Homeowners in Seattle are no strangers to high costs of living. So it’s no surprise that a kitchen remodel in one of these cities can cost a pretty penny.
But how much does a kitchen remodel cost in Seattle, and what will your money get you? Keep reading to find out the cost, what can change it, and more.
How Much Does A Kitchen Remodel Cost In Seattle?
The 2022 Cost vs Value Report states that the kitchen remodel cost in Seattle, Washington, is about $177,000. This is for a major upscale remodel. The cost for a kitchen remodel can start as low as $31,000 and go up to $200,000 and higher.
The national average for a kitchen remodel is around $158,000. Wise Choice Construction’s price range for a kitchen remodel starts at around $50,000 and goes to $110,000+.
Factors That Affect The Cost Of A Kitchen Remodel
Kitchen remodeling costs vary for many reasons. Here are the top factors that affect the price:
Kitchen Size
A small kitchen will obviously cost less to remodel than a large one. The price per square foot will also be lower for a small kitchen than for a large one.
The Tier Of Your Contractor
The answer to “how much does a kitchen remodel cost” changes based on who you hire. If you hire a big-name contractor with an established reputation, you can expect to pay more than if you hire a smaller, lesser-known contractor. However, higher-tier contractors do better work, have access to a wider range of materials, are licensed and insured, and, most importantly, know what they’re doing. You’ll also have a much better experience.
Scope Of Work
Are you just replacing the countertops and the kitchen flooring? Or are you gutting the entire kitchen and starting from scratch for a complete kitchen remodel? The more work that needs to be done, the more it will cost.
Custom Kitchen Remodel
Custom cabinet doors, granite countertops, and tile backsplashes all come with a higher price tag. However, if you want your kitchen to truly stand out from the rest, then a custom remodel is definitely worth the investment.
Pull And Replace Kitchen Remodel
A pull-and-replace kitchen remodel is when you keep your existing kitchen cabinets and appliances but replace all of the other elements in your kitchen. This includes things like countertops, flooring, backsplashes, lighting fixtures, etc.
Aesthetic Kitchen Remodel
An aesthetic kitchen remodel is when you make changes to your kitchen that are purely cosmetic in nature. This might include painting the walls or cabinets, installing new hardware or light fixtures, or even just rearranging your existing furniture.
Partial Kitchen Remodel
With a partial remodel, you might make functional changes like adding new storage space or installing new appliances. Or you might make cosmetic changes like painting the walls or changing out light fixtures.
Space Complexity
If you have a small kitchen with simple cabinets and countertops, your kitchen remodel costs will be relatively low. However, if you have a large kitchen with multiple areas and features, your costs will be higher.
Material Choice
What you choose will affect the answer to “how much does a kitchen remodel cost.” If you choose high-end materials like granite countertops and custom cabinets, your costs will be higher. However, if you choose more affordable materials like laminate countertops and stock cabinets, your costs will be lower.
Your Kitchen’s Age
If you live in an old house that hasn’t been updated in decades, expect to pay more for your remodel than if you live in a newer home. This is because older homes often need additional work to bring them up to code and make them safe.
Discovered Damage
Wood rot, moisture damage, and other types of damage can cause the cost of a kitchen remodel to increase. This is because you’ll need to fix any damage before continuing. Glossing over damage is risky as it will only get worse and more costly.
Appliances
If you choose to purchase new appliances, your costs will be higher. However, if you keep your existing appliances, your costs will be lower.
Material Shortage Due To The Pandemic
This isn’t something that usually affects the answer to “how much does a kitchen remodel cost.” Some types of materials, such as lumber, are in short supply due to Covid-19, which has resulted in an increase in prices. Shipping costs are also higher.
Basic vs Average vs High-End Kitchen Remodels
Basic Kitchen Remodels
A basic kitchen remodel typically includes refacing cabinets, painting walls and ceilings, changing out light fixtures, installing a new backsplash or countertop, and possibly replacing older appliances with more energy-efficient models.
Average Kitchen Remodels
An average kitchen remodel usually involves replacing cabinet fronts with new ones (or refinishing existing cabinetry), updating appliances, installing a new sink or faucet, adding new hardware throughout the space, tiling the backsplash area, and adding fresh paint or wallpaper. It can also include reconfiguring the space.
High-End Kitchen Remodels
A high-end kitchen remodel is usually defined by custom cabinets or built-ins; luxurious materials like stone countertops; top-of-the-line appliances; decorative lighting; rich wood flooring; and other features that add luxury appeal. This can also include space reconfiguration and knocking down walls for an open-concept space.
Tips For Saving Money On Your Kitchen Remodel
Here’s how you can lower the answer to “how much does a kitchen remodel cost.”
- Set a remodeling budget and stick to it. Figure out how much you can afford to spend on your remodel before you start talking to contractors or picking out appliances. Then, do your best to stick to that budget. There will inevitably be some changes along the way
- Reuse what you can. If your cabinets are still in good condition, there’s no need to replace them entirely. You can save a lot of money by simply refinishing or repainting them. The same goes for appliances.
- DIY when you can. There are certain aspects of a kitchen remodel that you’ll need to leave to the professionals. But there are also many things that you can do yourself to save money.
- Shop around for materials. When it comes time to buy materials for your kitchen remodel, take the time to shop around and compare prices from different vendors.
- Don’t forget the little things. It’s easy to get caught up in big-ticket items like appliances and countertops when planning a kitchen remodel, but don’t forget about the little things that can add up quickly, too.
How To Pay For Your Kitchen Remodel
Your answer to “how much does a kitchen remodel cost” can change even based on how you pay for your remodel.
Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC)
If you’ve already built up equity in your home, you may be able to get a HELOC or home equity line of credit. This is basically a second mortgage that allows you to borrow against the equity in your home.
Personal Loan
Personal loans typically have fixed interest rates, which can make them easier to budget for than HELOCs. You may need good credit to qualify for the best rates on a personal loan.
Credit Cards
If you have good credit, you may be able to finance your kitchen remodel with a credit card.
Financing
Many contractors offer financing options so you can make payments over a period of time.
Make A Kitchen Remodel Budget (But Plan For Additional Costs)
Here’s how to set a kitchen remodeling budget so you can get a more accurate answer to “how much does a kitchen remodel cost.”
Estimate material costs. This includes everything from new appliances to countertops, cabinets, backsplashes, flooring, and light fixtures. Creating a materials list will help you get an accurate estimate of the cost of materials.
Determine labor costs. If you’re planning to do some or all of the work yourself, this will be a relatively small expense. However, if you’re hiring contractors for the entire project, labor will be one of your biggest expenses.
Factor in permit costs. Depending on the scope of your project, you may need to obtain one or more permits from your city or county.
Plan for unexpected expenses. No matter how well you plan, there’s always a chance that something will come up that you didn’t account for in your budget. To avoid going over budget, set aside a contingency fund equal to 10-20% of your total budget.
Get multiple quotes. Once you have a good idea of what your project will entail, it’s time to start shopping around for contractors and material suppliers. Look at things like experience, customer service, warranties, and reviews when making your decision, not just project cost.
Remodel, Renovation, Or Expansion: What’s The Difference?
Some people use these terms interchangeably, but there are slight differences. This can change what you think the answer is to “how much does a kitchen remodel cost.”
Remodel: With remodeling projects, you usually change the layout of the space to make better use of the square footage. For example, if you have a small galley kitchen, you might rip out the existing cabinets and appliances and start from scratch to create an open-concept kitchen that flows into your living room.
Renovation: When you renovate a room, you’ll do some updates, but you generally don’t change the layout of the space. For example, if you have a kitchen with old cabinets and appliances, a kitchen renovation might involve painting the walls, replacing the countertops, and adding new hardware to the cabinets.
Expansion: An expansion is exactly what it sounds like—adding on to an existing space. If you have a small home but a large lot, an expansion might be the right option for you.
Types Of Kitchen Remodels Based On Size
Small Kitchen Remodel
A small kitchen remodel typically includes any changes that can be made without major structural work. This might include painting walls, refinishing cabinets, and installing new countertops, floors, and appliances.
Medium Kitchen Remodel
These are usually defined as any kitchen remodeling project that makes significant changes to the layout or footprint of the room. This might involve moving walls or opening up space by removing partitions. It could also include expanding the room into an adjacent area, such as a dining room or den.
Large Kitchen Remodel
A large kitchen remodel is typically defined as any project that requires major structural work, such as moving load-bearing walls or adding new windows or doors.
Signs You Need A Kitchen Remodel
- Your kitchen feels outdated
- You don’t have enough storage space
- You’re not happy with the layout
- Your appliances are outdated or broken
- You want to increase the value of your home
Benefits Of A Kitchen Remodel
Improved function: a well-designed kitchen will be more efficient and easier to use, making cooking and entertaining more enjoyable.
Increased value: a high-quality kitchen remodel will add value to your home, making it more attractive to potential buyers if you ever decide to sell.
Enhanced appearance: a beautiful kitchen can make your house feel more like “your home.”
DIY Kitchen Remodeling vs Hiring A Professional Contractor
While DIY vs contractor will affect the answer to “how much does a kitchen remodel cost,” there’s more than just the price tag to consider.
If you have experience with home improvement projects and are confident in your ability, then DIYing your kitchen remodel may be the way to go. You can save money on labor costs and have full control over the project. However, keep in mind that even a small mistake can end up costing you more in the long run. If you’re not sure about your abilities, it’s probably best to hire a professional. Also, you’ll be spending most of your free time working on your kitchen.
A professional contractor will have the experience and expertise to get the job done right the first time. They can also help you navigate the often-overwhelming world of kitchen remodeling, from design to materials to permits. They can usually do it more quickly as well. Of course, all of this comes at a cost.
Top 6 Questions To Ask Your Kitchen Remodel Contractor
- What is your experience with kitchen remodels?
- Have you worked on a project like mine before?
- What is the timeline for the project?
- What is the budget for the project?
- How will you communicate with me throughout the project?
- What are your design goals for the project?
Kitchen Remodeling FAQs
How long will a kitchen remodel take?
The answer to this question depends on the size and scope of your project. A small kitchen remodel may only take a few weeks, while a large project could take several months. It’s important to work with a qualified contractor who can give you an accurate estimate of the timeline for your specific project.
How much does a kitchen remodel cost?
Again, the answer to this question depends on the size and scope of your project. A small kitchen remodel may only cost a few thousand dollars, while a large project could cost tens of thousands of dollars.
What are some things I should consider before starting a kitchen remodel?
You’ll need to decide what your budget is and what you’re hoping to achieve with your remodel. You’ll also need to choose a qualified contractor who can help you bring your vision to life. Finally, it’s important to make sure that all of the necessary permits are obtained before starting any work.
Create Your Best Kitchen With Wise Choice Construction
Your kitchen is one of the most important rooms in your home. It’s where you cook, eat, and entertain guests. You can make it the best room in your house by working with Wise Choice Construction.
We can help you create a space that is both beautiful and functional. Plus, we offer a wide range of options so that you can choose what works best for your needs and budget. Fill out our contact form today to get started on your dream kitchen!