What does an estimate for a new kitchen include?

Items to consider when budgeting for your new kitchen remodel.

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It may seem obvious to some what an estimate for a new kitchen includes. But for those who are embarking on either their first kitchen remodel or larger project than in the past, we recap below what you can expect to include when you invest in your upgrade.

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The three biggest expenses in a custom kitchen remodel

Typically, cabinetry, appliances and labor (especially when it involves a gut renovation or floor layout change), are the three biggest expenses in a kitchen remodel. An estimate should include all materials and labor. Appliances may be a separate number. Check out the list below. Keep in mind that estimates can change due to unforeseen issues.

1. Kitchen Cabinetry such as: Kitchen Cabinet Brands

2. Hardware (can be included or separate)

3. Installation - Cabinets, floor, backsplash, lighting/electrical, plumbing fixtures.

4. All Labor to demo/gut, build, repair, replace, removal of: all existing cabinets, floor, tile, backsplash, countertops, light fixtures, old appliances, etc.. Include Walls/Ceiling/support beams - remove, add new or repair. Does the floor need to be leveled? Licensed General Contractor

5. Dumpster for demolition

6. Plumbing - Add, move, update, repair.

7. Plumbing Fixtures

8. Electrical work - Add, Update, Repair, Install.

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Light fixtures - materials

1. Flooring - material

2. Countertop - Including installation (by Fabricator - typically separate)

3. Backsplash - material

4. Paint/Spackle/Repair

5. Molding - Remove, replace, paint

6. Windows - Move, replace, repair.

7. Appliances & appliance installation - usually separate Best Appliance Store

Actual budgets can change based on what the contractor finds behind walls or under floors. Electrical and plumbing can add a great expense if they are found to be sub-par and need replacement. Termite damage can be another big expense not known when the estimate is created. Mold remediation as well as asbestos removal are unforeseen as well.

One of our latest remodels included finding water damage once we started to renovate. The home had major water issues. The back and side of the property was pitched toward the house.  This allowed water to come into the home causing damage to the kitchen cabinets, sliding glass doors, walls and foundation. The couple did not want to regrade the entire property. We raised the foundation and sliding doors, adding a step into the yard to avoid water. This was unforeseen and blew their budget out of the water - no pun intended.

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