Budgeting for a Kitchen Remodel: What to Expect and Plan For

Remodeling your kitchen boosts your property’s functionality, refreshes the heart of your home, and can significantly increase resale value.

But before getting straight into design inspiration and contractor meetings, it’s essential to understand the financial side of things. Here’s how to make a budget for your kitchen remodel that delivers results without straining your wallet.

Understand the Average Cost of Kitchen Remodels

Kitchen remodels can vary widely in price depending on the size of the space, the quality of materials, and the extent of changes. On average, a mid-range remodel costs between $26,000 and $78,000. A smaller-scale refresh may be as low as $10,000, while high-end, luxury kitchens can soar well beyond $152,672.

Here’s a typical cost breakdown to help you shape your kitchen remodel budget:

• Cabinetry and hardware: 25–30%
• Appliances: 15–20%
• Countertops: 10–15%
• Flooring: 5–10%
• Lighting: 5%
• Labor and installation: 20–30%
• Permits and other fees: 5%

Always factor in a contingency buffer of at least 10–15% for surprises. After all, with remodeling, there are always surprises.

Choose Where to Save and Where to Splurge

Not every element of your kitchen needs to be top-of-the-line. To get the most from your kitchen remodel budget, decide early where to splurge and where to save. Invest in high-impact features like durable countertops, quality cabinetry, and energy-efficient appliances. These areas offer long-term value and function.

On the other hand, you can cut costs with smart decisions like refinishing existing cabinets, choosing mid-range lighting fixtures, or installing luxury-look flooring alternatives such as vinyl planks instead of hardwood.

Get Multiple Bids and Work with Transparent Contractors

Avoid the temptation to jump at the lowest estimate. Instead, collect bids from at least three contractors and make sure each includes a detailed breakdown of costs. A trustworthy kitchen and bathroom remodeling company, such as us at The Viking Craftsman, will walk you through each line item and help you understand where your money is going.

More than that, our contractors will also help you stay within your kitchen remodel budget by suggesting cost-effective alternatives or phased upgrades.

Don’t Forget the Hidden Costs

When budgeting for kitchen remodels, don’t overlook things like permit fees, temporary kitchen setups, takeout meals, or even potential time off work. These “soft costs” can sneak up and derail an otherwise carefully planned budget.

It’s also a good idea to think ahead to potential upgrades that may need to accompany the kitchen remodel such as electrical panel upgrades or plumbing changes; account for those in your budget.

At The Viking Craftsman, we offer top-tier kitchen remodels in McKinney, TX, while honoring your kitchen remodeling budget. As a trusted kitchen and bathroom remodeling company, we walk you through every line item, ensuring you understand precisely where your investment goes. Our experienced contractors also guide you in staying within your budget, suggesting smart, cost-effective alternatives and upgrade options to achieve your vision beautifully and affordably.

Let’s build your dream kitchen together. Call now.