Are you thinking about remodeling your kitchen? If you’re considering a kitchen remodel, you likely have a lot of questions. How much will it cost? How long will it take? Is it worth the investment? This blog post contains answers to all those questions and more, helping you make the most informed decisions about your kitchen remodel.
So let’s dive in!
FAQs About Kitchen Remodeling
A well-executed kitchen remodel can greatly improve both the look and function of your home–but it’s important to go into the process with your eyes wide open, knowing what to expect in terms of time, cost, and return on the investment.
We’ve got answers to all of your questions in this FAQ blog post about kitchen remodeling. Keep reading to get all the information you need to make the best decisions for your home.
1. How Long Does A Kitchen Remodel Take?
Kitchen remodeling is a major undertaking that can open up exciting possibilities for the heart of your home, but it can also cause stress over the time frame involved. No two kitchen renovations are exactly the same, but on average, kitchen remodels take between 6 to 10 weeks from start to finish–if everything goes according to plan.
Factors like kitchen size, the type of materials used, the complexity of the design, and the specific contractor’s workload will all impact how long it takes to complete your kitchen remodel. It’s important to keep in mind that kitchen remodeling requires patience and understanding in order to get the kitchen you’ve dreamed of while minimizing disruption to your day-to-day life. With proper planning, communication, and realistic expectations, you won’t be waiting endlessly for your kitchen transformation.
One of the best ways to determine how long your kitchen remodel will take is to discuss the timeline with your contractor. A reputable contractor will be upfront about how long a project will take and will typically offer “best case” and “worst case” timeline scenarios to account for unforeseen material delays or other issues that could extend the time it takes to complete your kitchen remodel.
2. Can I Live In My Home During A Kitchen Remodel?
Kitchen remodeling can be a messy business. Depending on the scale of the project, it can also be disruptive and time-consuming. Fortunately, it is usually possible to live in your home during a kitchen remodel. If you plan ahead and discuss the details with your contractor, you can often get enough done each day to minimize disruption to your family’s daily routine.
Minor kitchen renovations, such as countertops and cabinets, could be done while you remain at home. However, major kitchen remodels that include electrical system upgrades, or plumbing may render parts of the kitchen inaccessible for more than just a few days. Under those circumstances, living elsewhere may be preferable.
Be sure to keep walkways clear for safety, as well as identify any dust-proof areas that must remain closed off during kitchen remodeling. It’s always a good idea to set up an alternative temporary kitchen when undergoing a kitchen remodel. This could be as simple as a cooler for food storage and a microwave for cooking. You could also take advantage of any warm weather and grill outside during a remodel.
With proper planning and an experienced kitchen contractor, you should have no trouble continuing life as usual while your kitchen makeover takes shape.
3. How Much Does It Cost To Remodel A Kitchen?
Generally speaking, kitchen remodeling is an expensive undertaking. However, the cost of your kitchen remodel will vary widely depending on the size, scope, and even location of the remodeling project.
As a general rule, kitchen remodeling costs anywhere from a few thousand dollars for minor kitchen updates to tens of thousands for a large-scale kitchen remodeling project. For example, according to Remodeling Magazine’s Cost vs. Value report, most homeowners in the greater New York area spend approximately $34,000 for a minor midrange kitchen remodel, $94,000 for a major midrange remodel, and $183,000 for a major upscale kitchen remodel.
To maximize your kitchen remodeling budget and ultimately get the kitchen you’ve always wanted, start by assessing your kitchen needs and getting multiple contractor bids. With some forethought and homework, you can complete a kitchen remodeling project that fits your budget while delivering maximum value. You can read more about our kitchen remodeling tiers and pricing here.
4. What Are The Stages Of A Kitchen Remodeling Project?
While every kitchen remodeling project is unique, they generally follow the same remodeling process steps outlined below:
Pre-Construction Phase
- Job posting
- Scheduling site visits and bidding
- Picking the contractor
- Signing the contract
- Getting permits
- Material ordering and purchasing
- Informing your neighbors
Construction Phase
- Kitchen demolition
- Electrical, gas, and plumbing work
- Inspection
- Structure and new flooring
- Installation of cabinets, appliances, countertops, tile backsplash, lighting fixtures, and more
- Finishing touches and cleanup
Post-Construction Phase
- Walkthrough with the contractor
- Make changes if necessary
- Final inspection and payment
5. What Are Some Inexpensive Upgrades I Can Do Instead Of A Full Kitchen Remodel?
While “inexpensive” is a subjective term, here are some budget-friendly upgrades that you can do in your kitchen short of a full remodel:
- Repainting walls or cabinets
- Replacing cabinet pulls/knobs with more stylish options
- Updating lighting fixtures with modern alternatives
- Adding shelving or storage solutions such as lazy susans or sliding racks in drawers and cabinets
- Switching out old appliances for new energy-efficient models
- Installing new countertops
- Refinishing existing hardwood floors instead of replacing them
Each one of these individual upgrades can help give your space an updated look without costing too much money.
