Kitchen Remodel Costs: 3 Budgets, 3 Kitchens

jcanost Great ideabook! Very helpful information :)

lindseyakin wow, these prices are insane! My hubby and I have just gutted our kitchen (back to the studs, rewired, replumbed, the stove with its gas line moving to other side of room, fridge with its water line moving to other side of room) and the drywallers are coming in today to get started. We'll be doing new wood flooring, coffered ceiling, new semi-custom cabinets, furniture details with legs and corbels on the peninsula, lighting - cans, pendants, under and in cabinet, granite countertops, new AGA stove (existing fridge and dishwasher are fine), apron-front sink, custom dutch door for the back door. Admittedly we're doing a lot of the work ourselves, but structural, electrical, plumbing and drywalling the pros are doing. Total budget about $30k - and thats in Silicon Valley. Thats classed as a high-end remodel by this article, but at a low-end price. Struggling to work out how we're doing it so comparatively cheaply!

jbrill I would consider 20 - 30 thousand more than a low-end kitchen redo! You can get some deals now since new construction is slow. Shop around and ask for discounts!

collins design You pricing is not in line with my area (northern New England.) A remodel like your first one, re-using many cabinets, laminate counters, vinyl flooring.... that's under $10k. I'd add another step before the remodel with the custom cabs, too... a $15-20k kitchen with stock (but good quality) cabinets, less expensive stone counters, and decent big-box appliances. (That's the most popular type of kitchen redo around here.)

Bud Dietrich, AIA A caveat about the pricing in the piece, it assumes that you've hired a team of professionals to do all of the work - from design to construction. As lindseyakin points out, a redo can be done for considerably less if you do some of the work yourself as you'll save on the cost of that labor as well as the general contractor's fee. My guess is that the kitchen she and her husband are doing would certainly be in line with the costs noted ($40,000 - $75,000) if they weren't reusing some appliances and weren't doing much of the work themselves.

And sure there will be price variations across the country and differing expectations about what constitutes "basic." Talking to a professional in your location and discussing what your options are is the first step.

And here's a piece about creating a budget that I hope helps:

pollyleaf Specific and so helpful!

Sauveteur I'm a real cook. I don't need the DELUX version inorder to prepare a meal for even 8 guests. What I need is a good green grocer, a great fish monger, a wonderful butcher and a creative florist. I have all of those and a kitchen like the first in this series. The DELUX version is not necessary for a real cook because a real cook will be the one who is cooking on a hotplate if necessary and turning out meals so delicious that nobody turns down the invite for common stew. The DELUX version is the TV studio version for the terribly rich who seldom do 'real cooking' but do love to have their homes photographed and give tours to every unfortunate guest that walks through the door. I know this because I have several guests whom have wonderful DELUX kitchens but who always return and invite to my dinners with a dinner out at a high end restaurant. Their excuse? They all say they are as good as I am at cooking.

PamDesigns 3D Love your piece of string analogy! Perfect!

kdqueen We just finished a kitchen remodel. We did not rework the space or replace my basic, but good appliances. However, we DID replace the subfloor with plywood and used beautiful, grouted DuraCeramic tile for flooring. We used great quality semi-custom cabinets, a seamless quartz countertop with a stainless undermount sink, porcelain backsplash, and all new trim. It is beautiful and did not cost even $20,000! We also hired professionals for all of the work. It is not huge, but in our area would be considered a pretty high end kitchen. I guess we did pretty well for the money we put into it.

Designer Shylo Preston Mr. Dietrich is absolutely correct... those ranges line up exactly with our area IF you are hiring a full professional team (including a GC), and getting all new product. It's very refreshing to see an article that give the real facts, and does not mislead as some do by featuring pretty pictures and then putting in tiny print in some invisible corner that "labor & installation not included".

Pat Gericke & Associates, LLC I agree with Mr. Dietrich - I also have additional issues in NYC - All co-op and condo rules are safety shut-off valves on all appliances involving water; water protection subfloors; my kitchen now will require two deliveries for new cabinetry due to lack of swing space. My clients are living in apt during this renovation. All these variable situations cause prices in NYC to be much higher in other areas. A mid to high- range kitchen isn't $50K in this City.

