 | Jason Huang began his career in the home remodeling industry fabricating and installing natural stone countertops after
being inspired by the beauty and elegance of granite and marble. His main goal at Wichita Granite and Cabinetry is the
satisfaction of the customer, excellent service, and sharing knowledge associated with natural stone. A member of the
Better Business Bureau,The Wichita Area Builders Association , and the National Association of Home Builders. Wichita granite
and cabinetry is family own and operated.
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Home Remodeling and Improvement
2013-02-01 09:47:46
How much to remodel my kitchen or bathroom?
Q-How much will it cost to remodel my kitchen or bathroom?
A-This is a much asked question, and an exceptionally difficult one to answer. The price for a new kitchen or bathroom will be affected by (1) where you buy it (2) what features it includes and (3) the brands / models you select.
According to a survey by the National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA), the average selling price for a kitchen is around $26,000, including design, products and installation. The average kitchen selling price reflects average cabinets, appliances, an average sized room (falling within the 150 – 300 square foot range). Bathroom prices generally average between $6,500 and $11,600 when you're replacing everything. Again, the cost can be lower or considerably higher depending on what you're looking for.
It is not unusual today for a kitchen to run from $30,000 to as much as $150,000 and higher. This may come as a shock to people who are living in a home they paid less than $100,000 for thirty years ago! However, for many people a new kitchen is a once-in-a-lifetime purchase. Eventually, if you sell your home, you can realize much of your cost, and possibly all of it. When you consider this, it makes the expense a little easier to live with.
Q: What makes a kitchen more or less expensive?
A: Cabinets account for about one-third to one-half the total cost of the project and will have the greatest impact on your budget. They range in price considerably based on quality, the type of material they are made of, and whether they are stock (ready made in specific sizes) or custom (produced specifically for your kitchen in whatever sizes and finishes are needed).
The material you choose for surfaces including counters, backsplashes and floors can also account for variations in price.
Other key elements that factor in to the equation are talent and workmanship. In the remodeling business, you tend to get what you pay for. An accomplished designer, skilled sub-tradesmen and expert installation crew may cost more. But you'll appreciate their ability every time you use your kitchen.
Q: What makes a bathroom remodeling more or less expensive?
A: No single element of a bathroom remodel comprises a significantly larger portion of the costs than other elements. The type and quality of cabinets you select will affect your total costs.
Not surprisingly, fixtures and fittings account for a high cost percentage in the bathroom. Expense for fixtures and fittings will vary depending on the brand, type of materials, and array of products you select.
In bathrooms, installation typically accounts for a quarter or more of the total cost. This is because the installation work in a bathroom tends to be intricate (for example, tile setting). If you're looking to cut corners, this is probably not the place to do it.
Q: Can I save money by cutting a few corners?
A: Yes, but chances are you’ll be disappointed when it’s done. Postponing some things is a better way to save than cutting quality. Put your money into the best quality products your budget can afford, even if you have to limit the number of products that you buy.
Q: Should I select my appliances first and then call in a kitchen planner?
A: This is not recommended. A kitchen design is much like a jigsaw puzzle, where each piece must fit into the whole design. By all means, research your appliance choices and formulate your “wish list,” but it is usually better not to purchase your appliances until the design has been finalized.
