How to Estimate a Kitchen Remodel
Kitchens sell houses for a reason. It's the most expensive room to remodel, and homebuyers know it. Remodeling can range from a few hundred dollars, if you're sprucing up the paint and decor, to tens of thousands if you're replacing appliances and countertops. To keep the cost down, use your existing layout and replace items. This is cheaper than changing where the sink and everything else is located. When you estimate a kitchen remodel, take into account the mechanical, labor and fixture costs. Does this Spark an idea?
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Instructions
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Measure the size of the kitchen floor. You need an overall size to estimate the cost of flooring. Don't worry about every crevice because you're not buying the flooring just yet. Multiply the width by the length and round up to get the square footage.
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Run the measuring tape from one end of the counter to the other. Write down this measurement, which is the length. Find the width and write down this number. Multiply them together if you're planning to use granite or stone counters because they require square footage. Formica, however, is based on the linear feet. To get linear feet, measure from corner to corner.
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Look over the current cabinets and decide if you're going to reface them or put in new ones. If you want to install new cabinets, measure the length and depth of the current cabinets.
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Write out a plan that includes material types. Take pictures of the kitchen to use in your planning process.
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Price appliances, cabinets, counters, flooring and fixtures. You may be able to get a deal if you buy more than one appliance from a store. Cabinets, appliances and fixtures will be about 30 percent of the kitchen remodel cost.
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Examine the countertop options and decide what kind to buy. Granite and stone are the most durable but also the most expensive. Laminate is more affordable but isn't the most modern choice. Multiply the measurement by the cost per square or linear foot. Add the cost of installation.
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Price out new cabinets if you're replacing yours. Divide the overall dimension of your current cabinets by the measurement for each new cabinet. This will tell you how many to buy because they may not be the same width or height as what you have now. Include the cost of an island, if necessary. If you're going to reface the old cabinets, write down the price of paint, brushes, drop cloths, primers and other painting supplies.
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Multiply the price of new flooring by the size you need. Ask the sales person for installation and tear-down costs and include those.
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Add up all the above costs. Round up the number to cover overages.
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Tips & Warnings
Buy materials when they are on sale. Stores often have sales on Labor Day and Memorial Day weekends.
Make sure the kitchen remodel does not cost less than 5 percent or more than 15 percent of the value of your home.
References
Resources
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