How Professionals Estimate Kitchen Remodeling Costs

Michael Anschel of the design-build firm Otogawa-Anschel Design-Build in Minneapolis, MN says "The cost of a kitchen remodel obviously depends on the level to which the space is remodeled," says Anschel. "We have some projects that had tiny budgets (under $30,000) and we got pretty creative with materials, and reusing cabinetry and salvaged materials."

Aschel says that as a rule of thumb, $40,000 is what you might find for a basic small kitchen remodel. He goes on to say that you can expect around "$60,000 to $80,000 for the majority of kitchen remodels that are making layout changes, solid surfaces, new lighting configuration, nice cabinets/appliances."

Anschel notes a few kitchens that went above $90,000but notes that the high cost was either driven by unique carpentry or because ofa serious reconfiguration of the entire interior space.

Anschel goes on to say that "If you throw an addition into the mix, then the numbers can be radically higher depending on what is taking place. If the entire kitchen is to be placed in the new addition, then costs tend to run between $80,000 to $150,000."

Anschel also tells us that the "problem with the Cost vs. Value Report is that it pulls data from permits and every state and sometimes acity has a different requirement for what the stated value on the permit should include."

He goes on to say that the magazine gives artificially low figures for the costs of kitchen remodels because the figures are drawn from permit applications and many "contractors will lie about the cost in order to keep permit fees low." As a result, the cost averages based on permit amounts may be considerably lower than actual costs.

In the kitchen and house building/remodeling debate, one thing that rarely gets mentioned is the long-term social implications and quality of life issues. Anschel suggests that discussion of project costs should also include a frank conversation of employee wages, work safety, and business practicesnot to mention that remodeling represents an investment in the quality of life by the homeowner. "After all, we are talking about the most expensive thing most people own, and the place where they will spend more than half of their life!"

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How Professionals Estimate Kitchen Remodeling Costs