Remodeling a kitchen can be time-consuming and costly, but it pays off. If you upgrade your kitchen, you’ll increase the property value of your entire home and enhance your quality of life.
One of the main reasons homeowners postpone a kitchen remodel is the price. Fortunately, there are many ways to cut costs and do low budget kitchen remodel.
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What Is A Good Budget For A Kitchen Remodel?
The national budget to remodel an average-sized kitchen is $11,700-$35,000, with the average being around $23,000.
Homeowners can expect they’ll need approximately $130-$140 per square foot.
As you can see, the price range is quite wide. This is because the final budget needed for a kitchen remodel depends on a number of factors, including materials, labor costs, the overall condition of the kitchen, potential repairs, etc.
For example, minor kitchen remodels usually involve focusing on one or two specific issues. Homeowners can upgrade appliances, apply a fresh coat of paint, or install new lighting fixtures.
Minor remodels can also include the whole kitchen but choosing inexpensive materials. This type of remodel is usually around $9,000-$18,500 for an average-sized kitchen.
Major kitchen remodels with high-quality materials can have a budget of up to $65,000. They can include adding smart, energy-efficient appliances, custom cabinets, a coffee station, new flooring, or a kitchen island.
Did you know? If you want a total makeover, i.e., change your kitchen’s layout, you may need up to $75,000. Those who want high-end materials and appliances should be have a budget of more than $100,000 for the kitchen remodel.
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Budget Kitchen Remodel Cost Breakdown
It’s hard to discuss the average budget for a kitchen remodel because they depend on so many factors. We’ve prepared a detailed kitchen remodel cost breakdown to help homeowners visualize and understand their potential expenses.
We’ve used a $25,000 budget for a kitchen remodel as an example.
| Elements | Percentage | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Cabinets | 28% | $7,000 |
| Installation and Labor | 18% | $4,500 |
| Appliances | 15% | $3,750 |
| Countertops and Backsplashes | 11% | $2,750 |
| Floors | 7% | $1,750 |
| Lighting | 5% | $1,250 |
| Painting and Drywall | 5% | $1,250 |
| Windows and Doors | 4% | $1,000 |
| Plumbing | 3% | $750 |
| Design | 3% | $750 |
| Miscellaneous | 1% | $250 |
Cabinets
Cabinets are the most expensive part of a kitchen remodel and take up around 28 percent of the total budget. So, if your budget is $25,000, you’ll need approximately $7,000 for the cabinets.
If you want to save money here, it’s best to look for stock cabinets, which cost between $90 and $270 per linear foot.
The most expensive option is custom cabinets, which are made specifically for your kitchen and can cost more than $1,000 per linear foot.
Labor and Installation
The next item on the list is labor and installation costs, which account for approximately 18 percent of the total budget.
In our $25,000 budget example, labor and installation costs for the kitchen remodel would be around $4,500.
Homeowners who want to save money on these costs can do some of the work themselves. However, this is only recommended for those with experience. You could damage some of the elements or materials or injure yourself if installation is done improperly.
To reduce the budget on remodeling labor and installation costs, get quotes from multiple contractors and choose the best option.
Of course, it’s not only about the price; you want to ensure the contractor you hire does a great job.
Appliances
Appliances account for approximately 15 percent of the total kitchen remodel budget.
In our example, appliances would cost around $3,750.
Keep in mind that you can spend much less or much more on appliances, depending on what you want to purchase.
If the existing appliances are in good condition and fit into your new kitchen, use them.
If you’re purchasing new appliances, try to find more affordable models to cut costs. You can also buy secondhand or find them on clearance.
Countertops and Backsplashes
Countertops and backsplashes are the next item on the list, and they take up about 11 percent of the budget, i.e., $2,750.
Of course, the price largely depends on the materials you choose.
As with cabinets, it’s best to go with stock countertops and backsplashes, as they are the most affordable option.
Flooring
Flooring accounts for approximately 7 percent of the total kitchen remodel budget, which is $1,750 in our example.
If you go with high-end materials, flooring can cost much more.
