7 Reasons Kitchen Remodels Go Over Budget

We’ve put together a list of the most common reasons we see kitchen renovations go over the original
budget – keep these in mind as you start planning your upcoming renovation!

Upgraded Finishes
The number one reason projects go over budget is owners choosing products outside of their budgets.
Here are a few areas where costs can rack up quickly.

1. Cabinetry
Cabinet costs range widely depending on the cabinet line, finish, or materials you ultimately choose. It’s helpful if you have an idea of what you want from the first meeting with us. If you want taller upper cabinets to maximize on storage, those are going to cost more. It helps if we know that upfront, it helps us steer you in your other selection choices or help you find another solution all together.

2. Special Features
There are so many special features you can add to your cabinet package, such as corner drawers, knife drawers, special spice or wine racks, you’d be surprised how many options are available these days! Each added feature increases the cost of your cabinet package which is why it’s important to consider how much you’ll really use it.

3. Countertops 
The cost for countertops ranges widely as there are many material options for you to choose from. If
you have a specific material in mind, let us know so we can help you design the best kitchen for you
that’s within your budget.

4. Appliances 
Like countertops, appliances have a wide cost range depending on the make, model, and features. To help you save on costs, we suggest clients go shopping and purchase appliances on their own. You’ll want to do this before we meet to go over cabinets, so we have the appropriate information to design your kitchen. Don’t worry, we will go over all of this with you when we enter our design contract (professional services agreement).

Hidden Costs That Can’t Be Avoided
There are some circumstances that are outside everyone’s control and must be resolved.

1. Unforeseen Existing Conditions 
It would be really cool if we had x-ray vision and could see through walls, but we don’t. And sometimes we find hidden “surprises” when we start demo. If we find something wrong when we start working on your home – we need to fix it. This isn’t us trying to make more money, this is us abiding by local laws and ensuring your home is safe!

Project Puff Ups
These final reasons will guarantee to “puff up” the final costs of your project and, like material selections, are entirely in your control.

1. Changing Your Mind 
Changing your mind on design choices midway through your project will result in a change order,
which will slow your timeline and increase your costs. This is why we work so hard to ensure your
material selections are finalized before work begins. With today’s shipping delays, changing a finish or
material mid-project can be a recipe for disaster. At the same time, we want you to love your kitchen
when it’s all finished! So, take the extra bit of thinking time in the beginning to be sure you love
everything you have selected.

2. Scope Creep 
This is the term we use when your kitchen remodel suddenly turns into a kitchen, dining room, and living room remodel. Again, this is why we take the extra time to plan your project with you before work begins!

We feel our unique design process has helped our clients keep their remodels within their budget. One final thought I’d like to leave you with, if you are transparent with us about your budget, we can better guide you in the design process so you can stay within that budget.