Budget Basics: Breaking Down the Cost of a New Kitchen

There are hundreds of people in Boston and throughout New England who wish they had a new kitchen. We spend a lot of time in the kitchen. It’s a gathering place, or if it’s not you probably wish it was. Yet many people live with their old kitchen for lots of different reasons. The most common reasons I hear are:

I can’t afford a new kitchen.
I’m afraid to deal with contractors and a remodeling project
I don’t know where to start.

As a kitchen designer, I can tell you that doing a budget for your kitchen is the first place to start. How do you know you can’t afford something until you’ve looked at what it might cost? On the flip side, even if money isn’t an issue, it’s never wise to jump into a project before you fully understand its scope, and that includes its cost.

Here’s a way to get started on the budget:

1. Create a list of everything you want in your kitchen:

New appliances New cabinets

Countertops Floors

Sink and Fixtures A different flow/floorplan

More space New windows

A desk A seating area

A breakfast bar New Lighting/More Lighting

Gas/Electric

2. Prioritize the things on your list.

3. Get some help from a kitchen designer to design the kitchen and price the items based on the things you’ve decided you want, in the order you want them.

4. Scale your project down to fit what you can afford, or embrace new ideas your designer brings to the table.

5. Secure your financing.

6. Hire your team.

7. Do it!

NOTE: If the budget numbers look too high, and you have pared back as far as you want to go, you can always consider tackling your kitchen remodel in steps. Start with the new cabinets and countertops, wait for sales or national financing specials to secure your appliances, add on as your budget allows.

Many homeowners are surprised to find they can actually afford to do a kitchen remodel on a “pay as you go plan.” Home Improvement loans are another popular option for homeowners who have equity in their homes and who want to tap some of it to update the kitchen or add on.

Remember, it’s not all expense, expense, expense. Newer, energy saving appliances that can be purchased today can save you money every month over older appliances. That’s something to consider when putting together your budget and prioritizing your needs.

Beyond appliances, cabinets can make the most dramatic change to an existing kitchen. As a Kemper dealer, I see many kitchens transformed with new cabinets, and these days, it’s surprisingly affordable to do. New cabinets give instant new life to an old kitchen. Kemper offers a huge selection of styles and finishes, you can personalize your kitchen with cabinets.

There is a wide range of pricing when it comes to surfaces, and with warehouse stores and specials, homeowners can find good deals on tile or granite or eco friendly surfaces for the kitchen. Your kitchen designer or general contractor may also be able to access special discounts that you can’t get on your own.

If you need to open your kitchen by taking out walls or adding on, construction costs can add up fast. A kitchen designer can help you determine whether or not you need to blow out the back of your house or simply reconfigure the space you already have.

For more information about kitchen design in Northern Massachusetts or Southern New Hampshire, contact Ron Boivin with Ron’s Kitchen Designs. From Stoneham and Ipswich to Plaistow and Kingston, Ron’s Kitchen Designs is the premier choice for creative kitchen design and quality kitchen remodels.