A kitchen can easily become the focal point of your home. Especially when it’s designed in a beautiful and artistic way. The products used in the design make a big difference in how your kitchen will be utilized and how accessible it can be.

But, one big thing that holds a lot of homeowners back from getting the kitchen of their dreams is the average cost. Kitchen remodels aren’t cheap by any means. There’s a lot that goes into them and even more determines how much you’ll pay for a kitchen remodel.

Kitchen Remodel Cost Increases Year Over Year

It’s no secret that homeowners have been spending a lot of money on home improvement projects lately. The pandemic has helped people realize the value in their home and spend more to turn it into the space of their dreams.

And this trend is expected to continue. The average kitchen remodel cost in 2021 will be around $25-$75K. Because of the increased interest in remodeling projects and the COVID-19 pandemic, supply shortages have brought on a number of price increases.

In fact, some studies have shown that major remodel and renovation costs have spiked more than 50% in some areas. That’s no small amount, but because of the soaring house prices, most homeowners will still be able to recoup that cost when and if they sell their home.

Breakdown of Remodel Costs

The kitchen remodeling costs cost will depend on quite a few factors, but there are two key things that make up the majority of cost and set the base for how much you’ll pay:

• The cost of materials.
• The cost of labor.

Both of these items can be broken down further depending on the work you want to have done and the extent to which you’ll be remodeling your kitchen. For example, if you’re saving your appliances and countertops, you could cut 30-40% or more of the cost. But if you’re gutting everything and getting new, then you’ll likely be pushing towards the higher end of the cost.

Here’s a breakdown of what different items will cost during a remodel:

Design Fees

The kitchen remodel will need to be designed and permitted, especially if you’re looking to have some major changes to the kitchen layout. Depending on how extensive the design is, this cost will vary but can cost around $1000, sometimes more.

Installation

The cost to install kitchen cabinets, countertops, and flooring will vary depending on the materials you’re using. Some materials take longer to install, but in general, this is covering all of the labor costs, so it’s a pretty significant line item on your budget and will make up around 25% of the kitchen renovation cost.

Appliances and Vents

The cost to replace your appliances and vents is around $2,000-$6,000 for the average standard appliances. However, stainless steel appliances and custom high-end appliances can be much more expensive.

Cabinetry and Hardware

Custom Cabinets are one of the most expensive items in a kitchen remodeling project, especially when there’s a lot of them. If you’re replacing all of your stock cabinets, you’ll be facing a steep cost. To cut costs, consider semi-custom cabinets instead.

Countertops

Granite countertops or adding a kitchen island are some of the most common kitchen upgrades when remodeling. Making a move from laminate to something like granite is a huge upgrade. Be sure to check out some of the Cambria countertops we carry here at DWELL44.

Lighting

While redoing the space, you’ll want to update your fixtures and get everything matching. This cost will vary based on how much you want to pay for fixtures and improved energy-efficient lighting.

Flooring

Custom flooring will obviously be more expensive per square foot, but while you’re undergoing the project, be sure to consider things like hardwood flooring or heated floors as a good add-on. You walk on those floors every day, soo it’s important that they’re comfortable for you.

Doors and Windows

Any windows or doors in your kitchen area can be replaced to match the new cabinets. This cost also varies because some homeowners don’t have any windows or doors directly in their kitchen.

Walls and Ceilings

If you have walls or ceiling spaces that need to be touched up, it’s a good time to add it in the kitchen remodel budget. New sheetrock probably won’t be necessary, but some fresh paint or a tile backsplash is never a bad idea.

Faucets and Plumbing

Faucets and plumbing is a cost that many homeowners forget to consider. If you’re doing any major remodeling, odds are this will need to be changed slightly to match your new cabinets or sink. And don’t forget that adding another sink or moving your current sink will add cost.

Other/Misc.

Costs that are hard to classify will go into this category—things like permits or misc. materials would go here, but they likely only make up around 1% of the cost.

Renovation vs. Remodel: How to Save Money

One way that homeowners are able to get some of the benefits of a facelift on their home without spending as much money is with a renovation. While renovations and remodels can often be terms that are used interchangeably, there are some pretty significant differences between the two of them.

What is a Remodel?

A remodel is the more expensive option out of the two. Not only does it take some serious time to complete your average remodel project, but it also can be very expensive. Most remodel projects include replacing floors, cabinets, appliances, and sometimes moving walls as well. When you think of a remodel, try to visualize a bigger product that will impact the functionality of your home.

What is a Renovation?

A renovation is the most cost-effective option for improving your home. This type of project usually focuses on changing one or two things or just updating things instead of making costly changes. If a remodel changes the functionality, then a renovation simply offers a facelift to the appearance. Think, a new coat of paint or refinishing the cabinets instead of getting all new ones.

Visit Our Showroom!

We understand that a kitchen remodel or renovation project can be time-consuming and overwhelming. That’s why we created the DWELL44 showroom. A place where builders, designers, and homeowners could come and see the kitchen and home products in action. Come check out our showroom, and we’ll help walk you through some of the best kitchen products on the market.