DIY Kitchen Remodel – How Much Does It Cost?
No doubt if you are considering a kitchen remodel you are asking yourself this question. After watching the many television shows about house flipping and renovation you have some idea of at least the range of costs involved. Then after talking to some friends you probably discovered that the range became much wider and the upper end higher than first thought. As you continue your research you probably have called some contractors to shed some time on this topic only to find their bids widely varied as well. After all of that, you still really don’t know how much your kitchen remodel will cost.
So let me start by applauding you for gathering as much information as possible. But, at this point you may be more confused than you started. Or you may be trying to determine, why there is no one answer to this question? Without a doubt most DIY homeowners feel a bit frustrated, bewildered and sometimes hopeless. Just think of it this way; you are attempting to get a crash course in kitchen remodeling that professionals, sometimes, take years to master. So, go easy on yourself.
Define Your Kitchen Remodel
Part of the issue you are dealing with is a lack of definition. You must first define what ‘your’ kitchen remodel looks like before you can determine the cost of the kitchen remodel. Because there are many degrees of kitchen remodels ranging from a minor face-lift to a full reconfigure & relocate it is important to have a clear understanding of the remodel. By being specific you will be specifying the different materials, options, upgrades, and requirements all depending on what you want your final kitchen to look like and the area you live in. Let’s start by defining the project.
So first define what your remodel is:
- Replace all cabinets
- Replace countertops
- Remove peninsula add an island
- New tile backsplash
- Add a pantry cabinet
- Under cabinet lights to be added
- New sink, faucet
- Keep the refrigerator
- Replace the dishwasher, stove and microwave
- Remove soffit over the upper cabinets
- Add floating shelves
- Replace vinyl floor with tile
- etc
Just stand in your kitchen and write down what you would like to see done. I have found that for DIY projects having two people do this exercise is very beneficial, and sometimes eye-opening.
Start by one of your writing the list while the other person describes what they want to do. Then when you think you have it all on paper. Do it again but this time the other person does the writing. It is beneficial because we all see things differently. The key to getting the best outcome is to make these lists under the premise of “This is what I would like to see done to this kitchen”; you can put the critical eye to it later. For now, we are looking for creativity and what you have in mind.
Is the Cost of a Kitchen Remodel Worth It?
Let’s step back for a second and answer the inevitable question. Is this going to be worth spending money on my kitchen remodel? The answer is a resounding YES.
First, kitchens are the main hub of the house so you’ll get to enjoy your new kitchen every day. Second, real estate agents know that kitchens and bathrooms sell homes so it makes your home more saleable. Third, updating your kitchen will allow you to correct old, bad design elements and add new conveniences that weren’t available when you kitchen was originally built. Lastly, you will recoup part or maybe all of your investment when you decide to sell.
Realtor.com states that “The kitchen continues to be a major draw for home buyers of all ages – 80% of them ranked it as one of their three favorite rooms in their home. There’s a strong desire among buyers for an updated kitchen, so consider investing in upgrades that will pay off” in their April 12, 2017 News & Insights post.
Create a Remodel Plan
With all the excitement of getting a new kitchen that so many wonderful features it is critical to remember that Staying Within Budget is important. If I may emphasize the, the key to a successful remodel is Planning, Planning, and more Planning. So avoid the desire to start demolition and figure it out as you go. Taking this approach means will not know the cost of the kitchen until it is done which is too late. You will run into cost overruns, make mistakes and the project will take much longer than imagined.
Take some time to plan what you want to do and get estimates on materials. Then realistically plan on what you will do yourself and what you will hire others to do. Write it on paper. Creating two lists will be immensely helpful to you. The first is a list of all Finishes & Fixtures you will need to purchase. The second is a list of the installation work needing to be done, referred to as the Scope of Work. Why do this?, because in the end you’ll be glad you took the time.
Kitchen Remodel Cost Ranges
In the last few years I have seen kitchen remodel costs rise, but at the same time what is being done within the remodel is more extensive. Homeowners want more included in the standard kitchen. The average small DIY kitchen remodel cost in the San Diego, California area can range can be $21,000 to $25,000.
A review of the Cost vs Value Report, which provides insight into the costs of various remodel projects based on many metropolitan areas throughout the country, indicates that in San Diego an average midrange Minor Kitchen Remodel costs $26,520 while an average midrange Major Kitchen Remodel costs $76,576. See the report to get a description of the projects, but here are a few other cities for comparison.
- Ann Arbor Michigan: Minor $24,496; Major $74,231
- Richmond, Virginia: Minor $21,549; Major $65,755
- Houston, Texas: Minor $21,773; Major $64,242
- Seattle, Washington $26,235; Major $76,145
A Benchmark to Help Determine Your Kitchen Remodel Cost
Another benchmark used to help guide you affirm your kitchen remodel cost budget is the value of your home. Over the years I have discussed with professional remodelers their use of 10% of the homes value as a guide for determining an appropriate project budget. (It is the middle of their range from 5% to 15% depending on the area). What it is referencing is investing 10% of the value of your home for a kitchen remodel. Because then this “cost” should allow you to include in your kitchen remodel the features and amenities that a buyer in your home’s price range would expect to see. Of course, for the DIY remodeler you would want to adjust this percentage based on how much you can save by doing the work yourself.
Ready to Determine the Cost of Your Kitchen Remodel Now
After your research and creating your lists you’ll be armed with the necessary information to create a realistic budget for your remodel project. It may sound daunting, but it can be accomplished pretty quickly once you get into the process. After that the next steps will be to order materials and schedule the start date.
A kitchen remodel can be very rewarding. They come in all shapes and sizes so yours can be customized to match your needs and personality. So to ensure a successful outcome plan your project well, stick to your budget, set realistic milestones and, above all, keep calm and remodel on.
More DIY Remodeling Posts
If you are looking for more kitchen remodel information, check out my post 7 Things to Consider. Or if you have some unanswered questions about kitchen remodeling take a look at questions answered for other homeowners. And, if you have questions that remain unanswered after reading my post please include them in the comments. Still eager to learn, then check out my other blog topics from my home page at DIYRemodelGuy.com
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