What Will It Cost To Remodel My Kitchen?
At White Crane Construction, after remodeling homes for 20 years, we’ve found there isn’t an instant formula to determine what a major remodeling project will cost. However, according to a 2022 Cost vs. Value report, a major kitchen remodel with mid-range to upscale finishes by a professional remodeler in the Twin Cities costs on average $79,900 – $155,900.
Why does it cost this much you ask? The devil is in the details! Let’s look at how the report describes a major kitchen remodel with upscale finishes. We should also consider necessary work not usually highlighted in remodeling stories that contributes to the total cost.
Significant expenses in a major kitchen remodel come from gutting the room down to the studs and sub-flooring while bringing the structure, insulation, electrical, and plumbing up to current building code requirements (for example: additional dedicated and arc faulted circuit breakers, air gap at dishwasher, makeup air for high-velocity vent hood, etc.). In older houses, plumbing supply lines & drains are replaced with superior materials, and electrical panels are expanded or replaced for the added circuit requirements.
Then we move on to the cost of finishes, fixtures, and appliances. This report used the following as a benchmark:
– 200-square-foot kitchen with 30 linear feet of top-of-the-line custom white cabinets with built-in sliding shelves and other interior accessories
– Stone countertops with imported ceramic- or glass-tile backsplash
– Built-in refrigerator, commercial-grade cooktop and vent hood, wall oven, and built-in microwave unit
– High-end undermount sink with designer faucets and water filtration system
– General and task lighting, including low-voltage under-cabinet lights
– Install tile or similar flooring that looks like or is wood
– Paint the walls
All of these factors drive the cost of a kitchen remodel.
Homeowners can bring costs down by choosing finishes carefully; there are a multitude of products available that are both beautiful and cost-sensitive. These products can be found in flooring, tile, cabinet details, plumbing & light fixtures, as well as appliances and will lower the cost of your kitchen. If you are not a professional cook, you may not want to spend the big bucks on a commercial-grade cooktop, hood, and built-in refrigerator. Do you need double wall ovens or are you in good shape with a built-in oven under the cooktop? Would a microwave vent hood over the stove work well for your family; another cost-saving option.
You can also save money in your remodeling budget by taking on the wall and ceiling painting yourself. However, all other trade work should be done by professionals with advanced skill sets to get the job done right.
Here is where not to skimp: quality counts both in products and execution if you are going to make the investment make it count! Kitchen remodels are both expensive and generally outstanding investments in your home. According to the report, 60% of your investment is recouped within 1 year and increases per year of use. The reality is your home is not only an investment but also the place where we spend a lot of time with family. In addition to considering cost, you should also consider the way your family uses the space when remodeling your home.
How would a new kitchen impact your life? At White Crane, one of our designers work closely with you to ensure you’re not over (or under) designing your new kitchen to work with your lifestyle, and then they stay engaged with you throughout the entire remodel process to make sure everything gets done as you expected. Contact us for a free consultation. At White Crane, we call this “Harmony by Design”.
Are you trying to figure out how you will finance your Kitchen remodel?
Take a look at our article How Will I Pay For My Remodel? featuring four options for financing your home remodeling project.
Looking for more on the remodeling process? Follow along as we remodel this Minneapolis kitchen, bath, and master suite!