As an interior designer in Buffalo, New York with a large focus being on kitchen and bathroom remodels, I talk a lot about how to go about these projects. I stay up to date on current trends, I provide different color scheme ideas based on your style, and I even talk about ways to maximize your space when you’re living in a smaller home.
I LIVE for content like this because I LOVE when people prioritize making their home a space that truly reflects who they are and a space that they look forward to waking up in and coming home to each day.
But something I don’t necessarily talk about enough is the time, effort, and money it takes to really bring these projects to life. Because let’s be real… any good thing in life requires all three.
As an effort to help you prepare well so that you can make these projects happen with ease, recently I wrote a blog post about How to Set a Realistic Bathroom Remodel Budget.
Since bathroom and kitchen remodeling projects are my primary specialty, it’s time to cover the kitchen!
Remodeling your kitchen is one of the most exciting, but can also be the most expensive, home projects you can take on. As the heart of the home, your kitchen needs to be functional, welcoming, and durable enough to handle everyday use.
But before you start dreaming about custom cabinetry or statement backsplashes, it’s crucial to know how much your remodel might cost and what you can realistically afford.
Keep reading to learn more about how to set a kitchen remodel budget that fits your goals and your finances.
7 Steps To Setting a Realistic Kitchen Remodel Budget
1. Determine Your Budget Range
Before you get to the fun part, like choosing your appliances or picking your paint color, you have to look at the thing you mightttt not want to spend time on: your finances.
It’s important to be honest with yourself and answer the questions:
- Are you paying out of pocket or financing your remodel through a loan?
- Do you have any wiggle room or do you need to stick to a hard cap?
- What areas of the remodel are non-negotiable and what areas are simply considered a nice-to-have?
When preparing your budget for a kitchen remodel, The National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA) suggests allocating 10–20% of your home’s value to a kitchen remodel.
For example, if your home is valued at $400,000, a reasonable kitchen remodel budget would be between $40,000 and $80,000.
Keep in mind, however, that this is a general guideline. Smaller updates can absolutely be done for less and luxury upgrades can easily push you well beyond that range!
2. Break Down the Cost Categories
Once you have an overall picture of your budget and what you’re willing (and able) to spend, it’s important to break down the cost categories so that you can have an extremely clear picture of where your money should be allocated.
One of the biggest mistakes that people make when remodeling any part of their home, but especially their kitchen, is underestimating how much things add up.
So having a general allocation from the very beginning can help you avoid any surprise expenses during the remodeling process.
Here’s a general percentage guide to allocate your budget:
- Installation & Labor – 15-20%
- Appliances – 10-15%
- Countertops – 10%
- Flooring – 7-10%
- Lighting & Electrical – 5-7%
- Plumbing – 3-5%
- Paint, Backsplash, Wall Treatments – 3-5%
- Contingency fund – 10-15% for unexpected costs
Having this breakdown in mind as you plan helps you see where your money is going and where you might want to splurge or save in your kitchen remodel!
3. Prioritize Essentials vs. Aesthetic Upgrades
Every kitchen has its “must-haves,” like functioning appliances and safe flooring and its “nice-to-haves,” like waterfall edges or built-in wine coolers).
And if you’re planning to do a kitchen remodel, then chances are it’s because you have a vision in your mind of what you want your space to look like!
But this is where things can go awry if you’re not careful. As an interior designer, I always tell clients to prioritize your essentials list first and THEN commit to a few nice-to-have aesthetic upgrades.
This ensures that you stay within budget and helps the remodeling process feel less stressful. And no, this doesn’t mean you can’t bring a few of your kitchen dreams to life.
My job is not to make you sacrifice the things you really want to include. It’s simply to help you make the most of your budget and get the BEST outcome!
