The kitchen is the center of every home. Your family goes there to cook, to eat, to hang out, to entertain guests, to sit down and relax. Before you build or redesign your kitchen, there are many things to consider. Above all, your kitchen must balance functionality, aesthetic beauty, practicality, and comfort.
When you are planning a kitchen remodel, it’s important to figure out the details of the renovation so you get the best return on your investment and have a beautiful, fully functional kitchen.
Identify why you want a kitchen remodel in the first place, and what problems you want to solve with the redesign. If your kitchen is no longer easy to use for your family, or you want to improve your kitchen to add value to your home, these all both valid reasons for a kitchen remodel.
These are some of the things you should consider when you are remodeling your kitchen.
How Extensive Should Your Remodel Be?
Are you looking for a full kitchen remodel or merely a kitchen refresh?
Minor kitchen remodels might be considered a refresh, where you update some features like plumbing fixtures, refacing cabinets, replacing backsplashes, and upgrading your appliances. For kitchens that are about 200 square feet or more, this might be a fraction of the price of a full remodel.
A full kitchen remodel for a kitchen which is only 100 square feet might be $15,000 to $30,000. Remember that the rough budget for a full kitchen remodel should be about 5% to 15% of the total value of your home.
A kitchen remodel for a large kitchen of 200 or more square feet can cost from $30,000 to $65,000 depending on how large the kitchen is, the total square footage of the home, and the extent of the remodel.
Of course, all of this depends on what you have planned for your kitchen remodel and your total budget for the renovation. The higher grade of materials, and the more extensive and detailed the renovation, the more the remodel will cost.
Making a plan with your remodeling contractor will help you stay on budget while achieving all your goals and creating a new beautiful and functional kitchen.
How Much Should You Expect to Pay for Kitchen Remodeling?
The cost of a kitchen remodel can vary widely depending on the size of the kitchen, the features you want to install, and the quality of the materials used. The average 100 square foot kitchen will cost between $15,000 and $30,000 to remodel. Depending on what features you choose in your kitchen renovation, the remodeling cost may vary.
Large kitchens that are 200 square feet or more can cost between $50,000 and $65,000 for kitchen remodels. The higher end kitchen renovations in larger kitchens often include new appliances and major infrastructure construction.
Many remodeling experts recommend that kitchen remodeling budget be about 5% to 15% of the current value of your home. Homeowners often choose to remodel their kitchen to increase the value of their home, and the kitchen is the primary room that adds more value to your home.
Homeadvisor.com reports the largest parts of the budget go to cabinetry and hardware (29 percent), installation (17 percent), and appliances and ventilation (14 percent).
Budgeting for a Remodel
Consider the features you want to prioritize in your kitchen renovation. Research on cabinets, countertops, kitchen layouts, fixtures, flooring materials, and appliances. Find if your budget can cover everything you want, or what you can do within the scope of your kitchen renovation.
One thing to plan for is whether you will need extra electrical, plumbing, or ventilation work for any of your appliances. In kitchen remodels where the microwave is moved from above the stove, many homeowners add a hood to vent cooking fumes and smoke to the outside. If you’re replacing the refrigerator, do you need extra water hookups? Adding or moving sink fixtures or adding extra appliances? These all require planning and consideration for infrastructure.
On countertops, flooring, and cabinets, what types of materials and finishes are you using? It all makes a big difference in the overall renovation.
Design and Layout
One of the biggest considerations for a kitchen redesign is the layout. A kitchen should be more functional and easier to navigate after a renovation. Work areas, such as the sink, dishwasher, oven, and refrigerator should be arranged in a triangle pattern to make movement quick, easy, and accessible.
Similar work areas should be arranged close together in a logical manner. The sink, dishwasher, and cabinets for dishes should be close together. Similarly, the refrigerator, pantry, and meal preparation countertop should be close to each other.
Plan for Clearances
Kitchen islands work in kitchen renovations where there is ample clearance for people to walk around the island, open the refrigerator, the dishwasher, and for people to be busy cooking and preparing meals. Smaller kitchens may not be able to utilize features like a kitchen island and the bulk of the remodel would have to be focused on the perimeter of the kitchen.
Kitchen Cabinets are Important
Cabinets are the most visible part of your kitchen so choosing the right materials, finishes, colors, and facing options will make a big difference in the finished appearance of your kitchen remodel.
Making sure your cabinets match the color scheme of your planned kitchen redesign. Stock cabinets are the most affordable option for kitchens, and custom cabinets offer more flexibility, but cost a little more. The cabinet handles and hardware are also part of the aesthetic and can add a nice detail to your kitchen renovation.
