How much does a kitchen remodel cost? — a budgeting guide

A kitchen is often the heart of the home, a place for family gatherings and culinary creativity — plus, it’s one of the key areas that dictate your property's market value. Over time, however, wear and tear can take its toll on your kitchen. Whether you want a fresh new look, improved functionality, or to increase the value of your property, embarking on a kitchen remodel can be a daunting task.

But fear not! We're here with insights into how much it costs to remodel a kitchen — plus, effective budgeting strategies to help you make it happen. Keep reading to equip yourself with the knowledge and confidence you need to tackle your kitchen remodeling project without breaking the bank.

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If you're thinking of remodeling your kitchen, there’s probably one major question on your mind: How much will it cost? First, it's important to understand the factors that influence the price tag. That way, you can plan and budget effectively — especially since the kitchen is one of the most expensive rooms to remodel. Electrical and plumbing installations, tiling, furniture, lighting, and appliances can add up quickly. 

Some costs are surprising, too: For example, a kitchen countertop alone can account for up to 20% of the total budget. 

The overall expense of a kitchen remodel can vary significantly, depending on whether you’re doing a partial update or a complete reno. Your location also plays a role, but the typical cost range to remodel a kitchen is €13,000 to €40,000. Let's take a closer look at what you can expect:

To help you estimate expenses, let’s break down the factors that might affect your kitchen remodel cost. 

The size and layout of a kitchen play a significant role in determining the cost of a remodel. Larger kitchens generally require more materials and fixtures, and they have other features to replace or install. 

The layout of the kitchen is another critical factor. Keep in mind that kitchen remodeling prices tend to be around €300 per square meter on average. If you're changing the existing layout, that might mean demolishing walls, installing new plumbing lines, and rewiring electrical connections. Those changes will considerably increase the total bill.

Your choices of fixtures and materials can majorly influence the overall project expenses. While high-quality materials such as marble are popular, you can also find options that are environmentally friendly and budget-conscious, like bamboo.

Beyond that, it’s crucial to measure carefully when estimating how much material you’ll need. This helps you establish a realistic budget. Your preferences, needs, and budget will ultimately influence the fixtures and features you choose — which, in turn, determines the overall cost of your kitchen remodel.

The expertise and skills of contractors, plumbers, electricians, and designers are essential for a successful kitchen remodel. Apart from labor expenses, there may be other professional fees: design consultations, architectural services, and project management. The fees for these services vary depending on the project's scope and the level of involvement required from professionals.

Choosing designer and branded furniture or appliances can inflate the costs of your kitchen remodel. For instance, refrigerators might start at around €300, but one from a luxury brand could cost you over €1,000. It's important to consider your budget and priorities when choosing furniture and appliances. Also bear in mind that investing in good quality upfront can lead to long-term savings on utility bills.

Before proceeding with your kitchen remodel, make sure to familiarize yourself with local building codes and permit fees. This helps ensure that your project complies with the regulations in your area. Set aside funds in your budget specifically for permits, as they’re required for your renovation project to be legal and compliant.

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Wondering how to save on your kitchen remodel without compromising style and functionality? Here are four budget-friendly tips:

• Research, plan, compare: Getting quotes from several different contractors allows you to find the best deal and gives you leverage to negotiate a better price. Plus, detailed planning helps you avoid costly mistakes or overspending on non-essential items. 
• Optimize what you already have: Instead of changing everything in your kitchen, work with the existing configuration. Avoid tearing down walls or installing anything too complicated — and keep that sink where it is.
• Hire professionals or Do-It-Yourself: DIY projects are fun and cost-effective — but be realistic and assess the complexity of the project first. If you want to handle some things yourself, simple tasks like painting are a good place to start. For specialized work, it’s usually best to hire professionals. This way, you’re more likely to avoid expensive repairs in the future. 
• Explore alternatives: Invest in durable and efficient essentials, but remember that lower-cost fixtures can also be stylish and functional. After all, Italian marble isn’t the only material available for countertops.

These money-saving ideas can help you get a stunning kitchen while staying within your budget. Still unsure about your budget limitations? Let's look at how you can set a realistic one.

Creating your dream kitchen while staying on budget takes some careful planning, but it’s definitely possible. Follow these tips to set a realistic budget for your kitchen remodel.

Before starting your remodel, identify your main objectives. Is the focus on functionality, aesthetics, or addressing specific issues? Prioritize essential elements and allocate your budget accordingly. If updating plumbing is a priority, dedicate a larger portion of your budget to that. By identifying what you care about, you can make informed decisions about where to focus your spending.

Consider the long-term value of your investments. While staying within budget is crucial, certain choices can help you save money over time. Opt for energy-efficient fixtures and durable materials — in the long run, they can lead to lower utility bills and fewer maintenance costs.

To get the results you want without overspending, set a clear plan. The 50/30/20 budget model helps you save up: Allocate 50% of your income for needs, 30% for wants, and 20% to save towards your kitchen renovation. 

When deciding how much to save, remember that 10-15% of your total remodeling budget should be set aside as a contingency fund. This money is for unexpected expenses or changes, providing a financial buffer and preventing the project from running over budget.

Monitor your budget like a spending roadmap, and save receipts and invoices for accurate tracking. Use a spreadsheet or budgeting app to create categories and record the date, description, and amount of each expenditure. This provides real-time monitoring for each category and helps you stay on track. Regularly review and adjust your budget as needed. If you notice overspending in one category, see how you can cut costs in other areas to bring your remodeling budget back into balance.

For a successful kitchen renovation, the most important thing is to plan carefully. Consider the project's details, consult experienced professionals, and agree on a fixed price. This helps you get the most bang for your buck. Not only will you have a more functional and inviting kitchen, but a well-executed renovation could seriously boost the value of your home in the long run.

Now that you have a solid understanding of the main costs involved in a kitchen remodel, you can build effective budgeting and saving strategies — and soon, start building your new kitchen. 

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If you've always envisioned making your home truly yours, why not start saving up for those dream renovations? The numbers can seem overwhelming at first, but with some solid planning, you can smash your savings goal. At N26, we help you reach your wildest ambitions. That's why we developed Spaces sub-accounts where you can stash your savings alongside your main account. Set a target amount, then let our features like Rules and Round-Ups automatically squirrel away some cash for you. Before you know it, your dream home can become a reality. Don't forget to check out more of our home renovation tips.