Other Costs
Lighting and painting and drywall are the next two categories on the list, and each takes up 5 percent of the budget. Then we have doors and windows at 4 percent and plumbing and design at 3 percent each.
Pro Tip: The remaining 1 percent of your kitchen remodeling budget can go to accessories, decoration, or anything else you’d like to add to your kitchen.
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What Is The Cheapest Way To Update A Kitchen?
You can change your kitchen’s appearance without spending a fortune. Here are a few helpful suggestions:
Refresh Your Cabinets
High-quality cabinets can last for decades.
If the cabinets in your kitchen aren’t severely damaged, you can refresh them instead of buying new ones. This can save you a lot of money, especially if you need custom cabinets to fit your kitchen.
You can apply a new coat of paint, reface the cabinets, replace the hardware, or add new shelves.
Fix the Appliances
Appliances are a big expense.
Instead of throwing away malfunctioning appliances, try to fix them. These days, you can find numerous YouTube videos that explain how to fix dishwashers, microwaves, coffee makers, and ovens.
Of course, be very careful when working with appliances. If you can’t fix them, call a family member or a friend who could help.
If this doesn’t work either, reach out to a handyman. Chances are the issue is minor, and you could save hundreds of dollars.
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Do the Work Yourself
As mentioned, around 18 percent of your total kitchen remodeling budget goes to labor and installation costs. You can reduce these expenses by doing some of the work on your own.
Depending on your skills, you could paint the kitchen, install cabinets, tiles, or flooring, replace outlets, or upgrade hardware.
Stick With the Existing Layout
Changing your kitchen’s existing layout is a sure way to bump up the kitchen remodeling costs.
If you want to save thousands of dollars, consider keeping the existing layout. You can redirect your money toward updating your cabinets, appliances, or flooring so that the kitchen still gets a fresh look.
IKEA Offers A Budget Friendly Kitchen Renovation
A typical IKEA kitchen costs anywhere between $5,800 and $18,800. The total costs depend on the selected cabinets, size of your kitchen, countertops, and appliances.
You can save money if you install the kitchen yourself.
IKEA employees can install your kitchen, but keep in mind that the installation costs are usually around 50 percent of the price of the entire kitchen remodel budget.
For example, if a kitchen costs $4,000, you’ll pay approximately $2,000 for the assembly and installation.
If you lack experience, it may be best to let a professional handle the installation to avoid damage or injuries.
How To Remodel A Kitchen On A Budget
Although it may not seem like much, even a $5,000 budget can be enough to remodel your kitchen.
Before moving on to the actual suggestions, remember that prioritizing is key.
Focus on the elements that absolutely require a replacement. This could be floors, appliances, lighting, countertops, etc.
Moreover, pay attention to the price of the materials and appliances. Look for discounts and shop the clearance section.
Here are some ideas:
Apply a Fresh Coat of Paint
You can make your kitchen look completely different with a fresh coat of paint.
The best part is that you can do it yourself, so you can save money on labor costs.
Install New Inexpensive Flooring
One of the most noticeable parts of every kitchen is flooring. You can replace old floors with budget friendly materials such as vinyl or laminate flooring.
Some of the flooring brands offer DIY friendly flooring options, so you can save on the cost of professional installation.
Upgrade Appliances
You can use your kitchen remodeling budget to replace malfunctioning appliances. Not only will new appliances enhance your kitchen’s style, but they will also increase safety and energy efficiency.
Add New Lighting
Use lighting to emphasize different parts of your kitchen and create a unique atmosphere. Many homeowners like LED lighting because it looks great and it’s energy-efficient and durable.
You can always combine more items on this list to make the best use of your budget.
Budget Kitchen Renovation Is Possible
Extensive kitchen remodels cost thousands of dollars. If you want to change your kitchen’s layout or install custom cabinets, you should be prepared to spend a significant amount of money.
However, if you keep the existing layout, choose more affordable materials, and purchase stock cabinets or reface the existing ones, you can save thousands of dollars.
Plus, remember that details mean a lot; you can give your kitchen a makeover with a few effective accessories or lighting fixtures.
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