Roloff Construction, Inc Great article! The pricing and scope of work for the projects you mention is consistent with what we see in the Portland area when you are hiring a GC/designer to oversee it all.

philly96 The prices seem high for the quality of the kitchens in the photos,
the lower end should be around 8,000k to 15,000k the mid range in the photos is better made than the painted top end range at least the doors are hung inside a frame on brass hinges and its looks solid wood 30,000k to 50,000k,the painted kitchen is cheap looking probably mdf as its painted and the scale of the panels etc is way off,the white island unit/work table is yard sale looking and the belfast sink is laundry room cheap,the marble/granite work tops are to thin and poorly edged,i would put that kitchen mid range15,000k to30,000k.oh and the french stove and hood has limited market appeal,
top end traditional style kitchens have bespoke cabinetry either natural or painted wood or both ,at least 2'' molded edged worktops in granite and hardwoods,elaborate larder and cupboard combinations.The island unit has to have a wow factor with maybe hanging ironwork above ,built in chopping table, wicker baskets etc.
For 100,000k i would expect it to be really special

shelleyhmln I really appreciate the breakdown. We see pictures of remodels and read lots of articles about what products to use, etc. But, we don't truly get an idea about what is attainable. This really helps!

The Design House Interior Design Great article, thanks Bud! As a designer this is very helpful information for my clients and its what I discuss with them during the creative process. It's true, clients always want to know the exact price upfront, but as there are so many different factors that influence it is just like guessing how long a string is, great analogy! This is a great guideline to go off of and the price points fall into line with most of my projects in Salt Lake City. The only item I would disagree with is the statement that the high-end kitchen is for the "real cooks", its really for those people who will settle for nothing less than a state-of-the-art kitchen whether they use it or not, and hey if that's your thing go for it. Something to also keep in mind when doing a remodel is that rarely does the budget and materials simply only stay only in the kitchen. For example, if you're putting down new flooring and have an open layout that new flooring is going to run into the great room and other areas which then increases your flooring cost as well as other areas like baseboards etc that you may need to replace. But for those haters out there, this article was supposed to be informative and used as a guideline, not a bid for your actual kitchen, geesh.

kmcphie this is an excellent over view. thank you! just yesterday i tried to answer this question once again after 35 years in the kitchen design and construction business! your reference to vehicles struck a cord with me. it used to be that i could answer the kitchen price question with "kitchens run in the same price range as cars." anymore, with the emphasis on stone and manufactured stone countertops this is not quite enough. even so, i love the comparison. especially when i think of the life span of a typical kitchen, perhaps 20-30 years if well done. another aspect that is important is good planning. whatever the price, even the most basic kitchen is a big investment and worth getting the best layout, storage and efficiency ones budget will allow.
kristie eagle mcphie, ckd

Pat Gericke & Associates, LLC As I mentioned earlier - there are too many hidden variables when doing kitchens and bathrooms - many are hidden behind the walls. In NYC as well as other areas, there are also local building codes that need to be addressed - if your place hasn't been touched in 10 years, electrical and plumbing codes need to be updated to your renovations. I completed a kitchen in NYC that cost $350K due to the complexity of the project. There wasn't a 220v line in the apt. to accommodate the new appliances - we needed to bring it up from the basement, required scaffolding outside the building, the new wood floor then got carried into the den when the owners decided to open the area from the kitchen. At the end of the day - these two rooms - kitchens and bathrooms are where the owners get the most value when it comes to resale! This can never be stressed enough.

Bud Dietrich, AIA Hi All - Thanks for this great discussion. Many of you have reminded me that the devil (or god, as Mies would have it) is in the details and sometimes the details just aren't readily apparent.

Mona Great article, a friend of mine was just quoted 10,000.00..I told her they just said that to get the job...If the professionals are doing the work, I told her she will be in it for at least 20,000.00 She has a huge old oak cabinet kitchen & Island. All the electrical & plumbing has be rerouted. I just sent your quotes to her, so she realizes what she is getting into.

