10 steps to Budgeting for your Kitchen Remodel

A modern kitchen with wooden cabinets and a dining table.

Knowing what you want is crucial while making kitchen remodel budgets. This allows you to scale up or down and bring your dreams to reality. Here’s our guide to take you through the 10 steps to budgeting for your kitchen remodel.

Tips while making your Kitchen Remodel Budgets

Here goes the information you need.

1. Find out how much you’re willing to spend

Setting a kitchen remodel budget is easy; staying within the budget is the true test.

Three factors will determine how much you can spend on the project. First off, take a look at your finances. Next, decide on how long you’re staying in the house, and finally, consider the social class of your neighborhood.

If you’re budgeting for remodeling a kitchen in a permanent residence, pump enough money to make it more comfortable. But if you’ll be selling soon, consider the neighborhoods’ social class and allocate the amount you think you can recover after the sale.

2. Know the exact cost breakdown.

Break down the various aspects of remodeling from labor to materials and how much each would cost.

On average, here’s how the breakdown works. However, consult with your contractor and make adjustments where necessary.

Cabinets: 35 %

Appliances: 20 %

Labor: 20 %

Windows: 10%

Fixtures: 5 %

Fittings: 3%

Other: 7 %

3. Create a spreadsheet for your budget to track your expenses.

It’s easy to lose track of finances when you’re not keeping tabs on your spending. One way to account for every dollar is to create a spreadsheet. It will also keep you from blowing your budget on extras. Also, it allows you to notice an overrun and cut back if you need to.

Related:
How to Feng Shui Your Living Room

4. Set your renovation priorities

There will always be something that matters to you more than others. For example, you may need to get new appliances or new cabinets because the old ones are an inch away from the grave. So find out what’s most important to you and put that top of your list.

This step in budgeting ensures that you get your priorities fulfilled even if you decide to add exciting little items like lights in your drawers, a super-luxe faucet, or decorative molding.

Kitchen remodel

5. Plan how you will pay for the remodeling project

A big part of budgeting allows you to plan how and when you will pay for the project, Explore your payment options and have a solid plan. For example, you can pay for the project using home equity loans –they’re tax-deductible –refinancing or taking a personal loan.

If you get a loan, compare interest rates and loan origination fees. Remember also to find out the exact day you’ll access the funds so you can make deposits to your contractor and kick start the project.

6. Budget for your living accommodation while renovations are underway

Staying in the home during the remodeling may seem like a good idea. However, only do so if your whole family can handle the noise and fumes involved.

However, consider staying at a hotel or apartment if your living conditions can’t accommodate all that change at once. Evaluate your options beforehand, plan, and budget based on the size of your household.

7. Budget for your meals

Factor in the cost of your meals and allocate funds for it while budgeting. It is pretty obvious you won’t be able to cook all your meals without a fully-functioning kitchen. For example, you could make coffee but not a proper homemade meal during this phase.

Related:
Bathroom Renovation: A Step By Step Guide

Set aside funds to cover food expenses, whether you’re eating out in the restaurants or buying take-out.

8. Allocate 20 % of your budget to handle the unexpected

Remodeling the kitchen can uncover many surprises that can dent your budget. That’s why you should set aside at least 20 % of your total budget to handle unexpected repairs. It’s better to have the money and not need it than to need the money and not have it.

Especially in older residences, you may find outdated electrical wiring or leaking drainage pipes. You may also discover that the dishwasher has been leaking and that you have a rotten floor that needs repair.

Kitchen remodel

9. Identify the small tasks you can DIY to cut costs

Remodeling a kitchen involves taking out stuff like appliances, old cabinets, and tiles. You don’t have to pay someone to do these small tasks. If other adults are in the home, ask them to lend you a hand and have fun while demolishing that space.

10. Avoid adding in extras mid-project

Don’t blow your budget over something you noticed along the way but hadn’t budgeted for initially. Those little extra details on the countertop or the fancy cabinet lighting can wait for later.

Conclusion

Keep your kitchen remodel budgets from shooting through the roof by following our guide on the 10 steps to budgeting for your kitchen remodel.

Scroll to Top