Kitchen Renovations 101: Steps, Costs and Ideas
The kitchen is the most important room in your home. It is the place where nourishing food is prepared, family comes together, conversations are had, community is shared, homework is done, creations of all sorts are manifested and most importantly memories are shared.
I can’t think of one kitchen renovation we have done where our client hasn’t shared with us how much time is spent in their kitchen. With this is in mind, doesn’t it make sense to honor and cherish this space in your home? Yet, so many people live with the pain of lack of functionality, poor lighting, limited storage, clutter, unclean work areas. Not to mention dated and aesthetically unappealing spaces.
When it comes to kitchen remodeling, it seems like a BIG project. If it’s a complete re-haul, it can be, but it doesn’t have to be. There are ways to control kitchen renovation/remodeling projects and maintain you, the homeowner, as the driver. In this article, I’ll discuss how to navigate through a complete kitchen gut renovation to a partial renovation or just a kitchen refresh renovation. Additionally, I offer kitchen renovation budget and timing perspectives, including a list (with links) to some of our favorite sources no matter your budget parameters.
The important thing in making a decision on whether or not to undergo a kitchen renovation is to arm yourself with basic knowledge and a great interior design firm with the experience to confidently and securely see you through the renovation process from start to finish!
full kitchen renovation
Install new cabinetry [with new layout specifically designed to lifestyle + preferences]
Install backsplash
Replace flooring
Replace countertops
Install door hardware [knobs + pulls]
Install new lighting [under cabinet, island pendants, recessed cans]
Install new appliances
Install new plumbing fixtures
Paint walls + ceiling
A full kitchen renovation we performed for a suburban client.
partial kitchen renovation
Paint existing cabinetry
Install or replace backsplash
Replace flooring
Replace countertops
Install new or replace door hardware [knobs + pulls]
Install new lighting [under cabinet, island pendants, recessed cans]
Replace appliances
Replace plumbing fixtures
Paint walls + ceiling [if necessary]
kitchen refresh renovation
Install or replace tile backsplash
Replace countertops
Replace or install hardware [knobs + pulls]
Paint walls
For our city bachelor, we performed this kitchen refresh, using his existing cabinetry + adding metal shelving, lighting, a custom hood vent and rustic wine bins to not only fill the space above, but also provide a solution for his extensive wine collection.
When deciding which direction you’d like to tackle your kitchen, let’s discuss the two most commonly asked questions: “How long does a kitchen renovation take?” and “How much does a kitchen renovation cost?”
time: how long does a kitchen renovation take?
For Chicago kitchen remodeling with MOOD | Design + Build, we make the following allowances:
Full Kitchen Remodel
3-4 weeks for design
4 weeks for permit drawings [if applicable], sometimes more depending upon municipality
8-12 weeks for construction + renovation
2 weeks for demo + framing
4 weeks for rough electric, plumbing + mechanicals
4 weeks for drywall, flooring + cabinetry
2-4 weeks for countertops, backsplash + final fixtures [lighting, plumbing + appliances]
Total time allowance | 12-24 weeks
Partial Kitchen Remodel or Kitchen Refresh
2-3 weeks for design
4-6 weeks for construction + renovation
2 weeks for ordering + receiving materials + fixtures
1 week for demo
1 week for electric + plumbing
1-2 weeks for countertops, backsplash + final fixtures [lighting, plumbing + appliances]
Total time allowance | 6-9 weeks
budget: how much does a kitchen renovation cost?
As far as budget is concerned, this can range quite drastically based upon geographic locations which affect labor costs + fixture and material selections. Below is a range, based upon quality and preferences.
High-End/Luxury Kitchen
Includes premium grade products such as...
Appliances | Wolf, Subzero, Bertazzoni
Countertops | Quartz, Marble, Silestone, Caesarstone
Tile | Ann Sacks, Artistic Tile
Lighting | Terzani, Moooi, Sonneman, Fine Arts Lamps
Plumbing | Kallista, Graff, Dornbracht
Budget: $100K-$300K
Mid-Level/Affordable Luxury Kitchen
Includes mid-level products such as…
Appliances | Samsung, Bosch, KitchenAid [We typically mix brands here to assemble the best appliance per brand]
Countertops | Silestone, Caesarstone, Granite [Often times we can source high volume, lower-cost premium goods to meet budget requirements]
Semi-Custom Cabinetry | Brookhaven, Cabinetry by Decora
Tile | Virginia Tile, Daltile
Lighting | Arteriors, Circa Lighting, Currey&Co
Budget: $60K-$100K
Affordable/Budget Kitchen
Includes affordable products such as…
Appliances | Frigidaire, Whirlpool, GE Appliances [We specify an appliance package in the same brand to meet budget]
Countertops | Granite, Silestone, Caesarstone [We source high volume, stock, lower cost goods to meet budget requirements]
Stock Cabinetry | Merrilat, KitchenCraft, Kraftmaid
Tile | Local outlet tile stores
Lighting | Kichler, Possini [found at various retailers such as Lamps Plus, Lightology]
Budget: $25K-$50K
This was a beautiful and affordable full renovation kitchen we performed for our client in Chicago.
are kitchen renovations worth it?
Upgrading your kitchen is a worthy investment. It not only adds to the value of your home but most importantly adds to the enjoyment of the most significant space in your home. Too many homeowners tackle their project without the help of seasoned professionals only to discover mistakes and discrepancies after the work has been done. Unless you’ve done it before, renovating a kitchen is no small feat. Don’t fall into the trap of trying to save a buck only to spend more in time, money and aggravation on the back-end. Hire a professional interior designer for your kitchen renovation project!
Contact us for more information on how our Chicago interior design firm can assist you in creating and building your dream kitchen, we’d love to help!
