If you have decided to undertake a kitchen renovation, you need to set a realistic budget beforehand. How much do you want to spend? Some people like to get everything and anything they can lay their hands on while others prefer to save money on their kitchen makeovers. So how do you set a budget?

Budget

You need to set a realistic budget for your kitchen remodel. Exploring prices over the phone or the Internet does not give you a good idea of what your new kitchen will cost. When you are in the early stages of a kitchen renovation project talking about mid-range and high-end brands may have some value.

However, mid-range – yet highly functional – new cabinets, new kitchen countertops, new kitchen accessories, building a kitchen island and tile or stone flooring, lighting fixtures, flooring, tiles or vinyl floors are usually more within the means of your budget. If you are on a tight budget and need to replace kitchen appliances, look for quality stores with prices that won’t drive you crazy.

It is recommended that you stick with products that have design elements that fit well into your new kitchen. For instance, if you plan to replace your kitchen appliances, go with the same brand name. Also, it can be tempting to get brand-new kitchen appliances – even if the models are a few years old – because they often come with a good warranty. 

Layout

Another area that can affect the overall kitchen renovation cost is layout changes. Kitchen layout changes can include new floor plans, new appliances, flooring, cabinetry and fixtures. Plumbing is one area that will require the most planning and attention. 

Contractors

Kitchen remodelling contractors can help you choose fixtures and faucets that will not only fit into your new layout but will also perform better. If plumbing is something you are unsure about, it is best to employ a general contractor who has experience with kitchen remodelling and plumbing.

You should also be sure to check your contractor’s license before hiring them. Some general contractors work for themselves, unlicensed, with little or no experience in kitchen renovation and plumbing. A good rule of thumb is to ask your contractor if they are licensed. If they refuse to answer or say that they are not licensed, you may want to consider finding a different contractor.

It is common for kitchen renovation and plumbing projects to be quite large, especially if it is a large commercial project. In this case, it is recommended that you set up a design and budget early in the process so that you do not get left behind with overrun costs. 

If the general contractors are charging more than your budget allows for, then you may want to re-evaluate your budget or ask for a variance so that you can pay for the extra costs. Your general contractor is supposed to provide you with a proposal setting forth all the estimates so you can make an informed decision regarding whether or not your budget fits into the plans.

As previously mentioned, kitchen renovations are quite expensive because of all the unseen and often-overlooked details. In addition to your general contractors, there are decorators, electricians, plumbers, flooring installers, and many other specialists that come into play when renovating your kitchen. 

Cost Estimates

One thing that you should do ahead of time is to get cost estimates from different contractors. Make sure they include any discounts that they may offer as well as possible additional fees. Be sure to get copies of all the estimates and discuss them thoroughly with each contractor you are considering.

As you can see, a kitchen renovation project can be very expensive. If you are working on a budget, there are a few things you can do to save money. Some things that can cut down on your kitchen remodelling expenses include: avoiding installing new appliances unless necessary, replacing worn appliances, purchasing used appliances, and doing any major repairs as soon as possible. 

When using a kitchen budget calculator, it is important to remember that the numbers will probably change once you start the renovation project and begin adding in the various costs associated with it. That being said, it is a good idea to keep an eye on the total cost at all times.