Remodeling Your Kitchen - Costs + How to Pay for It

Kitchen remodels represent a major investment, with most projects costing tens of thousands of dollars. Why so much? Probably because any standard remodel involves purchase of many materials, fixtures and appliances, skilled labor to install and a great deal of planning. When the work is over, your kitchen should be more beautiful, more functional, and more valuable, adding to your home’s overall value.

While most homeowners find the cost to be worthwhile, it is important to know how much you can expect to spend on your kitchen remodel. Knowing the potential cost can help you right-size the scope of your project to your budget and avoid overspending that could lead to challenges down the road.

How Much Does a Kitchen Remodel Cost?

The cost of a minor kitchen remodel in many parts of NH is approximately $26,000, according to the Cost Vs. Value Report published by Remodeling Magazine. Most minor kitchen remodels involve cosmetic changes and a few upgrades. For this cost, you can expect to get new doors on your cabinets, new flooring, fresh paint on your walls, a new sink installed and new countertops.

A major, mid-scale kitchen remodel in New Hampshire costs around $76,000. For this price, homeowners often see deep, dramatic changes to their kitchen, including new appliances, new countertops, a new kitchen island, custom lighting, and new cabinets.

Upscale major kitchen remodels can cost as much as $149,000, adding features like a new backsplash, new hardwood flooring, new under cabinet illumination, a new commercial-grade cooktop with vent hood, designer faucets, water filtration system, and other such features.

Factors that Affect Cost

Every kitchen remodel is unique and there are many factors that can affect cost. Knowing what features have the potential to increase or decrease costs can help you control the scope of your project and fit your kitchen remodel to your budget.

Scope. Cosmetic changes are the most affordable, while changes to the function or layout of the kitchen can quickly drive up the cost.
Removing walls and adding space. Removing walls and adding space can drive up costs dramatically, especially if your contractor needs to remove a load-bearing wall, or if you’re planning to add space to the footprint of your house.
Quality. You’ll pay for quality, but remember: good quality lasts longer and functions better. Installing quality materials and appliances can save you money in the long run.
Skill. Some contractors cost more than others. Contractors that charge dramatically less for their work may not be as skilled, experienced, or up to the task of remodeling a kitchen. Good contractors tend to cost more money, but you’ll almost certainly be happier with the results.

Financing

The most affordable way to pay for your kitchen remodel is with cash, but many homeowners must seek financing to make their kitchen remodel goals a reality. The type of financing you choose should depend on a variety of factors, including your credit and what payment terms sound right for you.

Mortgage Refinance

With a mortgage refinance, you will borrow enough money to pay off your current mortgage – and a little bit extra to pay a contractor. If you have a lot of equity built up in your home, this could be a good option for you.

Home Equity Loan

With a home equity loan, you’ll borrow a lump sum with a fixed payment, to be repaid in a given period of time. This type of loan is a kind of second mortgage with a low-interest rate.

Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC)

A HELOC is a loan based on your home’s equity. A HELOC functions like a credit card: you borrow only what you need, and when the remodel is finished, you pay off the loan in the same way you would a credit card.

Personal Loan

If you don’t have a lot of equity in your home but do have good credit, consider a personal loan. These loans typically have a higher interest rate than some other types of loans, and are often paid back quickly (between 5 and 7 years). However, some homeowners prefer this type of loan because the house itself is not used as collateral. Personal loans are a common tool for homeowners who haven’t owned their house very long, don’t have a lot of equity in their home and need to make major repairs to their home.

Saving Money on Your Kitchen Remodel

You can save money on your kitchen remodel by making smart buying decisions. One thing to keep in mind: purchasing poor quality products and services may save money in the short term, but will cost more in the long run. If saving money is important to you, here’s what we recommend:

Plan Ahead

Buying materials and planning your remodel at the last minute can lead to rushed purchases and mistakes. Plan ahead and take your time as you’re moving through the remodeling process.

Know Your Must-Haves Vs. Nice-To-Haves

Make a list of goals and priorities, then support those goals with a list of must-haves versus nice-to-haves. Knowing what you absolutely must get out of your kitchen remodel can help you avoid over-spending on items that you really don’t need.

Shop Around

Shopping around for materials and a contractor can help ensure that you’ll get the best quality for your money. Take your time and look for the right materials and contractor for your home improvement project.

Avoid Last-Minute Changes

Once you’ve started your kitchen remodel, making changes can get expensive. If you’ve signed off on a design for your kitchen remodel, stick to it. Last-minute changes may require your contractor to undo work that’s already been done, and that can lead to delays and cost increases well beyond the original price.