A kitchen remodel is an exciting project that can transform the look and feel of your home. However, it can also be a significant investment. Understanding where your money goes during a kitchen remodel can help you budget effectively and prioritize what’s most important to you. In this blog post, we will explore the most expensive part of a kitchen remodel.

Cost Components of a Kitchen Remodel

The cost of a kitchen remodel can vary greatly depending on the size of your kitchen, the quality of materials, and whether you’re changing the layout or keeping it the same. However, certain aspects tend to be more costly than others. Here are the key areas where your budget will be spent:

1. Cabinets: Cabinets often account for a large portion of a kitchen remodel budget. High-quality cabinets are not cheap, but they are the main priority in a kitchen remodel and the basis for the whole project. Cabinets can vary in grade and quality significantly. Although they are expensive, this is the most important part of the whole project. Cabinets are going to be what you use on a daily basis and this is one area where you do not want to opt for the cheapest option.

2. Appliances: Upgrading appliances is another major cost in many kitchen remodels. If you’re opting for high-end appliances like professional-grade stoves or smart refrigerators, expect these items to take up a significant chunk of your budget.

3. Countertops: Countertops are another big-ticket item in many kitchen remodels, especially if you’re opting for high-end materials like granite or quartz.

The Most Expensive Part – Cabinets

Out of all these components, cabinets  are be the most expensive part of a kitchen remodel. According to HomeAdvisor, new cabinets typically account for about 30% – 35% of the total budget. On an average kitchen remodel, we see them come in anywhere from $18,000 – $25,000.

Why Are Cabinets So Expensive?

Cabinets are one of those elements that combine both function and aesthetics in equal measure. They provide essential storage space, help to maintain an organized kitchen, and significantly contribute to the overall look and feel of the room.

Durability is another major factor of the cabinets. The good ones are built to last – being constructed out of solid plywood and having a rock solid paint or stain finish that won’t fade over time. It can be tempting to pick a lower quality cabinet to save on cost, however, we do not recommend taking this route as cheaper cabinets won’t last anywhere near as long as a quality cabinet. We’ve seen homeowners try to take this route and 1-2 years later their cabinets are falling apart and they essentially wasted their money.

Additionally, even though most cabinets are produced in factories, they are often all hand assembled for the most part. There are a lot of complexities in a cabinet and each kitchen has to be ordered to a unique set of measurements and specifications. Custom production is the primary factor that makes all cabinets expensive (except the cheap ones that come in 3 sizes from the big box stores).

How to Save Money on Kitchen Cabinets

While cabinets can be expensive, there are ways to save money without compromising on quality or aesthetics.

1. Refacing/painting: If your existing cabinets are still in good shape but just need a facelift, consider refacing them instead of replacing them entirely. This involves replacing only the doors and drawer fronts and applying a new veneer over the existing cabinet boxes. We only recommend this option if homeowners don’t plan on staying for the long term. It can be a nice facelift but ultimately will not increase the quality of the cabinets or their functionality/layout.

2. Finance. We know that a kitchen remodel is a major investment. A great option is to spread the cost out over time and take the stress out of the remodel. We offer multiple financing options and can help you find the option that best suites your needs. While you’re not “saving” money, you will break the cost out into more manageable payments over time that can allow you to get the kitchen you deserve.

3. Don’t even remodel. Yes, this is tough to hear, however, unless you’re willing to make the investment in a high quality kitchen you’re most likely flushing money down the toilet if you’re taking half measures.

Most expensive part of a kitchen remodel?

While it’s true that cabinets tend to be the most expensive part of a kitchen remodel, remember that this is an investment in your home’s value and functionality.
You can’t beat the feel and durability of new cabinets in your kitchen. You’ll interact with these items every day for a long time and it is a serious investment that can improve your life and how you feel about your home.

Ready to transform your kitchen into the heart of your home? Contact Vermillion Construction today to schedule a consultation and bring your dream kitchen to life. Don’t wait to enjoy the beauty, functionality, and increased home value that a professionally remodeled kitchen can offer.