Keri Ketchum_Boswell We are in the process of a pretty major kitchen remodel. New cabinets (layout mostly the same), a huge new island, all new appliances, sink, hardware, etc, refinish all hardwood floors through main level, granite counters, stone backsplash, undercabinet lighting...the works and we're having professionals do it all. I believe our cost is right between 25-30k. I feel like we're getting a great deal now that I've read this! We even did our homework and checked out our "pros" other projects to make sure the quality was top notch.

fishface2 I find this discussion astonishing in light of the fact I am 3/4 of the way through a kitchen renovation AND an entirely new fireplace replacement, AND painting of the kitchen, painting of DR/LR areas which includes repair of areas where the previous mantel and cabinets were, etc. and my cost is really low compared to other regions.

The cabinets were custom made and installed by the cabinet maker, and are not only gorgeous, but very utilitarian with additional pull-outs, very nice handles, added height to several cabinets, hidden hinges, bearing tracks on the the drawers, with a small rounded area added to the footprint on the end with a built in wine rack; the mantel was made and installed by the cabinet maker and replaced an ugly grey-painted hollow one; cleaning of the kitchen floor tile grout (a very large area); a new Bosch dishwasher and new microwave "paid" for with Visa Flex points (so no cash outlay); new slide-in range; new under cabinet lighting fixtures; new disposal (very good one, not cheap); new over-the-sink fixture that matches the ceiling and fan lights; painting of kitchen and hanging of a border wallpaper (ceiling height); new granite countertops; installation of a tile backsplash instead of a 4-inch granite one; new good quality (18 gauge) under mount stainless steel sink that replaced a top mounted ceramic covered cast iron one (free with countertop purchase because it is over 45 SF).

The old wood-burning fireplace and the gas insert that was put inside it (really ugly - small fire-viewing area, previous owners had painted the surround of the fireplace grey - to include painting over the non-functioning flu vents, etc....) were both removed as well as the old 12x12 grey marble tile around it (I removed it myself, saved a LOT on labor cost) and a new gas-burning fireplace installed, the carpenter built the surround and the hearth (which is huge - 9 feet wide and 2 feet deep, nine inches high), real stone facade and hearth is being installed (by the mason), and the new mantel of course. The FP is the only thing that required a city permit because it involves gas.

I am in a town home and have vaulted ceilings in the DR/LR area, the painting cost includes repair of the walls (such as at fireplace area as well as elsewhere, like the kitchen, hallway), painting of all the walls, removal of the texture in 2 areas that have normal ceiling height so can repair them, (the entry way), retexturing and painting, painting and repair of areas in the master bath, painting of the hallway leading to the master bedroom and den, and stairway walls leading to a lofted bedroom.

The cost included labor for demolition, removal of the fireplaces, electrical, plumbing, HVAC (so microwave could be vented outside), building of the FP/hearth, installation of FP stone and backsplash, appliances --- in other words, everything including the general contractor's fee --- because he has 3 plans to choose from, I chose plan 2, which is to be co-general contractor with him, and therefore did a LOT of the planning, etc. myself, he provided sub contractor names and I followed up and established a relationship with them (they are excellent subcontractors, with the exception of the person who did the grout) and I spent hundreds of hours finding the best deals I could, using Flex Points and MyPoints to purchase appliances and fixtures. The advantage to this is that I get contractor rates for the labor and materials (such as the FP stone, the backsplash tile, etc.). Oh, and trash removal too. The contractor gets a percentage of the total project cost.

Are you ready for it? ALL of it came to just over $23, 000, it would have been around $19,000 had I not bought the oven and gotten the granite backsplash instead of opting for tile, and a couple other add-ons. The work is high quality and so are the materials, and INCLUDES the contractor's fee. It has a been a lot of work for me, but I'm retired and have the time to really shop

Matt T The pricing described in this article, and the comments about the pricing, I think reinforce an idea I had that I stated in a Houzz article that described ~$3000 yard sculptures as "affordable": Houzz has a particular demographic in mind as their target audience and I think a lot us just aren't it--I know I'm not. Not necessarily a bad thing, just something that it could be helpful to keep in mind when reading.

