How much is it going to cost? This inevitably comes up during an initial consultation for a remodeling project, and is important to address. As an architect, I usually provide ballpark ranges early on in the process to ensure that everyone is on the same page and that the scope of work we are talking about is realistic for the budget the homeowner has in mind. A more detailed construction estimate comes later, once a design has been completed.
Let’s look at remodeling a kitchen as an example. The ranges below are based on my experience as an architect and a builder in the Louisville, Kentucky, area. Of course, these costs will vary based on locale; a kitchen remodel tends to be more expensive in large metropolitan areas, less expensive in smaller towns and rural areas, and comparable in other midsize cities.
Check out the Houzz Real Cost Finder for info from more than 100,000 homeowners in the U.S. — and make sure you talk with local architects, designers and contractors to get estimates based on building costs in your region and the type of kitchen project you’re doing.
2. Renovation: $15,000 to $35,000. This scope would allow for all of the above plus new cabinets and possibly some changes to the room’s shell, such as removing soffits, relocating lighting or adding a skylight. It may include new flooring or replacing a window within an existing opening. But as with the first category, this budget assumes that the major features will stay in place and that the floor plan will not be dramatically altered.
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What’s great about this kitchen? Foremost, the window and the tree. How different would this space feel if there were a solid wall at the end?
Costs will vary widely
Obviously the categories above are broad, and the project cost will vary widely depending on location, scope, how much help you need and the finishes you choose, but they can be useful as you start weighing what is important to you.
Having realistic expectations of how much your dream kitchen is going to cost, and adjusting your scope accordingly, will make for a more enjoyable and successful project regardless of your budget.