Are you considering a kitchen remodel? Unless you have previous experience or access to an expert, learning about the cost of kitchen remodeling can be difficult. There are so many resources available online today that it can be downright overwhelming.
What’s the price difference between DIY and professional installation? Where can you find high-quality affordable kitchen cabinets? To answer these questions, we're coming to the table with a variety of costs, budgeting guidelines, resources and product recommendations.
Explore how to plan a kitchen remodel on any budget below!
What Is the Cost of Remodeling a Kitchen?
Before starting any remodel, it’s important to understand potential costs. According to Angi, the average cost of kitchen remodeling is $26,960. The average range most homeowners spend is between $14,598 and $41,495. However, kitchen remodels can cost $3,500 on the low end and $65,000 on the high end.
These totals include a variety of products and services from kitchen cabinets to countertops, installation, hardware, tile, paint, re-locating plumbing and new light fixtures. Keep in mind, remodeling costs will also change based on your location.
Taking on a full-scale kitchen remodel in Kansas City, Missouri will cost much less than a renovation in Orange County, California. Not only will product pricing change, but installation and even inflation adjusts based on location.
Here are the main scope differences between a minor and major kitchen remodel.
Minor Kitchen Remodels Include:
- Same layout
- Fresh paint
- Updated flooring and countertops
- Updating cabinets- either refacing or in-stock cabinets
- New sink and faucet
- Mainly aesthetic and functional updates
Major Kitchen Remodels Include:
- Updated kitchen layout
- Fresh paint
- Updated flooring and countertops
- Custom or semi-custom cabinets
- Tile backsplash
- New light fixtures
- New sink and faucet
- Cabinet accessories (Roll-out trays, trash pull-outs etc.)
As you can see, overall costs will depend on the scale of the project. Minor kitchen remodels tend to focus mostly on appearance and improving some functionality. Major kitchen remodels on the other hand, focus on re-creating the layout and using higher end products for a completely new space. Which type of remodel do you prefer?
How to Budget & Plan a Kitchen Remodel
After you have looked explored the cost of kitchen remodeling and national averages, it’s time to plan your own remodel. It’s easy to get overwhelmed, but the best to start with more research. The more you know, the better decisions you will make for you, your home and budget. Here’s a step-by-step guide to budgeting and planning your own kitchen remodel.
1. Create Your Kitchen Remodel Budget
As you have seen, kitchen remodeling costs can vary widely. Look at your financial situation and decide what you can comfortably invest in your project. If there is a gap between what you have and what you want to spend, explore home improvement loans.
There are many resources to explore including CliqStudios’ 0% financing. See what you can borrow and after you decide on your budget, start getting estimates.
2. Look for Quality Products
Save yourself time and money by skipping low-end products. They will cost you more money over time when you have to replace them. High-quality products will stand the test of time, and they don’t need to be expensive.
Look for brands that talk about how the product is made, offer warranties and provide plenty of information. By doing this you will find brands you love that meet your style, function and budgetary needs.
3. Gather Estimates
Now that you’ve found reputable companies and locked in your budget, it’s time to start getting estimates. Leave no stone unturned. This should include estimates for cabinets, countertops, installation and other trade work necessary for your kitchen.
Don’t forget to research pricing for lighting, tile, flooring, cabinet hardware and any other products you’re considering. Once you have gathered this information, it will be easier to say ‘yes’ or ‘no’ based on how it fits into your budget.
Keep your estimates, inspirational photos and pricing in a secure location. Either print out your findings and keep them in a secure location or organize a digital folder on your phone or desktop. Either way, make sure they are easy to access.
As you make decisions, keep track of these products and services in a separate folder. Create your own checklist for each area of the kitchen. This way you can mark every item off as it’s purchased or installed. This will make it easy to stay up to date on the latest remodel improvements.
What Are the Best Affordable Kitchen Cabinets?
In your search for the perfect affordable kitchen cabinets, look for brands that don’t compromise on quality. Cabinet companies that offer a durable, long-term product will typically show cabinet construction for each of their lines, offer warranties, and share how their products are built and finished.
CliqStudios is one of those companies. We offer 4 unique cabinet lines with a variety of price ranges, styles and customizations. This allows all our customers to get the look they love within their budget.
Here’s a glimpse into each cabinet line and what you get for your investment...
RTA Cabinets
- 9 door styles
- All-plywood construction
- 5-year limited warranty
- Soft-close hinges and glides
- Some cabinet accessories
- Quick delivery (1 – 3 weeks)
- Most affordable kitchen cabinets
Our RTA cabinet line offers many styles of cabinets including shaker, decorative, raised panel, skinny shaker and slab. Unique features of this line are the options to choose a textured laminate door or a high-gloss frameless cabinet style. RTA cabinets are shoppable online or with your own personal CliqStudios designer.
Mercury Cabinets
- 2 door styles
- All-plywood construction
- 5-year limited warranty
- Soft-close hinges and glides
- Fully assembled
- Quick delivery (2 – 4 weeks)
- Some cabinet accessories
Mercury cabinets are a great cabinet line for someone who wants affordable semi-custom quality with a quicker lead time. You can choose from two beautiful door styles; a classic shaker or decorative shaker offered in 5 colors. To place an order for Mercury cabinets, you will need to work with a CliqStudios designer.
Signature Plus Cabinets
- 7 door styles
- Standard furniture board construction
- Optional all-plywood construction upgrade
- Limited lifetime warranty
- Soft-close hinges and glides
- Fully assembled
- Wide variety of cabinet accessories
- Modifications to fit your home
Signature Plus cabinets is a semi-custom line with a wide variety of door styles, finishes and modifications available. This line is our most popular and flexible when it comes to cabinet upgrades and options. To design your kitchen with Signature Plus cabinets, talk to a CliqStudios designer.
Craftsman Cabinets
- 13 door styles
- 5 wood species
- Standard furniture board construction
- Optional all-plywood construction upgrade
- Limited lifetime warranty
- Soft-close hinges and glides
- Fully assembled
- Custom options for any need
Craftsman cabinets are the perfect line for a custom kitchen design. If you need custom solutions like appliance panels or non-standard cabinets, this is the line for you. Craftsman will be the most expensive line because it offers the most finishes, door styles, storage solutions and custom options. Talk to a CliqStudios designer to create your own custom Craftsman kitchen.
If cost is a major concern, there are a few things you can do. During the design stage, talk with your designer about your kitchen remodel budget. They will direct you towards the right cabinet line with the style, color and options you prefer that’s in your budget. Another thing to keep in mind is cabinet accessories. Although it’s tempting to buy every cool storage solution you see, pay attention to pricing and remove unnecessary add-ons to stay on budget. You can purchase a-la-carte accessories down the road and install them after your kitchen is complete.
All four of the CliqStudios cabinet lines are available for different price ranges and preferences. No matter which line you choose, all the cabinets will be high-quality. By offering multiple options, we give you the chance to self-select. However, if you aren’t sure which line is best for you, talk with a CliqStudios designer. They will help you identify which line works best for you based on your specific budget and needs.
Want to expand your kitchen remodeling budget? See if you qualify for 0% financing now!