Maddie Hamilton We did our kitchen entire kitchen for $10,000. My husband gutted the whole thing except the floor tile and the main over head light. I shopped at a local appliance store on a tax free day and got all new appliances. The gas range was last years model he wanted out of his warehouse and I got a beautiful french door fridge with bottom freezer. The sink, faucet, oven hood, cabinetry and hard wear all came from ikea. I built all the cabinets and my husband installed. I tiled the backsplash with cheep cream colored subway tile to match the creamy white cabinets. My husband was my tile cutter. Check out the pattern we think we were inventive enough to create.
http://www.maddiehamilton.com/2011/09/22/something-new-with-subway-tile/
I am sure it's been done but I have yet to see it anywhere but our house. Not only did the 10K include the appliances but we were able to extend the counter space and add more cabinetry. I love my 4 huge 3ft wide slow closing drawers for all my pots, pans, and small appliances. I even have one whole drawer for baking. My husband also did the plumbing and electrical to stay in such a small budget. He converted a phone jack into an outlet so we could put our small toaster oven in an open upper cabinet and have the cord hidden in the cabinet. (No microwaves allowed) We used ikea butcher block counter top on one half of the galley kitchen and I got a black granite remnant for $10 discount per square foot. I love my kitchen!

Angela Otten; WmOhs Showrooms Inc "How much will this project cost?" I then try to explain that this is like asking, "How long is a piece of string?" I love this quote from the author.

I think that this author nailed the pricing structure on the head. Buying a kitchen is like buying a new vehicle. You can buy a stripped down Ford Fiesta or you can choose to buy a loaded Bentley. You can purchase products that are at the low end of the scale or the top which will determine your overall budget. The size of your kitchen will definately make a difference on the price: more sq footage= more product.

This is a possible scenario for I would consider for a typical midrange average sized kitchen; without changing layout/ moving walls, etc:

cabinets:$40,000
countertops: $10,000
appliance package: $12,000
(1) sink/faucet/disposal/etc: $1500
new flooring/ refinish: $2500
lighting (decorative & cans) $3500
backsplash: $1500
cabinet hardware: $500
labor: (permit, tearout/demo, dumpster, flooring, tile work, sheetrock, electrical, plumbing, cabinet installation, painting, window treatments, gen contractor fees) $20,000

Of course these numbers are purely approximate~ they are not representing the Bentley or the Fiesta but something like an Audi perhaps.

This is coming from an experienced kitchen designer in the field for 15 years.

robin schreiber I am starting a kitchen remodel on Monday for kitchen and bar. I have kept a spreadsheet and track of all expenses. Everything is here and ready to go. No reworking of plumbing or electrical (a tiny bit) as all appliances will stay in same location. However, I ordered high gloss European cabinets--Downsview for 40k. The granite with fabrication is 9k. The appliances--Thermador (and this was with their 6k off sale) was 18k, backsplash 1500., lighting 2k, two sinks, two faucets, garbage disposal, hot water dispenser, cabinet handles 3k, redoing hardwood floors, 2k, contractors fees 23k. So we are at almost 100k--and this is definitely not high end as I obtained a bid for cabinets that cost 100k!!! In fact these were the least expensive of what I wanted. This is SF Bay Area.

Joan Bartos I detest the cookie cutter look and seemingly useless "essentials" that comprise most kitchens these day. These expensive,soulless kitchens are really not that efficient nor are they places most people want to hang out. They're more akin to luxury cars than places for humans to cook,eat and gather.

Simplicity,warmth,creativity,companionship,sumptuous scents and good,nutritious food are things we associate with great kitchens. These things have almost nothing to do with spending such exorbitant amounts of money and everything to do with taking time to plan and cook healthy meals and be with others.

liannahooper The three kitchen examples are very unattractive and pricing seems off. It surprises me with the first example to see an AIA architect name attached to the remodel. $30,000 can do so much better. Unfortunately this article was as not helpful as I had hoped.

tsingtaomama I like the string analogy, too, however, watch out, because the ball of string fell to the floor and rolled away! I agree with other readers that the low end numbers especially are too high. As a consumer, I would say that professionals need to be careful not to offend the consumer, or the consumer will not trust you enough to invite you back for more discussion. It is our ball of string, after all. While I would need to see the devilish details on a more costly project, I do not believe the lower end estimates at all.

Patrick Landrum Design Great well written informative piece on kitchens. Certainly pricing will vary by location, but once you get a general multiplier for your area compared to what is discussed here you will have excellent info.

I also appreciate the selection of photos to illustrate each level of design and expenditure.

Well done!
Patrick Landrum
PL&D/Patrick Landrum Design

tikkitalk This is absolutely the best thread I've ever read on Houzz - thank you to all contributors!

