How to Budget for the 3 Types of Kitchen Remodels In the Sacramento & Foothills Region

📸 Photo by Daniel Lunghi

The most important question you can ask while planning a kitchen remodel in the Sacramento area is not only “how much will it cost”, but “what type of remodel do I want?” I have found that there are generally three different types of kitchen remodels that are influenced by where they are located within the existing structure and their relationship to the existing kitchen. These projects can cost anywhere from $10,000 to upwards of $250,000 depending on the scope, location, and quantity/quality of finishes used. If that range sounds unhelpful, don’t worry: in this article, I’ll outline the main drivers of cost from a builder’s perspective and how to plan for each of the different scenarios.  

The Refresh

In this remodel, the layout generally stays the same, and many of the existing fixtures and finishes are reused. A good example would be a remodel where the cabinets are painted and re-used, new hardware is installed, a new countertop and sink is installed, and possibly new lighting fixtures are added. This is generally the least expensive and fastest way to renovate a kitchen. This type of remodel can generally cost between $10,000 and $40,000. However, many times a refresh like this will not fix the core issues and the entire space will need to be re-worked. 

The Rework

In this remodel, the kitchen layout remains roughly the same, but most of the interior finishes are removed and new ones are installed. Generally this happens because the space is redesigned and the old materials are dated or no longer work with the new design. A typical remodel like this may include small structural changes, such as re-locating the entry door, but generally does not require structural changes to the adjacent rooms. All new finishes, such as cabinetry, sheetrock, paint, trim, fixtures, and appliances are used in this type of kitchen remodel. The rework remodel can generally cost between $40,000 and $120,000.

The Relocation

In this scenario, the kitchen is completely relocated, often into a new space or as an entirely new room which is added to the home. Since much of the infrastructure needs to be relocated (plumbing & gas lines, electrical, and venting), or added into a new or greatly redesigned structure, the relocation type of renovation is usually the most expensive option for a kitchen remodel. This type of remodel can generally cost between $75,000 and $200,000, and frequently can cost even more. While this type can be the most expensive, it can also be the best (or only) option to meet the design needs of the homeowners, especially when more space is required.

Identify What You Want To Change

So, what type of remodel is best for you? I recommend first identifying the issues you are trying to solve. Is the problem that you hate cabinets? Or are you planning on hosting Thanksgiving and you really need a revised layout to fit everyone who’s planning to prepare the dishes at your home?  

If paint and finishes can fix the problem, a refresh is always a great option. However, if there are layout and/or larger spatial issues, we can create a rough floor plan and corresponding prospective budget for a rework or relocation-type remodel.

Budget Tips:

How To Manage Costs

Once you have an idea of the type of remodel you intend to undertake, you can begin looking at drivers of cost. I always suggest homeowners go appliance shopping first because, regardless of the type of remodel you choose, appliances can be a fairly large percentage of a renovation budget. Once you’ve selected the appliances, we need to determine the changes that will be needed to surround the appliances as well as analyze the condition of the existing structure.

This is why the age and condition of the building is significant. For example, a Folsom home built in the 1980s or ‘90s will have far more reusable components than a Midtown Craftsman built in the 1920s. Alternatively, the components of a home built in the last decade will likely be mostly reusable and the kitchen can be built with minimal upgrades.  

The size of the kitchen also plays a significant role in the overall cost. A small space with only a few cabinets will be much less expensive to remodel than a large space that includes an island, pantry, breakfast nook, and other elements. In this same context, the materials that will cover those spaces are also a driver of cost. Are the countertops made of a readily available prefabricated quartz material? Or are they beautifully veined slabs from Italy that are custom selected and fabricated? Both quantity and quality matter here, and the labor to fabricate and install these materials can also be significant.

When budgeting, consider this: who is going to do the work? Are you going to do it yourself? Hire your brother-in-law? Or contract with a full professional company? The cost will adjust accordingly. 

How to Budget Your Time

A vital question that consumers need to ask themselves is the amount of time they have to dedicate to their project. Even a small refresh can take a cumulative total of over 200 hours when all the time spent on labor is added together. Do you want to spend your free time scraping cabinetry, or would you like to leave that to the professionals (while you take charge of the fun things, like picking out a new sink and faucet)? Most importantly: while you are without a kitchen, how do you intend to feed your family? 

Also, do you plan on living in your Sacramento home while the kitchen is being renovated? Some homes are better situated for living in them while your remodel is ongoing, and some are not. The best experience is usually to rent a home with a functional kitchen, stay with family, or even go on an extended vacation while the work takes place. All of this comes at a cost, and therefore should be included in the planning phase. Even if you choose to live in your home without a kitchen for the duration of a remodel, you should budget for dining out or having food delivered to ensure you and your family can still eat when they can’t use the kitchen.

Budgeting For The Unexpected

So far, I’ve reviewed the known factors in remodels, but what about unforeseen issues? We generally work in older homes, and it’s not uncommon to open a wall and find that rats have chewed through the wiring, or that a wall was improperly built. That’s why it’s wise to keep a budget of around 10-15% of the overall project cost for these unexpected scenarios. If everything goes perfectly, you’ll end up coming in under budget; and if there’s a surprise, you won’t go over budget. 

Hiring a designer to draw up formal plans, as well as paying a contractor to complete a pre-construction phase, should also be part of your budget to eliminate additional unexpected costs. Remember what I said about first identifying the problems you want to solve? It’s important to communicate these problems to a designer, who has likely dealt with similar issues in the past. If walls are being relocated, a structural engineer may be needed to provide calculations to ensure the structural stability of the new space. We find that the better the planning process, the smoother the overall process. 

Before all of these major decisions are made, a kitchen remodel budget in the Sacramento area usually falls within a wide range. However, as you and your contractor undertake the pre-construction planning and design phase, the costs become more and more concrete, ultimately resulting in a set of plans and a precise, agreed-upon budget. 

I realize this can feel like an overwhelming amount of information, but luckily you don’t have to do it on your own. Whether you think you’d like a refresh, a rework, or a relocation, we can help you start making informed choices: please email us at hello@leeandco.com or fill out our contact form and we will set up an initial consultation.