Kitchen & Bathroom Remodeling Budget
There is price and there is value!
When you decide to remodel your kitchen or bathroom, the first thing you’ll bump into is the costs. The average kitchen remodel costs about $19,000. But you don’t need to be scared of this number as you can get a handle on kitchen remodel costs, all you need to know is three things which are contractors, connections and materials.
Start with evaluating your entire needs. Dream big and then decide how you can do it. This dream may be one that is not possible all at once but you can design your dream kitchen from the beginning. This may actually cost less in the long run instead of constant remodels. Create this plan and design your kitchen or bathroom with gusto. This plan will look different to each individual but there are common factors that many remodelers consider. For example, most remodeling projects have newer and more efficient appliances in mind. This reality can be the majority of your remodeling budget.
The first is simple to deal with. If you’re on a budget and can do a task yourself, do so. There are several sorts of flooring that are simple for the do-it-yourselfer to install. If you plan on installing tile counters, that’s also something that can be learned by the average home handyman. There are other things that might not be so easy, so be careful. There are even videos online for no charge that can walk you through how to install items yourself. If you’re installing expensive materials, it’s better to make sure that you have a contractor that knows how to deal with them.Connections are a different story. If you’re installing an island with plumbing, or a new gas stove, those hookups are going to require a licensed plumbing contractor, and are going to send the price up considerably. That kitchen island might be just as useful without plumbing and an electric range at about a third of the cost of going through the floor with plumbing and gas hookups.Materials are where you can have the best leeway in kitchen remodel costs. You can go with less expensive materials, but be careful. Inexpensive can mean bad quality in some things.
You’ll want to make sure that even if you’re installing your own vinyl flooring, that you get the long-lasting, higher quality tiles. However, there are plenty of good quality materials to be found at contractor supply stores that come out costing considerably less than the home supply box stores. Check it out and shop around. You’ll be amazed at the quality you can find.Hire a reputable contractor who is experienced in kitchen remodeling if you aren’t going to do it yourself. Make sure the contractor is licensed and insured. Get references from the contractor and make sure that you have a time frame in writing. Labor costs are estimated at approximately 30 percent of the total remodeling cost. Do it yourself. If you are experienced in home repairs, you may be able to do a lot of the work yourself to save money.
Experienced do-it-yourselfers can do their own painting, hanging kitchen cabinets and installation of some appliances. Gas appliances need to be installed by experts. Make sure you hire reputable plumbers and electricians to help with the mechanical aspects of the kitchen remodel if necessary. Depending on the age of your kitchen, mechanical remodels can take as much as 30 percent of your budget. Keep at least 10 percent of your budget for those unexpected costs. You might have termites or dry rot in wood, which will need to be replaced. Wiring may be old and not up to code. Old water pipes could be leaking and need to be replaced. Always keep a “contingency fund” for just such repairs. Kitchen remodeling can range from a few hundred dollars to many thousands of dollars, but it doesn’t have to break the bank. Depending on the amount of remodeling to be done, costs can generally be broken down to the cost of labor, mechanical and fixtures. Put aside some extra money for unexpected costs too.