I'd love to see the same translated into a new construction kitchen (we plan to gut down our existing house and build anew) as we are getting wildly differing quotes from $25K to $100K and this for the following:
- custom cabinetry - mix of painted finish and stained wood (some quoted MDF body, some solid wood - we can tell the difference in price...)
- quartz countertops
- Blum (or equivalent) hardware
- Higher end appliances e.g. Bosch, Miele
- Kitchen with an island, size roughly 14'x17".
- All work done professionally i.e. a turn key project

All of these from supposedly very reputable contractors, some word of mouth, some through home shows, other research etc in a good neighbourhood.

Bottom line - how an earth is a client supposed to make an educated decision when every designer/contractor says a different thing?

Bud Dietrich, AIA tikkitalk - It all starts with a plan. Hiring an architect or kitchen designer to help you design and specify everything is the only way I know of to manage costs and expectations. Sure, this approach might cost money up front but it saves money, time and aggravation down the road. We have some good friends that rebuilt their home on Lake Simcoe who took this approach are are really glad they did. So find and hire a good local professional with experience in the type of project you have in mind.

Designer Shylo Preston This has been a very interesting thread... just a add a little additional insight to the conversation;

I have been a Kitchen & Bat Designer for almost 16 years in two countries; in that time have sold over 13 different cabinet lines, and was a Sales & Marketing Manager for 2.5 years for the largest cabinet manufacturer in the US. Since a major portion of any major kitchen remodel is cabinetry; the take away is not all cabinets are made alike, and that custom DOES NOT automatically mean better quality. (In fact, quite often the opposite is true).

The least expensive cabinet line that I've worked with is widely considered to be an entry level, builder or apartment grade cabinet. In that line you'd be hard pressed to do a full "average" size kitchen with the bells-n-whistles today's homeowners are looking for, for less than $8,000. That same sized kitchen in the highest-end line that I've worked with could easily attain well over the $100,000 mark for the same volume of cabinetry.

As with everything else that we purchase in life, the pricing is not arbitrary and you get what you pay for. It all boils down to your personal goals & priorities.

DreamBuilders Home Remodeling You nailed it. Right on the money! I own a design/build firm in the Sacramento, CA area and these budget levels are consistent with our market. They are also in line with the Cost vs Value study published by Remodeling Magazine each year. It assumes working with a team of professionals. DIY could be less or more, depending on the level of skill and quality of products. I say more because we are often called to re-do something that was not installed properly by a DIY. Example 2000 square feet of wood floor that buckled because the homeowner didn't prep and install properly. The owner had to re-purchase the floor and pay for a pro to install, so he essentially bought the floor twice - a costly mistake!

paulahopper We live in the Washington DC area, and just signed a contract to start on a total kitchen remodel. We are using a Design-and-Build firm of good repute. I just wanted to add that our remodel will be in the $120K range (about $11,000 of that is appliances), and that's not a "deluxe" kitchen (existing space is approximately 14x17'). Friends and family insist we are paying too much; they say we should be able to redo the kitchen for $30,000! Just wondered what everyone out there thinks.
The contractors will gut the existing 1981 kitchen, replacing the cabinetry with semi-custom cherry cabinetry. They will use custom cabinets in the adjoining game room (they are building a knee wall partition between the kitchen and the game room, with the cabinets matching the existing custom-built bar in that room). They are removing an ugly soffit with fluorescent lights (which means replacing the entire ceiling throughout the kitchen and foyer) and replacing with recessed lighting and pendants. They are running a gas line from the furnace for a new gas cooktop (we bought new Thermador appliances, and a full size Kitchenaid refrigerator). We are using Mexican tiles and as a decorative backsplash behind the cooktop and as a border in the baking center, with plain ceramic tile everywhere else. They have to move the coat closet (and enclosed access to the attic) to accommodate new pantry shelving. Space only allows for a very small (2x3') island, which I have requested to be on wheels instead of built in. We're replacing the linoleum flooring with porcelain tile (also includes the entry foyer), and using mid-grade granite for the countertops. The design includes a built-in hutch with small glass inserts at the top, and a hood that matches the cabinetry.
I have to admit to a certain amount of sticker shock, especially since the layout is basically the same as what we now have. iit will certainly be nice to have some pull out shelves, a built in desk area, and more efficient storage. I know it will be beautiful, and, more important, functional. I guess we thought that for over $100,000 we'd have one of those truly "deluxe" kitchens that we see in all the magazines, with the huge island and all the bells and whistles.
I would like your thoughts on whether this is an extravagant price for the amount of work being done. Thanks

