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Writer's pictureCarrie Reininger

From Dream to Scheme: Financing Your Remodel Without Losing Your Marbles

Updated: Sep 10, 2023


Setting a budget for your kitchen remodel is critical to be sure you stay within your financial means while achieving the look you want. Setting a budget for your kitchen remodel is not unlike preparing a memorable feast – it requires careful planning, researching recipes and planning ahead, budget and time management, curating ingredients, and the chef's finesse to bring it all together.


Here's a guide to help you set a realistic budget for your kitchen renovation:

  1. Assess Your Financial Canvas: Begin by evaluating your financial situation. Look at your savings, available credit, and any other sources of funding you can allocate to the remodel. Determine how much you can comfortably spend without straining your overall finances.

  2. Quotes! Quotes! Quotes!: Reach out to multiple contractors and kitchen designers to get quotes for the project. Be specific about your requirements and the materials you want to use. This will give you a general idea of the overall cost of the remodel. Don't be afraid to negotiate with contractors or suppliers, but do it before you start. Changing your mind will likely result in added costs. This will also help you discover who you would like to work with and who you feel confident in partnering with you in such a big job.

  3. Break Down the Costs: Divide the renovation project into different categories such as cabinets, countertops, flooring, appliances, labor, permits, and other miscellaneous expenses. Research the average costs for each category to get an estimate of the individual expenses.

  4. Prioritize your palette: Determine what aspects of the kitchen are most important to you. For example, higher quality materials and appliances will have higher price tags but may also last longer. Can you postpone some of the remodel to future so that you aren't overspending all at once. If you have defined what's most important, allocate a larger portion of your budget to the features that matter the most and be prepared to make adjustments in other areas if needed.

  5. Unearth the Hidden Costs: Remember that there may be hidden costs associated with a kitchen remodel, such as unforeseen structural issues, electrical or plumbing upgrades, or permit fees. Plan for contingencies and add a buffer of about 10-20% to your budget for unexpected expenses. Don't forget inconvenience....if you can't cook you may have to dine at restaurants. If you're taking on a significant remodel, you may need to temporarily relocate.

  6. DIY vs. Professional Help: Assess your DIY skills and decide which tasks you can take on yourself and where you might need professional assistance. DIY projects can save money, but only if you're confident in your abilities; otherwise, mistakes can be costly to fix.

  7. Eco-Friendly Considerations: If sustainability is important to you, factor in the cost of eco-friendly materials and energy-efficient appliances. While they may have a higher upfront cost, they can lead to long-term savings on utility bills.

  8. Stay Mindful of Scope: Once you've set a budget and agreed on a contractor, stick to the plan! Unnecessary or incomplete thinking can add to costs during the renovation process and trying to "squeeze in" a lot of small changes will frustrate both contractor and homeowner.

  9. Build a Safety Net: It's essential to have a financial safety net in case of emergencies or unforeseen circumstances. Avoid depleting all your savings on the renovation and ensure you have some funds for emergencies.

By following these steps, you'll not only create a budget that aligns with your true wants and needs, but also create a kitchen transformation that's less stressful leading up to your own "big reveal."

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