Compare Pros & Cons of Remodeling a Kitchen

Is your kitchen ugly and out of date? Is it cramped and poorly configured? It might be time to think about a kitchen remodel. Kitchen remodels can do wonders for a home, but the process can be expensive and frustrating. It’s important to fully understand the pros and cons before you tackle the project.

Cost of Remodeling Your Kitchen

The cost of a kitchen model depends on so many factors, including the size of your kitchen, the finishes you select and your geographic location. The average remodel using mid-grade finishes costs about $25,000 to $30,000. High-end kitchen remodeling projects can cost $50,000 to $100,000.

If you’re on a budget, there are several strategies you can employ to save money. You can repaint your cabinets or have them refaced instead of replacing them. Or, if you’re handy, tackle some of the work on a do-it-yourself basis.

With any remodel, it’s best to budget 20 percent more than the price you’re quoted to pay for unexpected expenses.

Remodeling Pros

• Modern look - Who doesn’t want a modern kitchen? Replace those avocado appliances or ugly laminate counters to create a space you’ll be proud to show off.
• Better resale value - Updating your kitchen will increase the resale value of your home, even in a slow real estate market. And you’ll get more potential buyers in the door because updated kitchen are high on the average buyer’s wish list.
• Return on investment - Kitchen remodels have the best return on investment of any room in the home, as long as you don’t go over the top. Remodel your kitchen in keeping with the style of the neighborhood (i.e. no marble counters in a tiny ranch) and you should recoup 80 percent or more of your investment at resale.

Remodeling Cons

• Expensive - The kitchen is the most expensive room in the home to remodel. Countertops, cabinets, appliances and flooring quickly add up to tens of thousands of dollars.
• Disruptive/time consuming - Your kitchen is one of the most important rooms in the house. You rely on it for daily sustenance. During a remodeling project, you’ll get very friendly with the takeout guy. The project could take months to complete.

Ways to Save on Kitchen Remodeling

You don’t want to cut corners when it comes to a kitchen remodel. If you’re going to spend such a large chunk of money, you want to be pleased with the result. Of course, you also don’t want to break the bank. Here are some tips for saving a few bucks without compromising on the quality of your new kitchen.

• Do your own demo. Even if you’re not the least bit handy, you’re probably capable of tearing out old cabinets. This can save you several days worth of labor charges. Also, consider handling some of the finishing touches on your own, including painting the room and cleaning up construction debris.
• Reuse whenever possible. Are the cabinets ugly but in great shape structurally? Paint them and change the hardware. Are the appliances just a few years old? Keep them.
• Make timeless choices. This might not save you upfront, but it will prevent you from having to remodel your kitchen again in 10 years. Avoid trendy and ultra-modern designs if you’re looking to make the new kitchen last.
• Buy floor models. Often, floor model appliances are offered for deep discounts, even if they’re in great shape. There might be some slight wear and tear - a few scratches, maybe - but chances are no one will notice.
• If you’re not willing to settle for anything besides granite, consider a lower grade of granite. Granite is graded on a scale of 1 to 5, with 5 being the best, but the untrained eye would have trouble telling the difference between a 2 and 5. Lower grades tend to produce a better return on investment, too.

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