Unless you have the means to DIY, kitchen renovations will cost you a lot. Here are some things to consider before embarking on a kitchen renovation. You can save money by doing the renovation, but you should hire a professional from RUPP Family Builders if you’re looking to get your home sold. In addition, make sure you have enough money in your budget.

Cost of cabinets

While refacing your cabinets can save you a great deal of money, they can leave you without a new look. Cabinet refinishing can cost anywhere from $1,500 to $3,500, but you can achieve a new look for less than this amount.

First, consider the materials you plan to use for your renovation. You can either choose a budget-friendly material or a higher-end product. 

Cost of appliances

While kitchen appliances can be a significant expense, they are also relatively low. Energy Star-rated appliances tend to cost more upfront but lower utility bills and longer lifespans. Moreover, many states offer incentives or rebates for homeowners who upgrade to Energy Star appliances. The cost of Energy Star appliances ranges from $300 to $3,000, depending on the model and brand. On the other hand, high-end appliances have features and higher costs than Energy Star-rated ones.

Before purchasing appliances for a kitchen renovation, determine the new layout and the features you want. When shopping for appliances, look for open box discounts, clearance sales, and manufacturer rebates. Installing and repairing appliances usually accounts for 30% to 35% of a kitchen renovation project’s total cost. The labor cost varies greatly depending on the location of the kitchen renovation and the type of appliances you need. If your kitchen is currently unusable, it may be cost-effective to replace outdated appliances with more energy-efficient ones.

Cost of moving walls

If you want a modern, open floor plan, you might want to remove some walls in your kitchen. Non-load-bearing walls can easily be removed for a few hundred dollars. But load-bearing walls may require complex work and cost several thousand dollars. You might think moving walls is unnecessary, but it can alter your kitchen.

Significant layout changes can cost upwards of $32,000 for a basic gut renovation. In addition, these changes require architectural designs from a registered architect, building approvals, high insurance coverage, and more involvement from the general contractor. These “soft costs” can account for fifteen to twenty percent of the total cost of your kitchen renovation. To get a more accurate cost estimate, consider the size of the space. For example, a kitchen measuring 12′ x 12′ costs about $150 to $175 per square foot, and a room that is larger than that increases the cost from $25,000 to $30,000.

Cost of electrical work

Electrical work can be challenging to estimate, as most of it takes place behind walls. However, proper estimates can help you budget and make smart decisions. Before beginning work, contractors check the electrical panel and determine its circuit load capacity. An experienced contractor will be able to tell you whether it’s possible to do certain things or not. If so, they can charge accordingly. You can expect to pay between five and 10 percent of the total estimate for electrical work.

The cost of electrical work varies depending on the type of wiring required. The full-scale renovation can set you back $15,000 or more, including demolition, permits, materials, labor, construction, and painting. This is only a partial estimate, however. Adding new lighting and outlets to an old kitchen will add to the final bill. A complete electrical overhaul could even match the cost of the entire renovation. A professional will be able to give you a quote for the work that you need to be completed.

Cost of moving pipes

If you’re thinking of rearranging the kitchen layout, one of the most challenging tasks is moving the plumbing. However, this task can be easily handled if you’re a handy person and have the right tools. A licensed plumber from RUPP Family Builders can help you with this job, which costs anywhere from $500 to $3,000 depending on the length and number of pipes you’re moving. Plumbing is one of the most common expenses homeowners have when renovating their kitchens, and it can add a significant amount to the overall cost of your renovation.

Fortunately, there are many ways to hide your plumbing, including installing hidden piping that is not visible. Many plastics are becoming popular for this task because they’re easy to install and inexpensive. You can also opt for flexible cable supplies like PEX, which are relatively cheap and easy to install. Copper or galvanized steel pipes can also be a problem in older homes. If you’re planning to change the layout of your kitchen, you need to consider the cost of moving pipes.