Bud Dietrich, AIA Hi paulahopper -

Sounds like you're uncomfortable with the Design-Build firm or the cost of the project or both. If so, you should interview other design-build firms and / architects & certified kitchen designers. The important thing is to feel comfortable with everything every step of the way. So you should be comfortable with and have confidence in the firm and its people, the design they have outlined, the process they use and the costs involved. If you have any discomfort or aren't sure about any of these components, you should do your due diligence and talk to others.

Pat Gericke & Associates, LLC I agree with Bill. Before signing on the dotted line, perhaps you should interview another design-build company - you would be comparing apples to apples - more importantly, I would follow up with references. When you are working with design-build, there is factored into their price the cost of design. You have also indicated that the areas have moved beyond the kitchen proper and that also adds to your costs.

Modani Furniture Very nice Kitchen design, any one will be wiiling to pay the price any of those dream Kitchen designs.

paulahopper Thanks to those of you who commented. I just wanted to clarify that I am very happy with my designers, and I do have complete confidence in the team and feel that the workmanship will be superb. I like the people, and the company has A+ ratings on BBB, Angie's list, and Consumer Checkbook, so I feel pretty sure that all will go smoothly.
The point I was trying to make is that I don't think that spending $100K necessarily buys a huge gourmet kitchen, and we were just surprised that it costs almost double what we expected to pay. We chose Design-Build because we needed help on design and wanted people we trust to make the changes we need to bring the kitchen into the 21st century. Perhaps we could have done things differently (and less expensive), but it seems like for newbies like us there is a lot of coordination involved in when to order, what order things get done in and so on. Perhaps we should have checked into a couple other companies, but the two we did talk to really just wanted to tear out the cupboards and replace them with new, and we wanted more help than that.
Thanks again for your support and comments!

Janelle H I know this was a long time ago- and maybe I just don't realize how very poor I am- but 20k for that? Its basically not changing the kitchen at all! Better idea: paint the cabinets-$75. Add moulding- $50. Peel n stick vinyl or ceramitic tile floor- $ 200. Tile backsplash and ikea countertops ( butcherblock?)- $1000. And new light fixtures-$100. And new basic appliances -$2000. To diy that would be less than $4000 for essentially the same thing! And could easily be learned skills. So is the 15k what the contractor charges- because that seems kinds steep....

129reno I gutted a small (8x10) kitchen, had the wood floor professionally refinished, assembled ikea cabinets, paid someone to hang the cabinets, had a separate countertop company measure cut and install caesarstone (highly recommend ceasarstone) , hired someone to tile the backsplash, bought new stainless appliances and light fixtures. Total came to $11k. In New York city. Using Ikea cabinets saved about 10k alone.

Kitchen Living, llc You get what you pay for.

tikkitalk So if I walk to a kitchen company and say that I have 60-70K to spend for a turnkey project - what will I compromise on compared to a 100K+ kitchen?

PamDesigns 3D tikkitalk ~ How long is a piece of string?

tikkitalk One says "you get what you pay for" but no one can give an idea as to how much one should budget towards a kitchen. We're thoroughly frustrated as we're planning for a new build project and ALL contractors, designers, builders etc give a different view on how much one should pay for e.g. a decent kitchen. Appliances are the simplest part of the equation but to try and ask at say a home show that for xyz linear feet of painted maple cabinetry with inset doors, solid surface countertops, carousel corners, Blum or equivalent hardware... even a ballpark estimate seems to be impossible for most. To determine with whom we want to work with is already a tedious exercise so we cannot even imagine how difficult this gets once we're in it :/

Bud Dietrich, AIA @tikkitalk - Given your experience you'd be well served having a professional help you. If you are doing a new build (new home?), I suggest that you engage the services of a local and experienced architect to help you navigate these issues. If you don't want the architect to do a full service, find one that will consult with you as needed.

tikkitalk Thank you Bud for your feedback, I appreciate it. We do have an architect that we work with already yet we have so far outlined the SOW to be for permit drawings... perhaps they'll be able to help us with the fine details, too.