Here’s a quick “must-have” vs. “nice-to-have” list to help you get started:
Essential Kitchen Remodeling Elements (Your “Must Haves”)
- Updated wiring to meet code
- Reliable plumbing and sink functionality
- Proper ventilation for cooking areas
- Durable flooring that’s easy to clean
- Efficient layout and functional workflow
Aesthetic Kitchen Remodeling Upgrades (Your “Nice-To-Haves)
- Decorative light fixtures
- High-end custom cabinetry
- Trendy tile backsplashes
- Open shelving or glass-front doors
- Designer faucets or specialty hardware
And remember: you can always continue to add additional aesthetic touches later, but it’s a LOT harder to go back and fix poor layout or subpar materials once everything’s installed!
4. Factor In the Hidden Costs
When people are remodeling their kitchens, when thinking about expenses, they often just consider materials and labor. But it’s important to remember that there a few other hidden costs that can easily sneak up on your if you’re not prepared, including:
- Permits – depending on your area, you may need permits for electrical, plumbing, or structural changes
- Temporary Kitchen Setup – will you need to eat out or set up a temporary cooking space during the remodel?
- Storage or Delivery Fees – for large appliance or cabinetry orders
- Waste Removal – don’t forget to factor in hauling away demo materials
Budgeting for these in advance prevents those “surprise expenses” from derailing your plan.
5. Work With a Pro (Especially for a Larger Remodel)
Listen, I’m all for DIY projects throughout your home when it makes sense, but there are just some things you’ll want to work with a professional on, with one of those being a full-scale kitchen remodel or renovation.
While it’s true that hiring a pro could be an extra expense, the reality that’s often overlooked is that hiring a professional interior designer or contractor can actually SAVE you money in the long run!
Here’s how:
- Help you avoid costly layout mistake
- Keep your project on schedule
- Recommend quality materials at the right price
- Coordinate subcontractors and handle permits
6. Know Where to Splurge and Where to Save
For your kitchen remodel, there’s a few places where you’ll for sure want to invest to ensure the best quality for the long term, but on the flipside of that, there’s a few places you can strategically save so that you make the most of your budget.
Here’s a quick guide of where I would recommend you splurge versus save during your project:
Splurge-Worthy Areas in Your Kitchen
- Cabinetry – this is the backbone of your kitchen and gets constant use. Cheap cabinets wear down quickly, so investing in quality here is smart
- Countertops – durable surfaces like quartz or granite are worth the investment for longevity and resale value
- Appliances – especially the stove and refrigerator. Reliable, energy-efficient models pay off over time
Areas to Save in Your Kitchen
- Lighting – there are plenty of budget-friendly lighting options that still look high-end
- Hardware – knobs and pulls can be easily upgraded later, so try not to overspend here
- Backsplash – classic, affordable tile styles look timeless and can cost much less than trendy designer picks
- Open Shelving – skipping upper cabinets in favor of open shelves can save money while adding personality
This balance helps you remodel smartly—getting the most impact from your investment.
7. Pad Your Budget with a Contingency
Lastly, no matter how detailed your remodeling plan is, surprises happen, especially in older homes. Because of this, it’s best to set aside at least 10-15% of your total budget for surprises like hidden water damage, upgrading your electrical panel, outdated wiring, or structural issues.
For example, if your budget is $20,000, allocate $2,000-$3,000 for unforeseen expenses.
Having this cushion keeps your project on track without sending you into financial panic mode halfway through!
Ready to start your kitchen remodel project?
Overall, a successful kitchen remodel starts with a realistic and well-planned budget.
By planning ahead, prioritizing your needs, and preparing for the unexpected, you’ll set yourself up for a smoother, more enjoyable renovation process (and a kitchen you love for years to come!).
Whether you’re making small upgrades or doing a full-scale renovation, thoughtful budgeting ensures your investment pays off both aesthetically and financially.
If you’re in search of interior design resources to help you with your kitchen remodel, you’re in the right place!
Click here to browse the blog for more interior design ideas and inspiration OR if you’re local to Buffalo, NY and are looking to work with an interior designer for your project, click here to view my services to see which best matches your needs.
