Kitchen Remodeling Budget and Design

Kitchen remodeling is one of the most popular home improvement projects and is an excellent investment.  However, before diving into a large kitchen remodel, carefully consider both budget and design. 

When planning your initial kitchen remodel budget, it is useful to allocate 40-50% of your budget for cabinets, 20-30% for appliances, 20-25% for countertops, 10-15% for flooring, and 5-15% for lighting.  The primary material costs include cabinets, counters, appliances and floors, with lighting, paint, and accents topping it off.  Keep in mind that designers usually charge $50-$150+ per hour, so plan your budget accordingly if you plan to hire professional design help.

A well-designed kitchen will have a smooth work-flow between the stove, the sink, and the refrigerator.  Always remember that the size of the kitchen size is only as important as its ease of use, so be sure to pair design and functionality together.  A huge kitchen that is awkward to use is less valuable in the long run than a smaller, more functional kitchen.

Lighting is another key component to good kitchen design.  The three types of lighting are general lighting, task lighting, and accent (or ambient) lighting.  A good kitchen design will strive to balance the general lighting and task lighting in order to fully illuminate the room while avoiding harsh shadows or glares.  Don't forget to include accent lighting as well to set he mood of the room. 

Cabinets are a huge part of any kitchen.  Not only do they provide essential storage, but they also shape the kitchen and contribute significantly to its overall style.  Cabinets come in three basic types:  stock, semi-custom and custom.  Stock cabinets are the least expensive, are manufactured in bulk, and are available in a variety of sizes and colors. They're a good basic choice available in most home improvement stores, but may not provide an absolutely perfect fit an a unique home.  Compared to stock cabinets, semi-custom cabinets are available in a wider variety of styles, use higher quality materials, are made to order, and generally have a more precise fit in the kitchen.  Custom cabinets are top of the line.  They are the most expensive, but are made from the highest quality materials, come in almost limitless styles, and are custom-crafted onsite by a skilled carpenter.  

A detailed plan is important for any kitchen remodel.  Decide whether you want to hire a professional designer or choose your own designs, choose a cabinet distributor or home center, and put plenty of thought into your budget.  You may deviate from the plan, but this crucial step will save you time during the process.