Kitchen Renovations: What is the Total Cost?

Looking to give your kitchen a makeover? Whether with a more sophisticated, open-concept space or just swapping outdated cabinets, kitchen renovations can be expensive–but a smart investment. But how can you balance your own design choices with long-term value, especially if you’re planning to sell your home in the next five years or so?

This guide will walk you through what a kitchen renovation could cost you and how to do it with some strategy, and style.

The Varying Costs of a Kitchen Renovation

According to Home Advisor, the average kitchen remodel ranges between $12,000-$34,000, depending on the overall project scope. High-end renovations can easily exceed over $100K, particularly if it entails major structural alterations or luxury finishes. It breaks down like this: 

Small Remodel: $7,000 – $24,000

Think: smaller cosmetic updates like painting walls or cabinets instead of replacing them, or updating faucets, lighting, hardware, etc. This is suited more for the budget-conscious, or renters seeking something “Instagrammable” without the help of contractors.

Mid-Range: $28,000 – $80,000

This is where the real magic starts to happen with replacing appliances, or installing new semi-custom cabinets and durable (maybe quartz) countertops and even updating the flooring and layout. Here, you’re not exactly demolishing walls, but you are giving your kitchen a radically new look. 

High-End: $80,000+

The ultimate dream kitchen will cost you, but the most expensive of remodeling comes with custom cabinetry, smart appliances with IQs higher than yours, and at times complete structural/electrical/plumbing overhauls. The result is a perpetual “wow” every time you enter–along with sticker shock.

Kitchen Renovation Choices That Can Affect Cost

Your personal vision and budget meet at this point–what you decide to change, and how you plan to do it, will have a major impact on the final price. Some things you should consider are:

• Layout and Placement: If you are looking to renovate your kitchen, what are you planning to change? Do you want to knock out a wall and create an open concept? Or keep things the same? Discuss your room layout with a contractor and see what your options are.
• Cabinetry: Textured, fluted cabinet fronts are making big comebacks–from forest green to navy to terracotta. Open shelving trends also continue to be popular and turn heads, blending tastefully with upper cabinets. The name of the game is personalization, and homeowners are into it more now than ever.
• Color and Design Changes: Clashing or mismatched color palettes or finishes can hinder a home’s resale value, so try to keep the aesthetic cohesive. In fact, it’s better to select more neutral base colors and add dashes of color through backsplashes or accessories.
• Material Costs: With supply chain hiccups and inflation, material costs can be expensive! If you are hoping to create a specific design that needs certain colors, remember that some designs are more costly than others.

Hidden Costs Can Bite

Before making the full leap into a kitchen reno, there are several additional costs that may sneak up on you. For one, depending on your specific location, permits might be required–especially if plumbing or electrical work is involved, which can run $500 to $1,500. Be sure to check with your local building department before moving forward.

Also, if your kitchen will be out of commission for weeks or longer, you’ll need to budget for meal kits or take out. It’s advisable to prepare for repairs if your contractor uncovers faulty wiring, plumbing issues, or a rogue squirrel skeleton–such extra costs can run up to $5,000 in some cases.

Renovating to Resale? Talk to Your Realtor

Is your ultimate goal to boost your home’s resale value? Then it’s a good idea to consult with a real estate professional first before picking up a sledgehammer. A Realtor can let you in on what updates might yield the highest ROI as well as help you to not overspend on anything that won’t increase value as well as to give input into what local buyers are really looking for.

Be Smart With Your Money and Know When to Get Expert Advice

Kitchen renovations are not one-size-fits-all, and your total cost really depends on the current state of your kitchen, your personal goals/vision, and local market conditions. Whether just flipping or forever-ing, it’s wise to get the most from your investment by getting expert advice, especially when in an area like Encinitas. 

Realtor Linda Moore can help guide you on ways of adding beauty and value to your home to get it on the market and sell today!