Kitchen Renovation: How To Save Money and Estimated Costs
If you are cooking up a kitchen renovation how to and need to keep costs under control, you are going to want to pin this post.
Let's face it—renovating is expensive! During the pandemic, I saw prices for everything from materials to installation costs creep higher and higher due to supply and demand. As of January 2024, I have not seen these prices come down in a significant way. In fact, I don't expect that they will come down.
In Seattle, our new normal for a complete kitchen renovation is 80-120K on average, depending on the scope of the project and materials used. The rising costs may make some homeowners think twice about completing their dream kitchen renovation. I am here to tell you that your dreams can still come true with careful planning, compromise, and by adopting our practical and wallet-friendly tips.
Photography by Emily Keeney
Kitchen Renovation — How to Set a Realistic Budget
Start by establishing a clear budget for your project. Stick to it as closely as possible to avoid overspending. Not sure where to begin? Reach out to a reputable general contractor and request a walk-through to review your scope of work, as well as a ballpark range of costs to complete your renovation.
Prioritize needs over wants
Identify the essential upgrades your kitchen requires—such as better storage, improved lighting, or updated appliances—and focus on those before considering extras. Grab a copy of our Ultimate Kitchen Inventory Spreadsheet to help you prioritize.
Refinish instead of replacing cabinets
If your existing cabinets are in good structural condition, consider refinishing or repainting them instead of replacing them entirely. It's a budget-friendly way to give your kitchen a fresh look. Your cabinet refresh can include more than just paint! There are some fantastic after-market cabinet accessories available. Roll-out trash and spice racks, blind corner pull-outs, and roll-out drawers are all absolute game-changers and will make your kitchen renovation how to go from frustrating to fabulous!
Photography by Emily Keeney
Kitchen Renovation How to Shop Sales and Clearance
Keep an eye out for sales, clearance items, and discounts on appliances, fixtures, and materials. You can often find high-quality items at a fraction of the cost.
Pro Tip: Many appliance centers offer annual sales. Find out when those are and add it to your calendar. Do your research ahead of the sale so you are ready to make a purchase with confidence on sale day! Need some advice about making smart appliance decisions? Visit our post with appliance expert, Kirk Fisher from Albert Lee to learn about common challenges when shopping for appliances and how to avoid them.
Consider pre-owned appliances
Gently used appliances can be a fantastic way to save money. Look for reliable brands and models in good condition. In past projects, some of our clients on a budget have scored big with gently used appliances via Facebook Marketplace, Craiglist, and Nextdoor. You can also reach out to your local appliance center and ask if they have any floor models they are willing to sell at a reduced cost.
Kitchen Renovation — How to Reuse and repurpose
Salvage items from your old kitchen that can be reused, like hardware, light fixtures, or even countertops, if they're still in good shape. Visit thrift stores, estate sales, and surf the web for used items that fit your dream design aesthetic without yanking too hard on your purse strings!
Pro Tip: Searching for used renovation materials can be time-consuming and a labor of love. If this is the path you choose to follow, carve out dedicated time in your calendar and plan for patience, as finding that perfect item could take some time!
Photography by Emily Keeney
Kitchen Renovation — How to Keep plumbing in place
To save on plumbing costs, consider keeping the sink, dishwasher, and other appliances in their current locations. Moving plumbing can add significantly to your expenses. That said, you also need to keep in mind the big picture and that list of priorities you are working on. For example, maybe your sink is currently in an awkward position. Moving it under a window overlooking your kids playing in the backyard would bring you great joy. It may be worth investigating if your budget will allow the shift.
Compare quotes
Kitchen renovation how to ensure that you're getting the best prices for labor and materials? Get multiple quotes from general contractors (GC) and suppliers. Check out our tips for finding a rock star GC here.
Plan ahead
I can't emphasize enough how important it is to thoroughly plan your project, so you avoid costly changes or delays once work has begun. The only way to get a true understanding of costs ahead of swinging the hammer is to have all of your plans, project materials, equipment, and accessories sourced and documented. This allows your team to provide realistic cost estimates and helps you get comfortable with the bottom line. Our Ultimate Home Renovation Checklist will set you on the path to planning success!
Let's break down two cost categories to give you a clearer sense of what you can do for your budget. I am basing these costs on my project experience in Seattle, Washington. Depending on where you live, these numbers will look different.
Full kitchen renovation
Kitchen renovation how to estimated cost to renovate a kitchen fully:
A full kitchen renovation means that you are planning a complete transformation of the kitchen space, from floor to ceiling. This typically includes moving walls, replacing or reconfiguring cabinets, and making significant changes. An interior designer or kitchen cabinet designer is brought in to rework the kitchen layout and create a high-functioning, beautiful space that works well for the homeowner's needs and vision.
Cost in Seattle: $80-120K (average cost based on mid-tier renovation materials)
What can be done within this budget range:
The kitchen layout is reimagined by a professional
New floor material or existing floor material refinished
New cabinets with a variety of high-functioning cabinet accessories such as trash rollouts, Super Susans, tall panty units with rollout drawers, spice pullouts, etc.
New stone or quartz countertops with a choice of edge detail
New plumbing fixtures
New appliances
New backsplash tile
New decorative light fixtures
New cabinet knobs and pulls
Kitchen walls, ceiling, trim, and millwork get a fresh coat of paint
A wow factor, such as beautiful wallpaper or a decorative range hood
Partial kitchen renovation
Kitchen renovation how to estimated cost to renovate a kitchen partially:
A partial kitchen renovation involves making selective updates or improvements to specific areas or components of the kitchen. This can include changes to cabinets, countertops, backsplash, or appliances without altering the overall layout significantly.
Cost in Seattle: $30-50K (average cost based on mid-tier renovation materials)
What can be done within this budget range:
The kitchen layout does not change
Existing floor material remains in place
Cabinets remain in place and are painted
After-market cabinet accessories added to existing cabinets, such as roll-out double trash can, blind corner pullout, and soft close cabinet door hardware
New quartz counters with an eased edge
New plumbing fixtures
New tile backslash
New pendant light fixtures over the kitchen island
New cabinet knobs and pulls
Kitchen walls get a fresh coat of paint
Your dream kitchen awaits!
I hope that you’re feeling more confident than ever to embark on your kitchen renovation journey. With some careful planning and mindful decision-making, you can successfully pull off a kitchen renovation how to and save money in the process.
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