When you're considering a kitchen remodeling project, the leading question usually on your mind is cost. If we quote averages, the answer is between $15,000 and $20,000. That is said to be the average, so that's the easy answer. In reality though, you could remodel your kitchen anywhere from a few thousand to do it yourself (or mostly do it yourself) to $50,000 or more. Fortunately the Seattle area is less expensive than somewhere such as Los Angeles. Since we specialize in kitchen remodeling, we'll provide our best answer from the perspective that you will be hiring a qualified professional. We'll also approach the subject from the position that your budget is not unlimited. If cost were not an issue, you probably wouldn't be reading this page. Since you are reading this, it will help you turn your kitchen dreams into a better idea of cost. Establishing a realistic budget that gets you the kitchen you really want at a price you can manage just requires prioritizing. Once you jot down the must haves on your list, then you can determine the lower priorities to assure long term satisfaction is not compromised to save on cost.

Here are a few considerations that will adjust your cost up or down:

• Age of your home - Generally speaking, older homes require more labor such as floor leveling, door and window straightening, upgrades to plumbing and wiring, etc. You may need wider doors to get larger appliances into the new kitchen. Older homes are notorious for inadequate insulation, but the extra spent there saves you on utility bills. New doors and windows for anything over 20 years old add significant energy efficiency too.
• Size of the kitchen - If your current kitchen size is sufficient to your needs and desires, you can keep your remodeling cost down. However, you also have the option to move or remove walls or add on to the home to accommodate a larger kitchen. This increases your remodeling cost but gives you more space and home value in return.
• Appliances - You probably anticipated this one, but your choice of appliances will determine the cost of remodeling your kitchen. This one is easy to check on since you can shop for the appliances you want and total up the price of that part of the remodeling. When comparing the prices of appliances, pay careful attention to the energy efficiency rating. What appears to be more expensive may be cheaper in cost of ownership and longevity.
• Cupboards - The choice of cupboards is one of your most significant influences on cost. It's also one of the most influential factors on the appearance and functionality of your new kitchen. If you pad your budget for higher quality cupboards, it's a decision you'll never regret. Even if visually striking is not a high priority and you will be pleased with lower cost options, we strongly caution against “cheap” cupboards. Low quality hardware that degrades in a matter of months is no bargain. Doors sagging, drawers sticking, hinges failing, and other problems will erase the elation you get from a low price.
• Countertops - Your choice of countertop material will influence your cost, but it's not likely to have a great impact in the grand scheme of your kitchen remodel using the popular material choices. Except for the more exotic materials, there are many ways to get a stunning kitchen without breaking the bank. You can be a little more free on this part of your kitchen remodel and still maintain a comfortable budget.
• Faucets and fixtures - If modest hardware integrates into your priorities, this is a good area to save money. It is also a cost effective way to splurge on stunning accents by shifting more of your budget to these. We strongly advise against discount retailers for these items though because the savings will bite hard when they fail, and they will fail.
• Flooring - Prices for flooring are all over the scale. The best plan for choosing your flooring is to consider traffic patterns and the desired amount of maintenance required. As long as you steer clear of cheap flooring that quickly wears out you can do well even with more economical choices.
• Tile - If the prestige of tile is important to you, you will be doing yourself a huge favor by setting a good budget for it. Your kitchen generates a lot of heat and moisture. A poor tile installation will fail in as little as a few months. Be sure not to fall for “deals” if you want tile in your new kitchen.
• Lighting - A popular and energy efficient option is more natural lighting through skylights or additional windows. You may spend more initially, but the energy savings will add up. For electrical lighting, you need to consider more than just fixture cost. Recessed lighting for example is more labor intensive than hanging lights.
• Plumbing and electrical - Because most kitchens require additional plumbing and electrical, the cost per square foot is higher than other rooms except the bathroom. If only a “face lift” to your existing kitchen is needed, you can save significantly on remodeling costs. Since your wish list usually requires more, you'll need to decide what's important enough for the added cost.
• Codes - It's amazing how easily this consideration is forgotten. Unscrupulous contractors make a deliberate habit out of not bringing up this important part of your project. Reputable contractors end up being cheaper because code violations will not have to be fixed. You don't want the thrill of your new kitchen spoiled by the nightmare of failing to pass inspection.

If your kitchen remodeling budget is twenty to thirty thousand or more, little if any adjustment will be needed between your dreams and your new kitchen. For budgets below $20,000, it may require more evaluation of your priorities to get the best balance between your dreams and a kitchen you will still be fully pleased with. Fortunately, the costs associated with remodeling your kitchen are only part of the picture. Your utility costs will usually go down and you may even gain tax advantages. Best of all, the reward and satisfaction you gain from a new kitchen is all the incentive normally needed. There is yet another bonus should you decide to sell your home. Recent trends with home buyers put the kitchen at the top of the priority list in the home buying decision. Buyers willingly pay more when the kitchen meets their criteria. A modern kitchen makes your home easier to sell and at a higher price.