6. Does A Kitchen Remodel Increase The Value Of My Home?
Yes! Home kitchen remodeling is an investment in both your kitchen and the overall value of your home. However, while there’s no question that a kitchen remodel adds value to a home, there’s no simple answer as to how much they increase the value of your home due to the wide variety of remodels.
Per Remodeling Magazine’s Cost vs. Value report, a minor midrange kitchen remodel averages a 79.6% return on investment (ROI), a major midrange remodel averages 63.1%, and a major upscale kitchen remodel averages 53.4%. So while you’ll almost never get a 100% return on your investment, you should be able to easily get at least a 50% or higher return.
That being said, kitchen remodeling carries different benefits than pure profit yield. A kitchen remodel has the potential to improve your overall daily living experience, as well as increase your home’s aesthetic and make it more appealing when looking to draw in potential buyers when it comes time to sell. In this sense, your personal happiness may be the most important metric to track when it comes to kitchen remodeling.
7. How Do I Finance A Kitchen Remodel?
Kitchen remodeling is an exciting but expensive venture, especially if you want a kitchen that looks like it belongs in a magazine. It can be hard to come up with the money to pay for all of your kitchen renovation ideas, but there are a few ways you can finance your kitchen remodel.
Financing Via The Contractor
Many contractors offer their own financing options so you can make payments over a period of time. For example, here at Rea Pro Construction, we work with Ehancify, an online financing marketplace.
Home Equity Line Of Credit (HELOC)
If you’ve already built up equity in your home, you may be able to get a HELOC or home equity line of credit. This is basically a second mortgage that allows you to borrow against the equity in your home.
Personal Loan
Personal loans typically have fixed interest rates, which can make them easier to budget for than HELOCs. However, you may need good credit to qualify for the best rates on a personal loan.
Credit Cards
If you have good credit, you may be able to finance your kitchen remodel with a credit card.
8. How Can I Save Money On A Kitchen Remodel?
Kitchen remodeling can be costly, but there are several strategies homeowners can take to help manage the costs.
- Since most of the cost of a kitchen remodel is due to the size and scope of the project, rethinking your kitchen design to minimize construction and material needs is a great way to save on overall costs.
- When it comes to materials, research bargains at discount stores and online retailers that may have kitchen appliances and cabinets at a fraction of the cost you’d find in traditional stores.
- Try to reuse items where possible–salvaged cabinet doors can look great when refinished or repainted.
- Whenever possible, do some of the legwork yourself, such as cleanup, preparation, and painting. It may not look like much, but these small efforts add up to major savings on kitchen remodeling over time.
9. Does A Kitchen Remodel Require A Permit?
Kitchen remodeling is an exciting project for many homeowners; however, the idea of obtaining a permit may be daunting. Fortunately, it’s typically not required for kitchen remodel projects. Some kitchen-related works that don’t require permits include replacing kitchen appliances, changing floor coverings, installing kitchen cabinetry, and working on kitchen walls.
However, if your kitchen remodeling project includes electrical work–such as wiring a new appliance or adding outlets–you should always check with local authorities first to see if a permit is needed. Higher-tier contractors will typically handle the permitting process for your kitchen remodel if any are required.
10. Is It Less Expensive To Paint Or Reface Kitchen Cabinets?
When kitchen remodeling, many homeowners are faced with the decision between painting kitchen cabinets and refacing them. Although it is ultimately up to individual preference, each option comes with its own set of considerations.
Painting kitchen cabinetry is the most cost-effective approach if you’re willing to put in the DIY time. Refacing kitchen cabinetry is usually quicker and may require less effort overall, but it is more expensive than simply repainting.
According to Home Advisor, cabinet refacing costs $7,136 on average, with a typical cost range between $4,260 and $10,013. Ultimately, what will work best for you will depend on your budget, timeline, and willingness to do some physical labor.
Create Your Perfect Kitchen With The Experts At Rea Pro Construction
Whether your intended kitchen remodel project is big or small, it pays to take a close look at the frequently asked questions surrounding kitchen remodeling. Understanding every step and considering each option carefully should make the project go smoothly and provide long-term satisfaction with your newly remodeled kitchen.
If you still have questions or would like further advice on how to start planning your kitchen remodel, please fill out our contact form, and one of our experienced professionals will get in touch with you soon!