What does a Kitchen Remodel Really Cost – How to Budget


What does a kitchen cost? You ultimately decide by the scope of your project, the products you select and the services you like.

At the outset of almost every project, the question our design team is always asked is “How much will this cost?”. Seems like a simple question, but there are many variables involved in arriving at a representative budget range for your Kitchen Remodel Project. The simple answer we provide to customers in our area is anywhere from $40,000 to $75,000+ depending on the size of the kitchen, if you are making any structural changes to your home, etc.

Every year, the NKBA (The National Kitchen and Bath Association) publishes a Kitchen Planner tool (See image right side) which outlines expected cost ranges for each component making up your kitchen remodel. These numbers are looked at on an annual basis and can help homeowners get an idea of what to budget for each area. The 3 – 4 components making up approximately 70% of your remodel costs include Installation (your contractor) (17%), Appliances (10%), Countertops (10%) and Cabinetry (29%). These ranges can vary depending on your personal tastes and what is important to you and your family as you start down the path of considering a remodel project. See chart below from NKBA Kitchen Planning Tool.

Money Magazine recently published an online article referencing this research as well. See link below.

http://time.com/money/3002828/kitchen-remodel-costs-estimate-budget/

Some additional friendly words of advice as you start the process:

  • Get a detailed, line item estimate from your contractor. Most contractors when providing an initial estimate will make allowances for unknown selections at the time of the initial bid. When you are comparing estimates these allowances most often will make up the pricing differences. Remember, you have control over the final cost of these allowances based on your actual selections.
  • Plan for unknowns. It is prudent to plan on 10% – 20% above your budget for unforeseen things that come up. Hidden construction defects that need to be addressed, that specialty finish, appliance or hardware that you really want, etc. It is ok to go slightly over your budget for something you truly value. You and your family will be enjoying the remodeled space for many years to come and the last thing you want to do is wish you had spent a little bit more to get what you really want.

Open House and Food Drive a Success!


This week, Diablo Valley Cabinetry hosted our annual Open House and Food Drive. We took an afternoon to spend time thanking all of our customers for their business and support during this past year. Everyone who stopped by was treated to snacks, sweets, and some good old conversation. If you weren’t able to come by, please let us thank you for your support and patronage; we appreciate every family who spends time with us.

This and next week, we have partnered with the Food Bank of Contra Costa to do our part in feeding some of the 130,000 hungry people in the Contra Costa area. If you would like to donate, please feel free to stop by our showroom in San Ramon, or drop off your donation to one of the many donation locations in Contra Costa and Solano Counties.


A Home Away From Home


No matter how perfect our home may be, sometimes it is too far from needed medical treatment. That is why Diablo Valley Cabinetry supports Family House… a home away from home.

Family House depends on continued donations in order to provide free accommodations, food and support for the families of children receiving treatment for life threatening illnesses at UCSF Medical Center.

http://familyhouseinc.org/?p=home


Serving the Community Together


December is a special time because we have a sense of wrapping up the calendar year at work while gearing up for the holidays. This year, as part of our holiday activities, we decided Diablo Valley Cabinetry would sponsor a food drive. Thanks to the participation of many of the contractors and manufacturer representatives with whom we do business, we were able to make a nice donation to the Contra Costa Solano Food Bank. Many thanks to all who participated and Happy Holidays to all!

www.foodbankccs.org


Cost vs. Value of Remodeling


If you are concerned about investing money in remodeling your current home, here are a few things to consider:

1) What is the current value of your home as it is?

2) What is the estimated increased value of the remodel project? (see link below)

3) Will remodeling your home enhance your quality of life?

The following link is a report that shows the cost vs. value of remodeling in the San Francisco Bay Area for 2011-12: http://www.remodeling.hw.net/2011/costvsvalue/division/pacific/city/san-francisco–ca.aspx

If the estimated increased value doesn’t convince you it would be worthwhile to remodel your home, then also consider the years of increased quality of life you will enjoy once your project is completed. Perhaps an updated kitchen will make entertaining family and friends more fun, or a newly designed bathroom will make space for that soaking tub you’ve always wanted. All the value should not be measured in terms of dollars alone.