What Drives the Cost of a Kitchen Remodel

A kitchen remodel is one of the most expensive home improvement projects, but it’s also one of the most worthwhile. For many families, the kitchen is one of the most heavily used rooms in the house. It’s where you prepare and eat your meals. It’s where your family and friends will congregate at parties and gatherings. When you have a beautiful, functional kitchen that aligns with the way you use the space, it can significantly elevate your enjoyment of your home.

There are many factors that will impact the cost of your kitchen remodel. Understanding these factors before you start planning the project will help you make decisions that will keep the final cost within your budget while delivering results that you’ll love for years to come.

The Scope of the Project

The scope of your kitchen remodel has the biggest impact on your total cost. A cosmetic update that keeps your existing layout and only replaces surface-level elements, such as paint, hardware and light fixtures, is typically the least expensive type of project. A remodel that only updates certain major elements of the kitchen will typically cost less than a full renovation that touches every surface. Full renovations typically include new cabinetry, countertops, flooring and appliances.

Full renovations are typically the most expensive because they result in much more involved projects. They take longer to complete, which increases labor costs. When additional specialists such as plumbers and electricians are required, it adds to the overall cost. Full renovations also typically require more materials to make your desired changes, which will contribute to the overall cost of the project.

Changes to the Kitchen’s Layout

The layout you choose for your new kitchen affects your total cost. Relocating a sink, range or island requires moving the plumbing, gas or electrical lines that serve it. Keeping your appliances and fixtures in their current locations avoids this work entirely. When lines need to move, a licensed plumber or electrician has to reroute them to the new location, which adds labor costs beyond what installation alone would require. In some cases, moving a line also means cutting into your existing floor or wall to access it, which adds demolition and repair work to the project. The more your new layout differs from your current one, the more of this specialized work your remodel requires.

Material and Finish Selections

The materials and finishes you choose can significantly impact the total cost of your kitchen remodel, and this is often where you have the most control over your final budget.

While cabinetry typically represents the largest single expense in a kitchen remodel, you have a wide range of options regarding quality. This allows you to select a cabinet tier that aligns with your budget:

• Stock cabinets are mass produced in standard sizes and shipped ready to install, which keeps both material and labor costs lower. Sticking to standard sizes limits how far you can customize your design.
• Semi-custom cabinets allow you to adjust the height, depth or storage features to fit your space. This requires additional manufacturing time and raises the price.
• Fully custom cabinets are built from scratch to your exact specifications, which requires a cabinetmaker to design, build and finish each piece individually. This level of craftsmanship takes longer to produce and install, resulting in both higher labor and material costs.

Your choice of kitchen countertop material also affects the final cost of the remodel project. Natural stone countertops such as granite and quartz have to be measured on site, cut to the exact dimensions at a fabrication facility, and installed by a specialized crew due to their weight. Stone is also a much more expensive material, which figures into the total cost.

Flooring material also impacts the total cost of the project. Materials such as vinyl or laminate install quickly with fewer specialized tools, while materials such as tile or hardwood require more time and skilled labor to install correctly. The condition of your existing subfloor can also add to the cost, since a subfloor that isn’t level or has sustained damage needs to be repaired before new flooring goes down, regardless of which material you choose.

Fixtures such as faucets, cabinet hardware and lighting carry smaller individual costs, but the finish level and brand you select for each one still contributes to the total cost of your kitchen remodel. A higher-end faucet or designer light fixture costs more to purchase than a standard option. Some lighting choices, such as recessed or under-cabinet lighting, require additional installation labor even when no electrical lines are being relocated.

Appliances

The appliances you select affect your total cost through both purchase price and installation requirements. Standard appliances are designed to sit next to your cabinetry as freestanding units, and they are typically the most affordable option. Built-in and integrated appliances are designed to fit flush within your cabinetry for a more seamless look. This fit requires your cabinets to be built or modified to the exact dimensions of the appliance. That precise fit increases the cost of your cabinetry beyond what standard appliance spacing requires.

In addition, high-end appliance models also use higher-grade materials and more advanced features. These upgrades increase their purchase price compared to standard models.

Contractor Selection

Different contractors charge different labor rates, and this can significantly impact the final cost. An established contractor with a strong track record often charges more per hour than a newer or less experienced contractor. This higher rate is often worth the cost, since a more established contractor typically has more experience performing kitchen remodels. They will be more likely to understand how to navigate the potential challenges that may arise during the project, and this experience can often deliver a better outcome.

Sander & Sons Can Bring Your Vision to Life

If you’re considering a kitchen remodel, Sander & Sons can bring your vision to life. We’ve been providing custom kitchen design and remodel services in the Denver area for 30 years, and we have the experience necessary to create a beautiful, functional space that will elevate the enjoyment of your home for years to come. As your dedicated kitchen remodel partner, we’re committed to providing the thoughtful recommendations, quality workmanship and exceptional customer experience you expect from a remodel project.

Our team will work closely with you to understand your specific goals and vision. This helps us make design recommendations that address your unique needs and ensure the space functions the way you want it to. We offer a wide range of premium products at an affordable prices, so you can achieve quality, long-lasting results at great value. In addition, we work with an extensive network of contractors, designers and builders, allowing us to coordinate the entire project for you so that you enjoy a hassle free experience.

Contact us today to schedule a consultation. Sander & Sons serves clients in Denver and the surrounding areas.

Kitchen Remodel Cost FAQs

What factors affect the cost of a kitchen remodel?

The scope of your project, changes to your kitchen’s layout, the materials and finishes you select, your choice of appliances, and the contractor you hire all affect your total cost. Each factor can impact your budget independently of the others.

Does changing my kitchen’s layout increase the cost of a remodel?

In most instances, changing your kitchen’s layout will result in a more expensive remodel. Relocating a sink, range or island requires moving the plumbing, gas or electrical lines that serve it. A licensed plumber or electrician has to reroute those lines, which adds to your labor costs.

Why does cabinetry typically cost more than other parts of a kitchen remodel?

Cabinetry involves more individual pieces than any other element in a kitchen remodel. The components of a cabinet include the cabinet boxes, doors, drawers and hardware and accessories, and cabinets are often installed in many areas of your kitchen. Building and installing this many individual components requires more material and more labor hours than a single countertop or floor installation.

Does the contractor I hire affect the cost of my kitchen remodel?

Contractors set their own labor rates, and an established contractor with a strong track record typically charges more per hour than a newer contractor. Most contractors utilize subcontractors for specialized trades like plumbing and electrical work, and coordinating those subs to keep your project on track may add to the cost.