Countertop Aesthetics, Materials and Practicality
Countertops are one of the most visible parts of your kitchen, and you will use the countertop every single day, so balancing aesthetics and functionality is important.
Many homeowners choose quartzite countertops for their durability, luxurious appearance, and reasonable price. Quartz is the most popular choice in midrange and upscale kitchen remodels, due to it’s close resemblance to marble and limestone.
For truly luxurious kitchen remodels, granite countertops are a perfect selection. These cost a bit more than other materials, but their durability and appearance is unparalleled.
Backsplash Considerations
The section of the wall between the countertop and the cabinets is usually covered with a tiled pattern known as a backsplash. This might also appear around the stove or range between the range and hood or cabinets. The colors and materials in the backsplash are usually a complement to the overall design of the kitchen. The backsplash is a tapestry where you can create beautiful patterns. Make use of this important wall space to enhance your kitchen’s aesthetics.
Quality Kitchen Sink Faucet
The kitchen sink faucet is perhaps the most used part of the kitchen. Choosing premium sink fixtures for your kitchen can help create a distinctive look.
Microwaves and Kitchen Islands
One decision that many homeowners make in a kitchen renovation is moving the microwave from above the kitchen range into a kitchen island, if the island is added. This makes it easier for younger family members to use the microwave and allows the addition of a stylish hood fan above the range. Many kitchen remodels add a stainless-steel hood fan above the stove to better vent cooking fumes and smoke.
>Flooring Patterns and Materials
The flooring in your kitchen can provide a texture and color contrast to the overall design of your renovated kitchen.
Wood laminate is one of the most popular choices, as it looks like wood, but comes in a variety of colors and textures. Laminate is very versatile and fits well with many kitchen redesigns.
Traditional hardwood is beautiful, but can be damaged easily, and requires a lot of maintenance. Wood flooring is usually installed in other parts of the home.
Porcelain tile comes in a wide variety of designs and can closely resemble natural stone of wood. One downside to porcelain tile is it is very hard, and most things dropped on it will shatter.
Vinyl is the least expensive option, and most older homes and kitchens ae switching from this type of flooring to something like laminate or tile.
Lighting Makes a Big Difference
One of the almost invisible aspects of kitchen remodeling is lighting and lighting fixtures. Creating more soft white light can illuminate the kitchen and make it seem bright and comfortable.
Recessed ceiling fixtures provide ambient light and help illuminate the room. Ceiling light fixtures can brighten areas like the kitchen island, the kitchen table, and over sinks without creating any shadows. These are important for bright light illumination. Under cabinet lighting provides extra lighting for countertops so you can focus on work and meal preparation there.
A well-lit kitchen looks better than a dimly, poorly lit kitchen.
Appliances are Part of the Kitchen Remodel
As mentioned previously, appliances are a big part of kitchen remodels, and adding a stainless-steel range and refrigerator can make the kitchen look brand new. Be sure to calculate the floor space of the range, refrigerator, and other appliances. Measure to make sure the refrigerator door has room to open. If you have a hood vent from the stove, it should vent to the outside through the roof. Lastly, look for EnergyStar appliances that help you save money on your electric bills.
Set up a Temporary Kitchen
Living your day-to-day life without a working kitchen is a big challenge, especially if you have kids or a big family. One thing you can do during a kitchen remodel is set up a temporary kitchen area where you can cook. Move the refrigerator, microwave, and toaster oven to another room. You can also cook on an outdoor grill or barbeque if your remodel is in the summer or autumn. Use paper plates and disposable utensils for meals until you get full access to your sink and dishwasher.
What Components of Kitchen Remodeling Cost the Most?
The places where you will spend money on a kitchen remodel include:
- Cabinets
- Countertops
- Appliances
- Flooring
- Plumbing and fixtures
- Lighting fixtures
- Backsplash and wall finishes
- Labor costs for construction
The cabinets are the largest part of a kitchen remodel because they cover the most space. Cabinets can cost 20 to 40% of the kitchen renovation budget.
Need Kitchen Remodeling in Sacramento?
Sacramento Remodeling Group has many years of experience doing kitchen remodels, bathroom renovations, ADU builds, room additions, and general contracting in the Roseville-Sacramento area. We’ve done scores of renovation projects for homeowners in the Sacramento Valley. If you have questions or if you want to talk options and timeline for a kitchen remodel, call one of our staff at (916) 862-1444 for a free no-obligation estimate.
