Kitchen: How to Budget for Your Next Remodel

by Ellen Garcia 01/20/2022

The kitchen is the heart of the home, and transforming your kitchen into the one that you have always wanted is likely a dream come true. While you will surely enjoy the hours you spend selecting new cabinets or choosing a stone for your countertop, you also will need to keep in mind your budget.

These tips will help you create a realistic budget that will guide your decisions as you bring your new kitchen to life:

Define the Scope of Your Project Before Setting a Budget

There are a lot of ways to tackle a kitchen renovation. You could simply focus on refinishing your cabinets and replacing your countertops in order to get a fresh look for a lower cost. Or, you could gut your kitchen and redesign the footprint entirely. The best thing you can do first, however, is define the scope of your project before you create a budget. That will allow you to account for every cost and helps you define you timeline as well.

Identify How Much Money You are Willing to Spend

Once you have a basic understanding of what will need to be done during your kitchen remodel, you can establish a price point that you are comfortable with. A kitchen renovation could run anywhere from $20,000 to $100,000, so it's important that you find a price point that works for you.

Set Aside an Emergency Fund for Those Unexpected Expenses

No matter how much planning you do in advance, there are likely going to be some unexpected expenses throughout your kitchen remodel. It's a good idea to set aside some funds from your budget for those surprise moments, as this will help you to navigate through those challenges with ease. With an emergency fund set aside, you can start your kitchen remodel with confidence, knowing that you are ready to face anything that happens along the way.

It's important to remember that the average cost for a kitchen renovation can vary significantly based on the project and even the location of your house. Whether you are going for a mid-range upgrade or a luxury overhaul, it's important that you identify the budget that is right for you and your household and stick to it as best you can. That way, you will enjoy the result with no regrets.

About the Author
Author

Ellen Garcia

Ellen Garcia Broker, GRI, SRS, ABR, RSPS, SRES, RENE, MRP, LRS, LSE, LSS, AHWD, e-PROÒ Ellen believes that listening and understanding her clients' needs are the foundation of a successful business partnership. Her knowledge of the many unique communities in Fairfield County is an invaluable asset to clients new to the area, and she is able to help anyone moving to, from or within Fairfield County make an easier transition into a new home and community. For clients who are preparing to sell their homes, Ellen offers her first-hand knowledge of how to leverage the strength of a "brand" in showcasing and marketing their properties. Ellen offers a powerful advantage in bringing her skills and resources to work for her clients. With over 10 years, of full-time experience in the real estate industry, she is well-versed in the Fairfield County real estate market. Ellen has successfully completed: · Over 130 closed sales and rental transactions · Representing a dollar volume of over $65 million Ellen’s people skills lead the way in building a strong network to assist and support her clients in achieving their goals through every step of the real estate process: · Negotiations both local and global · New business development (sales & marketing) · Creative problem solving · Building partnerships · Tapping into Halstead Property’s network of 1100 agents in NYC and Lower Fairfield County Her career in Real Estate has been recognized with many awards including: "Agent of the Year” for Halstead Property Wilton and "Most Closed Sale and Listing Transactions” numerous times. Within Connecticut, Ellen has been recognized over the past several years as a "Connecticut Magazine 5 Star Realtor”. Awards 2016 & 2014 AGENT OF THE YEAR – HALSTEAD WILTON – HIGHEST GROSS SALES 2016 - 2011 CONNECTICUT MAGAZINE 5-STAR REALTOR AWARD 2016 - 2013 MOST CLOSED LISTINGS – Wilton Office 2016, 2014 - 2012 MOST CLOSED SALES – Wilton Office 2016, 2015, 2014 HALSTEAD PROPERTY PRESIDENT’S COUNCIL 2013, 2012 & 2011 HALSTEAD PROPERTY DIRECTOR’S COUNCIL 2014 HALSTEAD – PLATINUM CIRCLE 2016 HALSTEAD - GOLD CIRCEL 2015, 2013 HALSTEAD – SILVER CIRCLE 2007 COUNTRY LIVING ASSOCIATES OUTSTANDING RELOCATION SPECIALIST PRESIDENT'S AWARD (2005, 2006 & 2007). Leading Real Estate Companies of the World PREMIER CLUB – SILVER AWARD FOR REFERRAL ACHIEVEMENT (2006) Sales Associates Recognition Program Professional Associations: · Connecticut Association of Realtors (CAR) · National Association of Realtors (NAR) · Consolidated Multiple Listing Service (CMLS) · Connecticut State-wide MLS (CTMLS) · Mid-Fairfield County Association of Realtors (MFCAR) · Senior Advantage Real Estate Council (SAREC) · Real Estate Buyer’s Agent Council (REBAC) · Seller’s Representative Specialist Council (SRS) · e-PRO Professional Designations: · BROKER · ABR (Accredited Buyer Representative) · SRS (Seller’s Representative Specialist) · RENE (Real Estate Negotiation Expert) · GRI (Graduate Realtor Institute) · RSPS (Resort and Second Property Specialist) · MRP (Military Relocation Professional) · SRES (Seniors Real Estate Specialist) · LRS (LeadingRE Relocation Specialist) · LSS (LeadingRE Sales Specialist) · LSE (LeadingRE Service Expert) · AHWD (At Home with Diversity: One America) · REALTOR e-PRO · CONNECTICUT TRUST FOR HISTORIC PRESERVATION