Home Makeover: How to Budget for Your Kitchen Renovation
A kitchen renovation can do wonders for your home and lifestyle. It can completely transform how you cook, entertain guests, and create long-lasting memories with your family. Of course, something that transformative does come with a significant cost.
But don’t worry. With proper budgeting, you should be able to achieve your dream kitchen. Remember, your home’s value will also increase with a kitchen renovation. Without further ado, let’s dive into all the budget considerations when remodelling a kitchen.
Why Renovate Your Kitchen
Renovating your kitchen comes with numerous advantages. Here are just a few.
Increasing Home Value
While most homeowners have short-term goals in mind when renovating a kitchen, you shouldn’t forget about the long-term. Sure, this move will make your daily life much easier. But it will also significantly increase your home’s value, which will be helpful if you ever decide to sell.
Enhancing Lifestyle and Efficiency
Household members, especially those who cook, usually spend a lot of time in the kitchen. Naturally, you’ll want this space to be as organised and efficient as possible. A kitchen renovation can make this happen. For instance, adding a zero-silica mineral surface benchtop could significantly increase your cooking space, enhancing your overall cooking experience.
Modernising Outdated Styles
Sometimes, a home makeover is purely aesthetic, and that’s perfectly fine. If you’re tired of looking at those honey oak cabinets from the turn of the century or dated backsplash tiles, it’s time for a change.
Budgeting Basics
Many factors will influence the total cost of your kitchen renovation project. Some have to do with the current state of your kitchen, such as its size or appliances, while others are based on what you plan to do during the renovation. This process can involve repairing or replacing the following kitchen elements:
- Cabinetry
- Countertops
- Appliances
- Flooring
- Plumbing
- Electrical work
- Lighting
Add labour, and the costs can quickly add up. You can anticipate spending anywhere from $5,000 for basic upgrades to over $45,000 for a full high-end kitchen remodel.
Since costs can quickly rise, setting a budget beforehand is crucial. This budget should be two things: realistic and flexible. With the first box checked off, you won’t be forced to pause the project midway due to a lack of funds. As for the second, you’ll be prepared if something doesn’t go according to plan (an unexpected leak, structural issues, etc.).
Cost Breakdown
While many factors dictate the final cost, the following are standard for most kitchen renovation projects.
Cabinetry and Hardware
A slight change (like changing the cabinet doors) will cost between $100 and $500. Depending on the size of your kitchen, a complete cabinetry makeover can cost up to $5,000.
Appliances and Fixtures
Depending on which appliances you need to upgrade, you can expect to pay between $3,000 and $6,000. As for the fixtures, plumbing and lighting should only set you back a little. Plumbing should cost around $500, while lighting ranges from $50 to $150 per fixture.
Labour Costs
Labour costs can vary depending on where you live and the project’s complexity. To get an accurate estimate, we recommend obtaining quotes from multiple contractors.
Choosing Your Countertop
There are dozens of countertop materials, but natural stone and engineered mineral surfaces are among the most popular for modern kitchens. Their functionality, durability, and aesthetic appeal make them standout choices for homeowners.
Of course, your ideal countertop will depend on your personal preferences, frequency of use, and budget. Here’s an overview of common benchtop materials and their approximate costs per square meter based on Australian pricing:
- Zero-Silica Mineral Surfaces: A modern alternative to traditional quartz, costing approximately $600/sqm to $1,500/sqm. These surfaces are non-toxic, easy to maintain, and come in a variety of colours and finishes.
- Laminate: A budget-friendly option costing around $120/sqm to $400/sqm. It’s versatile but less durable than other materials.
- Timber/Wood: Timber adds warmth and character but requires regular maintenance. It is typically priced between $550/sqm and $1,000/sqm.
- Stainless Steel: A sleek, industrial choice costing $1,200/sqm to $3,600/sqm. It’s durable and hygienic but prone to scratching.
- Granite: A natural stone option ranging from $700/sqm to $1,700/sqm. It’s durable and unique but may require periodic sealing.
- Marble: Luxurious and timeless, marble costs between $800/sqm and $2,200/sqm. It’s elegant but more prone to staining and scratching.
The Value and Benefits of Zero-Silica Mineral Surface Countertops
Although mineral-surface benchtops cost more than alternatives like tile or laminate, the investment will be well worth it
Mineral-surface benchtops stand out for their incredible durability and resistance to most kitchen benchtops’ common enemies like stains, scratches and temperature sensitivity. They are also a breeze to maintain and come in a nearly unlimited selection of colours.
Looking at all these fantastic characteristics, it becomes clear why choosing this material maximises your ROI.
Ways to Save on Your Kitchen Renovation
If the figures in our guide spin your head, don’t worry. There are numerous ways to save money on your kitchen renovation project:
- DIY whatever task you can.
- Paint your existing cabinets instead of replacing them.
- Purchase stock cabinets instead of custom ones.
- Avoid changing the existing footprint.
- Look for materials at specialty and local resale shops.
- Shop around before committing to a purchase.
- Use high-end products where it matters and low-end where it doesn’t.
A Dream Kitchen on a Budget
With careful planning and budgeting, nothing stands between you and your dream kitchen. But even if you’re on a tight budget, knowing where to invest more can make all the difference. For example, while a high-quality mineral surface benchtop might cost more upfront, it will save you money on repairs, maintenance, and replacement in the long run.
