If I learned anything from our first kitchen remodel, it’s that remodels are typically pricey and they take time (but it’s so worth it when it’s done!) We really went into our first kitchen remodel (ahem.. our entire fixer upper) BLIND. We had NO remodeling experience, and I would have killed to see a real life budget breakdown for the cost of everything! Sooo.. I wanted to make one for YOU! I hope this helps if you’re thinking about renovating your kitchen!
So let’s get into our kitchen remodel budget breakdown!
Running total so far:
Wall & pantry removal: $500.00
Electrical: $300.00
Kraftmaid Cabinets: $26,139.00
Quartz Counters: $4,572.00
Hardware (pulls & knobs): $193.23
Refrigerator: $2,302.56
Farmhouse Sink: $1,206.71
Black Sink Drain: $36.12
Faucet: $127.57
Backsplash Tiles, Grout, & Misc. Supplies: $404.44
Pendant Light: $69.49
Total: $35,851.12
To be purchased:
Range Hood: $932.82
Range: $1,205.00
Microwave: $1,315.93
Dishwasher: $656.31
Total: $4,110.06
What we saved:
Labor to install cabinets: $10,000+ (We never got a quote, but our kitchen designer at Home Depot told us it would be at least $10K.)
NOTE: I did not include the cost for flooring in the kitchen remodel, since we installed it throughout our entire main level. We love our hardwood floors – they’re super durable and have been perfect for our messy family. 🙂 They’re Point Reyes French Oak by Malibu Wide Plank from Home Depot.
The Grand Total: (drumroll please) $39,961.
What to consider when budgeting:
How tall are you ceilings? Ours are 9 foot ceilings (vs. 8 foot ceilings), and we had the cabinets run all the way up to the ceiling, so that definitely added extra cost to our cabinets.
Will you want any decorative trim? Crown moulding and decorative baseboards will add extra $$$.
Do you want any glass cabinets? Any decorative glass will be more expensive!
Can you leave the appliances / sink in the same location? Relocating appliances can definitely add to your budget. We pushed our fridge back about 6′ (since we removed a wall), and that was affordable for us because Ryan could easily relocate the plumbing. Be sure to consider how plumbing & electrical will be affected if you move any appliance!
Will you have a kitchen island? How big will it be? Large slab countertops = more money. Wall counters are typically 24″ deep, but islands can be much larger. Obtaining and transporting a single large slab of stone will just be more expensive. (in my experience, that is.)
What kind of appliances do you want? We have gone with standard Samsung stainless steel in the past. White Cafe appliances and higher end brands will definitely bump your budget up!
Do you want a custom range hood? I was SO surprised to see how expensive custom range hoods are! In our last kitchen, we saved money by installing a simple (but beautiful) stainless steel hood, which was about $200. This kitchen requires something more custom, which was just under $1,000. That’s quite a price difference!
What type of lighting do you want? We went with recessed lighting and one simple pendant light above our sink. If you want large pendants above your island for example, that’s an additional cost.
I’m hoping this helps you if you’re planning a kitchen renovation! I’d also like to remind you – it’s okay to take your time obtaining appliances, the range hood, etc. Obviously you need cabinets, a sink, a faucet, countertops, etc. for a functional kitchen. But make sure to check in with yourself, your spouse, and your budget from time to time.
Instagram makes it look like these major renovations happen overnight, and that’s just not true. There’s planning and budgeting that goes into a remodel, and if the price of something isn’t sitting right with you, get multiple quotes. It’s okay to take your time deciding on design / appliances. The worst thing you can do for yourself and your marriage is blow through your budget on things that aren’t that important.
We take our time with our projects because:
1) We only pay cash for renovations. I personally find it hard to justify taking out a loan for a kitchen remodel. This is just my opinion, but having monthly payment for a kitchen renovation would just stress me outtttt!
2) I need time to process how the design looks in real life. I can mock it up as much as I want, but it always looks different in person!
Stay tuned for the final reveal! 🙂
Read about everything we did to make our kitchen more functional here!
Hi—you said you had to put a post in your island in the kitchen but I don’t see it. We’ve run into an issue with goofy walls that evidently nobody has seen before and to get two small load bearing walls would be $20k and major construction. We could put a pole in and solve the problem, but it’s right in the middle of open concept. I think it will make our house unsellable. Would LOVE to see how you did it. You have the best taste!
Beautiful kitchen! Are the cabinets Kraftmaid Barley? And what door style are they? I have been working with a Home Depot designer and love your kitchen!
They are Kraftmaid distressed husk stain on maple wood! It’s beautiful! The style is Ellery I believe. We ordered from Home Depot too.
Hey I love your white and wooden kitchen cabinets and I want to get the same ones! Can you send me a link to the ones you purchased?
Oh Nevermind, I see your other comment to someone else 😆 love these!!
haha good! yes they are beautiful in person!
Hi! Such a beautiful space!!! Did I miss where you said your floors were from? Also, do you have a microwave, and if so where? Thanks!
Thank you! You didn’t miss it, and I just added the flooring info to the post. 🙂 It is Malibu Wide Plank Hardwood in Point Reyes French Oak from Home Depot. I didn’t include it in the kitchen cost because we installed it throughout our entire main level!
Side note about the flooring – it is worth it. It’s so durable and perfect for toddlers and puppies. 🙂
The microwave is a drawer style microwave in a lower cabinet on the fridge wall. It wasn’t installed when I took these photos – but I’ll be sharing an updated post in a couple weeks and I’ll include a picture of it then!
Reading the blog on kitchen renovation costs was like witnessing a magic trick – they made the dollars disappear faster than my snacks during a Netflix binge. I’m now considering turning my kitchen into a museum – ‘The Empty Wallet Exhibit.’ #KitchenGoneBankrupt
Hey! I just wanna ask if it’s cool for me to show my in-laws this article because they dream of upgrading their kitchen next year. You were thoughtful enough to advise us on the cost of decorative glass for a renovation project. I just hope they hire the right contractor for the task.
I loved this blog post and your photos! What a stunning reveal. There’s nothing like freshening up my kitchen to kick off the new year. I love my new cabinet painting. Thanks for the inspiration I found from your website.
What color are the white kitchen cabinets? Also, what color did you paint the kitchen walls? I absolutely love your kitchen!!
Dove white by Kraftmaid and the walls are Chantilly Lace by Benjamin Moore!
Hi! What is the name of the quartz you used? It all looks gorgeous!
I don’t know, it’s from a local vendor outside of Knoxville!
This article was so helpful! My husband and I are in the process of starting our kitchen remodel and are trying to come up with a rough budget, so we don’t accidentally overspend. Your experience gave me a lot to think about and consider. Luckily my husband is handy and will do most of it on his own, but we considering hiring a professional for cabinet painting. That will probably be our big splurge. Exciting stuff!!
We are starting to remodel our kitchen, and this post is super helpful. We are going through our to-do list and budget and once our dumpster rental gets here next week we will get started!