Sauveteur @tikkitalk - No body will be able to tell you what you want until you decide what you want vs what you need to feel comfortable, in the kitchen anyway. My husband seldom cooks with me, seldom being 2 or 3 times a year. When he does it is usually at the table so a prep island his size was placed since I want to encourage him to come into the kitchen more often. I had a pull out island my size tucked into the larger one since I am only 5 foot tall. Also, it works as a cart for both serving and clean up. I don't really like upper cabinets so we just skipped them and build a full service pantry instead. I wanted a very expensive artisan back splash since we torn out the wall that separated the kitchen from the great room. I saved money for that by not having the upper cabinets and all under the counter appliances, except the stove. I cook every day and I cook from scratch. I am a good cook and people vie for invites to our dinners. It is still not finished because we have moved to another location for a couple of years but when it is finished it will have a Cornue stove that I have lusted over for years. When my husband asked me to select an engagement ring and band I chose a little gold band that cost $32.00 and told him that on or 10th anniversary I wanted a Cornue stove. But I won't get it until our 14th anniversary because we are not there. Just think about your needs and comfort level and then you will know whether you want to cook in the kitchen or just have morning coffee there and plan accordingly.

Angela Otten; WmOhs Showrooms Inc Ballpark estimates are very difficult to give out. I saw a quote that said it quite well; concerning lineal ft pricing~ which seems to be the best way to get to a "ballpark" in a kitchen:

"Lineal foot pricing is like buying a car by the pound; you have absolutely no idea what is included in that pound and obviously a pound of Mercedes is going to be more expensive than a pound of Hyundai".

It seems as if there are many homeowners fearful of getting ripped off my the professionals that could potentially educate and help them through this intensive process. Yes, you can "fix up" a kitchen for $10-$20 grand, but that is the Hyundai. The fix up looks good and it is appropriate for a lot of homes.

However, just like buying a car; some may be looking at a Honda level for its reputation of longevity or an Audi for the fine engineering. Each has a value associated with it.

The same goes for all the components in a kitchen. You can buy low on all of them or you can buy high. The pricing is typically not arbitrary. There is a reason why one product costs more than another; whether it be quality of materials, rarity of an item, or the time/thought it takes to design and build a custom piece.

Like Bud said, if you can be honest about what you want; your expectation of quality level as well as your speculative budget up front with a professional, they can help lead you to the right products and design. They can also tell you if you are on the right track & if it is possible or not.

On the other hand, there is nothing wrong with a DIY as long as you are ready for the job.

tikkitalk @ Sauveteur - thank you so much for your candid feedback! I guess our biggest issue is really to nail down the company but the trouble is to differentiate one from the other. I love the scoop you shared above about your own situation - ours is a polar opposite! We are 4 adults (two generations...) and 4 kids with a need for a very functional and durable kitchen yet the Prissy Missy in me wants an aesthetically pleasing kitchen that ties in with the open concept main floor well, too. I love the fact that you followed your heart with regards to the artisan backsplash and Cornue stove - I'll be doing exactly that here and there, too, starting with the Finnish sauna :)

Bud Dietrich, AIA @tikitalk - Do you feel you need help getting to the bottom of what you all need and want? If so, is the architect you're working with willing to help? If so, it would be a wise investment to have her do so. If not, maybe a kitchen designer that consults with you is the way to go. Just think of your project as a trip and that you may get a whole lot more enjoyment out of it by having the right guide.

tikkitalk Bud, I do feel I now have what it takes to move forward. Thank you for all your help so far and most of all for writing this article! It surely has prompted some helpful discussion.

Designer Shylo Preston @ tikkitalk- I hear your frustration and it's a common one. You feel like you're being pretty specific about what you want, however, no one seems to be able to give you a straight forward answer on price...

"xyz linear feet of painted maple cabinetry with inset doors, solid surface countertops, carousel corners, Blum or equivalent hardware... "... seems pretty specific,

the problem is, there are still SO MANY hidden variables (particularly with cabinetry) that can dramatically affect the cost. Just as an example - A size 6 white cotton, sleeveless dress, knee length with 2 pockets, at Walmart is going to cost a lot less then a size 6 white cotton sleeveless dress, knee length with 2 pockets in the boutique at Neiman Marcus. The explanation for why those two dresses are such different prices will vary depending on who you talk to, and how knowledgeable (and passionate) they are about quality and craftsmanship. [Anyone says it's just all about where you buy it is being very naive.]

