppliers.
• Prioritize your must-haves. Be prepared to compromise on less critical elements to keep costs in check.
• Consider refurbishing or refacing existing cabinets. If your existing cabinets are still in good condition, you can save thousands of dollars by refurbishing or simply painting them to match your updated kitchen. The average cost to reface cabinets is between $4,500 and $7,000, including labor costs, veneer, new doors, drawer fronts, and cabinet hardware.
• Keep an eye out for sales and promotions. The holidays are a great time to stock up on materials and appliances for your remodel.
• Avoid making impulsive decisions. Once your budget is set, stay focused on your initial plan to keep your renovation finances in check.
• Consider cheaper alternatives. Custom cabinets may boast top-tier construction and materials, but you can get the same style and durability from quality stock and semi-stock cabinets at a fraction of the price.

Kitchen Remodel Costs FAQs

What is the most expensive part of a kitchen remodel?

New kitchen cabinets are generally the most expensive part of a kitchen remodel. You can expect to spend anywhere from $2,000 for low-end cabinets to upwards of $20,000 for high-quality custom cabinets, with the average kitchen cabinets cost landing in the $4,000 to $12,000 range.

How do I figure out my kitchen remodel budget?

To figure out a realistic kitchen remodel budget, you need a good grasp of your overall financial capacity for the project. Consider your savings, financing opportunities, and what range would make sense given the overall value of your home. Next, break down your budget into categories such as cabinets, countertops, appliances, flooring, and labor. Research and gather quotes from contractors, suppliers, and service providers to understand the current market rates.

How much is too much to spend on a new kitchen?

The "right" amount to spend on your kitchen remodel depends on your personal financial situation, priorities, and how much value you place on the aesthetic and functional improvements to your living space. As a general guideline, experts suggest allocating around 15% of the home's total value to a kitchen remodel.

Don't Sacrifice Quality for Price

We know remodeling a kitchen is expensive, and in this economy, homeowners are doing everything they can to save money on renovation costs. But that doesn't mean you need to settle on low-quality cabinets to get the look you want.

With Kitchen Cabinet Kings' wide selection of traditional and modern cabinet door styles, you can save up to 50% on big-box store prices. With high-quality plywood box construction, dovetail drawer boxes, and soft close drawers and doors, they'll look amazing for years to come.

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