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Budget Calculation Tips For Kitchen Renovation Planning In Orange County

Budget Calculation Tips For Kitchen Renovation Planning In Orange County | SOD Home Group

The kitchen is vital to a functional, happy home which is why many people across California invest their time and money into a new kitchen renovation to create a space that is both visually appealing and fit for purpose. A new kitchen can not only improve your day-to-day life but it can also add significant value to your home, should you wish to sell in the future.

In this article, we will talk about budgets and how to calculate yours for a kitchen renovation in California. Our helpful tips on planning a kitchen remodel can hopefully answer any questions you may have about such a project and talk you through the various costs involved.

What Is The Average Kitchen Renovation Cost In California?

The average cost of a kitchen renovation in California is estimated to be around $400 to $850+ per square foot, therefore the size of the room is a significant factor in terms of the overall cost of the project. These estimates may also vary depending on where you live in California, while the quality of the materials and finishes used can also increase the kitchen renovation price considerably.

Compared to the national average, California and the Pacific region generally sees higher quotes for home improvement projects. A recent study by Remodeling Magazine showed that the average national cost of a full, mid-range kitchen renovation is around $66,200, while the same project would cost around $72,500 in states such as Alaska, California, Washington, and Oregon – a difference of over $6,000.

However, this is just an average and by hiring the right contractor, budgeting sensibly, and with a few clever tips, this price can be reduced.

Planning Your Kitchen Renovation Budget

Below are our six budget calculation tips for a kitchen renovation in Orange County.

  1. Choose a budget and stick to it!
    This may sound over-simplistic but the number of people who ignore their initial budget and spend more than they intended is surprising. It is easy to give in to impulses and budget flexibility is always a good thing, but exceeding your budget can result in cost-cutting later in the project as too much money has been spent in one area.
  2. Create a cost breakdown
    Set a budget for each aspect of the project and try your best to stick to it, as this can ensure that each area of the home has been allocated enough finance. Try to create a list of costings from materials to labor so you can clearly see where adjustments can be made.
    A kitchen renovation project can generally be broken down as follows: labor 20-35%, cabinets 25-30%, appliances 20%, windows 10%, fixtures 5%, fittings 3%, and other 7%.
  3. Be prepared for the unexpected
    It is recommended to set aside around 20% of your total budget in case you encounter any unexpected costs, hidden fees, or should any problems occur during the project.
  4. Prioritize
    Is the final finish of the kitchen the most important aspect to you? Such as the tiling or the cabinets? Do you want high-end appliances or energy-saving technology? If so, then allocate a higher proportion of your budget to your key requirements.
  5. Manage your budget with a spreadsheet
    There are going to be a lot of numbers and figures flying around your head throughout the duration of your project, so a simple spreadsheet can help you make sense of it all and manage your budget on a daily basis.
  6. Resist the temptation to deviate
    As mentioned earlier in the list, many people exceed their budget so it is important to reiterate the point – a budget is there for a reason. Increasing or decreasing your budget part-way through the project can lead to a number of different issues. For example, spending more on cabinets than you originally planned could leave you short of money when it comes to purchasing new appliances or you may have to settle for lower quality doors and windows.

Speak to SOD Home Group to learn more about kitchen renovation budgeting.

How To Save Money On A Kitchen Renovation

We would never recommend cutting corners on any home improvement project but there are always ways you can reduce costs without impacting on quality, or ending up with an inferior finished product.

Ways to reduce costs on a kitchen remodeling project.

  • Repurpose old cabinets by sanding them down and giving them a new lick of paint.
  • Replace the trim on existing cabinets
  • Convert unused furniture into a kitchen island
  • Keep your existing layout to reduce labor costs
  • Source material such as granite than can be made into kitchen worktops
  • Add a tile backsplash to give a bit of color to your kitchen
  • Use local retailers instead of the large hardware chains
  • Look for refurbished appliances and upcycled materials instead of buying new ones.
  • Consider appliances that have suffered minor cosmetic damage as most of these appliances can be purchased for a significant discount despite the damage being repairable.

Possible Unexpected Costs During A Kitchen Renovation

Unfortunately, home improvement projects are not always straightforward, and hidden/ unexpected costs can crop up now and then. Hopefully, you have set aside some of your budget for such instances. Even so, it is always good to prepare yourself and be aware of the various things that can go wrong, or be uncovered when renovating your existing kitchen.

  • Structural Problems such as worn-down beams and supports, aging plumbing, damaged drywall, or issues with the interior wall.
  • Problems with pests or the discovery of mold build-up.
  • Permits and certifications relating to electrical, plumbing, and structural work.
  • Relocating large appliances such as the washing machine or dishwasher to another part of the room, meaning additional rewiring and replumbing are required.

Kitchen Renovation Services In Orange County

SOD Home Group are kitchen renovation experts who work across California, delivering bespoke kitchens since 2008. Whether you are looking to just give your kitchen a facelift, require a room addition, or are looking to rebuild your kitchen from scratch – we can help.

Get in touch with SOD Home Group today to discuss your options.

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