In the first two articles of,
How Much Should I Expect to Spend On Remodeling My Kitchen?, we covered two main points:
1. To gain the most value from your investment you should expect to invest between 10-20% of the value of your home on your kitchen. Start by setting your initial budget at 15% of the value of your home. Then increase or decrease your budget as desired to within the 10-20% range.
2. In most cases maintaining the existing floor plan will result in a cost savings. The drawback is that you are limited to the existing floor plan. If the utilities lines, windows and doors need to be replaced then the additional cost to place the new items in a different location is just the incremental cost. In this situation changing the floor plan could be very cost effective or provide even greater value.
Choosing Kitchen Components
In this segment we’ll discuss the next consideration – determining the price-quality category of the kitchen components – cabinetry, appliances, plumbing fixtures, counter tops, tiles, flooring, lighting and all the individual items that create your kitchen.
No matter what your budget you want to receive the most value for your money. Remember that price is just one part of the equation. Look for products that are of higher quality, have good customer reviews and good repair records. Then consider the quality of the installation service and overall customer service. A low price is no bargain if the product is of poor quality and the customer service is lacking. Your overall budget will determine the target price range, which determines the quality range and available features.
In this segment one of most important things to remember is that is important to purchase all of the products within the same price -quality categories. Your kitchen will only be as good as the weakest link. If you install stock cabinetry, low-end appliances and then install top of the line granite for the countertops you’re wasting your money. People will heavily discount the high-end granite and focus on the weaker points of your kitchen. This would be similar to wearing flip flops with a designer suit. When you purchase all of the products within the same price-quality categories you are maintaining a consistent price-quality point that is appropriate for the value of your home. When this occurs all of the components complement each other and create the most value for your money.
Modest budgets should consider stock cabinetry, moderately priced appliances, good quality floor covering and a laminate countertop.
Mid-range budgets should consider semi-custom cabinetry, mid priced appliances, better quality floor covering, laminate or solid surface countertops, like Dupont’s Corian. Custom cabinetry could also be appropriate.
Upper mid-range to high-end budgets should consider custom cabinetry, high-end kitchen appliances, best quality floor covering, granite countertops, high-end plumbing fixtures and quality lighting.
Your overall budget will determine which category to shop. Your local kitchen designer can help you make the appropriate selections for your budget – the budget that is appropriate for the value of your home.
TIPS
Shop at an appliance dealer that carries several different appliance brands. This will help you receive unbiased input from the appliance dealer.
When you’re comparison shopping be sure you are comparing apples-to-apples. Ask what items and features are included in your estimate.
Don’t forget to ask for estimates for the delivery and installation prices when you are receiving an estimate. You want to be able to determine the full price of your selection and avoid unpleasant surprises.
Get an estimate from a custom cabinetmaker. Don’t assume that custom cabinetry is too expensive. By design custom cabinetmakers are created to be flexible. Since custom cabinetmakers aren’t creating a stock product they have the efficient ability that allows them to meet many people’s budgets. Often times installation prices are lower for custom cabinetry since it was designed to fit a specific location in your home.
Use the
Superior Woodcraft Blog as a resource to preview appliances, plumbing fixtures, flooring and more.
Remember price is only one portion of the equation – when making your decisions focus on total value received and keep all selections within the same price-quality category.
Follow these 3 suggestions:
• Spend 10-20% of the value of your home when remodeling your kitchen. To start the processes choose 15%, the midpoint, and make needed adjustments within the 10-20% range.
• Determine if you gain the most value by maintaining the existing kitchen floor plan or if greater value can be achieved by altering the floor plan.
• Use your overall budget to determine your price-quality category for all kitchen components and make sure all selections are within the same price-quality category.
Following these suggestions and working with your local kitchen designer you are on your way to a successful and intelligent kitchen remodel that provides you with the most value and most satisfaction.
Related Articles:
Superior Woodcraft is a local custom cabinet maker from Doylestown, Pa - the heart of Bucks County.
Source:
Superior Woodcraft, Inc.
Superior Woodcraft Blog
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