My personal advice would be to skip the home shows and the big box stores for now, and visit a higher end, well respected kitchen and bath showroom - ask for an education on what makes a quality cabinet (and remodel) different - then armed with that knowledge, knowing what's most important to you - you can go back and ask for those specific apples to apples bids.

tikkitalk Thank you so much Shylo - I'll do just that. We do know we're gravitating towards high(er) end - say a Volvo rather than Ferrari or E series Mercedes - and will be looking at kitchen & bath companies along with other aspects of the project along those lines. Your and others' help has been very valuable!

robin schreiber I just completed a kitchen remodel--It took eight months AND there was zero structure. The cost: $109,000. Breakdown--Cabinets--Downsview white laquer--40k; Appliances--18k all Thermador and that included their special 6k off (refrig, double oven, dishwasher, five burner cooktop, vent, microwave and two refrig drawers); Tile glass backsplash-2k, Pendants: 2k (Includes DR as well);countertops--granite island 3k--surrounding quartz--2500.;cabinet pulls--1k; 2 sinks, garbage disp, hot/cold disp, and 2faucet 2k- hardwood floor--10k; painter 6k; contractor fee--23k--I reside in the SF Bay Area. The two areas where I went wrong were painter and contractor.....It looks beautiful but the sticker price and time were extensive. The quality of the cabinet install was not good--had to hire someone else to reinstall several--additional 3k! Looks really nice now..

tikkitalk Wow, thank you Robin for the complete breakdown - this is really helpful! Too bad you had a not so nice experience with the installation (that's the scariest bit for us, too) and thus so glad to hear you are now enjoying your kitchen - I bet it is gorgeous!

Angela Coffman I'm surprised by the prices too. We gutted our first kitchen put in hand-scraped wide plank hardwood floors; all new cabinets with glass doors; granite counter-tops; new appliances and a new layout. It was around $12,000. We hired out the electrical and a little plumbing. Hired one man to help hang the counter tops and do the crown molding and hired the counters done. We got free demolition help off craigslist in exchange for the old cabinets and I did the painting. It had a huge amount of counter space too.

Nancy Herring It's a little disturbing that there's so little attention given to performance. Satisfaction in a remodel has a lot to do with performance: distance, accessible storage, cooking appliances appropriate to the tasks. Those sexy built-in refrigerators are very shallow, can they manage a party for 20 with a need for platters, do-ahead finished dishes, etc.

I've long wanted to go back to folks after a remodel and ask them about the logistics of their kitchens, what do they love to use, what do they hate. For instance, I hate my fancy dual fuel range with the high output gas burner and impossible to clean grates but I love my portable induction burner.

Sauveteur I agree with you Nancy Herring, for my part. Planning my kitchen is because I like to cook from scratch. I like to bake, can, make one of a kind desserts. We love to entertain whether it is just one guest or 20. But the truth is that anything more than 10 guests and I hire help and the appliances/serving pieces that is needed. While the recipes may still be mine, I'm not a caterer. I've been planning my kitchen around a La Cornue stove and an apron sink for years now. I will be glad to use them both. But my refrigerator is in the walk in pantry and certainly won't hold enough for a party more than 10. That doesn't matter though since I will be replacing it with two under the counter refrigerators and an under the counter freezer which will all go into the walkin pantry. My daughter, on the other hand, is happy that she has a microwave, a potato peeler and a paring knife. At 34 she will go without a meal if it means something must be sauteed, fried, braised or any other term she doesn't know. The most important item in her kitchen is not the stove or the refrigerator or the warming drawer; it's the washing machine and clothes dryer.

MainStreet Design Build I think this a great article for homeowners looking to work with a professional company. The details are right on target and the prices match very well with what was provided in each scenario.
This is a great place for homeowners to start their research if they are unsure of how much they would like to spend or even what product levels interest them.

Tammy Barnett Good article! Thanks for providing specifics and numbers! The "how long is piece of string?' question is about as helpful as the standard "it depends on what you want" answer. This is the real answer. Great job!

Robert Kramer AKBD Great article!!! Do you have a version for the bathroom???