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Kitchen Remodeling Costs
Most contractors can provide you with a ballpark price per square foot for your kitchen remodel. Get a couple of ball park quotes from reliable, licensed and insured contractors. Then use the tips below to go from there.
Architectural drawing charges
In most cities, architect approved and stamped drawings are required for permitting especially if you plan to do more than just paint and install new cabinets. Many towns are particular about what they allow their residents to alter as their goal is to make sure that community property value is protected.
You will want to provide drawings to your contractor candidates so that they can bid the job "apples to apples." With drawings, you will be able to ensure that all of their estimates take the same things into account, making the cost comparison process simple for you. If you don't have plans already, be sure to include up to $1500 in your budget for your architect to draw your plans.
Engineering report charges (may apply)
If you plan to relocate any load bearing walls as part of your kitchen remodel, you may need to provide an engineering report to your contractor. Engineering reports tell contractors how to remove the wall without compromising the structural integrity of your home. Engineers indicate specific instructions as to the size and type of support beams that will be required in order to ensure that your house won't collapse once the wall is moved!
Permit cost
Your project will more than likely require a city-issued permit. Most permits cost a flat rate plus a percentage of the total cost of the kitchen remodeling job. Check with your town hall to find out what the requirements are to obtain a permit for your kitchen remodel.
Consider your taste!
Depending on your design taste and expectations for quality, you may need to include 15%-20% more money in your budget than you first thought for selection items. Fancy door hardware, flooring, electrical fixtures, appliances, and plumbing fixtures can very easily increase the cost of your kitchen remodeling project. Faucets, door knobs, cabinets and other finish items can cause you to miss your budget - by A LOT!
There are typically three grades of finishes: premium grade, high grade, and economy grade. It is definitely possible for smart shoppers to design a fabulous kitchen while sticking to a tight budget using economy grade finishes. If your first priority is to save money and you have the time to shop around, consider going with the economy grade selections.
In most cases, your contractor will be flexible about allowing you to choose a high grade or premium grade item if there is a light fixture or refrigerator that you prefer to have from a different selections group. Typically, the contractor will simply charge the price difference plus a small upgrade fee.
If your kitchen remodeling budget allows you to replicate the designs used to construct the Taj Mahal, then your best bet is to hire an interior decorator to assist you with your selections so that you can be confident that everything will fit together nicely in your new kitchen.
Who should I hire to remodel my kitchen?
Please, please, please be sure that you will hire a contractor who is properly licensed and has a minimum of $1.5 million in general liability insurance coverage!
Some unlicensed, uninsured contractors have been known to do great work, but for each one of them, there are 10 of them who offer nothing more than shoddy craftsmanship, hidden expenses, and cause for concern. Yes, these contractors have lower priced quotes, but they can afford to be less expensive because they aren't paying for the proper licenses and insurance.
Do yourself a huge favor and make sure that you verify the legitimacy of the contractors you interview. Good sources of verification are the Better Business Bureau and your State Licensing Board for Contractors.
