Setting A Realistic Home Renovation Budget

One of the most common questions we get asked is, “How much is this going to cost?” Often times consumers have no idea of what to expect when preparing a budget for their home remodeling project. While a number value is a difficult statement to make across the board, a percentage of home value based is a truer way to predict a budget. Please keep in mind these are ballpark numbers. A remodel project in a home you’re considering to resale will come with very different priorities than designing a kitchen or master bath in your forever dream home!

Kitchen Remodel

Kitchen Renovation

Home kitchen with cabinet accessories and waterfall island.

The Kitchen – the heart of the home. Kitchens have evolved from being simply utilitarian to the center stage of a home. The kitchen is not just for cooking anymore! This is where families hang out, friends sit and visit, homework is done, where we eat family dinners, bake cookies, sometimes dance, and we’ve all been to a party or shower that turned into a kitchen hangout! Not only is the kitchen a beehive of activity, it is also the place to shine from a design aspect. The options are nearly endless with multiple cabinet finishes, countertops, appliances, sinks, faucets, and fabulous backsplashes that can work together to create an amazing space for your family and friends. By being such an important space, the kitchen remodel is also generally the most expensive room to renovate. According to HomeAdvisor.com, you should plan to spend no less than 5% and no more than 15% of your total home value on this area. A kitchen remodel does not always have to include new cabinets.

If your existing cabinets are still in great shape and you still like the color/finish – keep them! You’d be surprised how different existing cabinets can look after a kitchen face lift! An updated countertop with a great sink and faucet, fabulous backsplash, new cabinet hardware, and a coordinating paint color can change the whole vibe! Sometimes existing appliances are salvageable with the cabinets, since the openings and cut-outs don’t need to change. Don’t kill the glow up by keeping a dodgy range or suspect refrigerator just because they still “work”. You’ll end up replacing them soon enough anyway and it’s best to do it simultaneously to ensure proper fit. Not replacing cabinets and appliances could save you up to 50% of your budget. (Although we would never discourage you if you want to go for the gold! Literally – we can use gold!) A professional designer is key to helping you address all the details and help make your design selections. The wish list for a new kitchen can be rather extensive and you will be glad to have help along the way! If you’d like to get some inspiration for your new kitchen, check out our portfolio. Or contact one of our interior designers at our Athens GA store.

Bathroom Remodel

Bathroom renovation

Guest bathroom and master bathroom design features.

The Master Bathroom – along with the kitchen, this is the other space in a home where consumers have high expectations. Whether you prefer a soothing spa like space or a bathroom that feels like an outdoor retreat, the master bathroom is meant to be an oasis to escape to after a long day. There are many decisions to be made in this room as well. Size of shower, tub or no tub, tile design, faucets and sinks, paint and/or wallpaper, vanity finish, countertop, mirrors, and lighting. The National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA) recommends a budget of 5-10% of total home value for a Master Bath renovation. You can check out some of our Master Bath designs in our portfolio.

Secondary Bathrooms – we’re talking guest and kid’s baths. These bathrooms generally don’t get the attention of a master bath and are usually more subtle. We have found many clients prefer the guest and/or hall baths to blend with the overall flow of the house, while remaining relatively neutral. Maybe a tub/shower combo with a simple tile surround and coordinating tile floors. Plumbing and lighting fixtures are usually more modest than the master bath fixtures. Now, if it’s a kid’s bath we are working on – we say go crazy! There are some super fun and creative ways to make a kid’s bath feel special and unique! Splashes of color with tile or cabinets, a sparkly countertop, or a playful faucet all make bath time and brushing teeth a fun time! Work with a designer to make the design one that can “grow” with your kids. A good idea of budget is 2-4% of total home value.

Laundry/Mudroom Flooring

Laundry Room Renovation

Laundry room design and custom functions.

Laundry Room/Mudroom – A current trend is turning your drab laundry room into a fabulous room you will actually want to spend time in! Why not make this room fun? Painted cabinets, patterned tile or vinyl for the floor, bold paint or wallpaper, patterned backsplash a fun sink faucet, and whimsical cabinet hardware all add value and interest to a room once thought of as boring. We have also helped design laundry rooms that include a craft space or office area to tag team the useful room. This space is also a great place to add extra storage. Factor in 2% or less of your home value as a budget for this room. View some of our Laundry Room designs here.

We hope this helps you as you begin the design process. Don’t forget about all the other spaces in your home that could use some attention! We love designing powder rooms, built-in’s for modern basements, living areas, and bedrooms, closets, and pet areas.

Our Beautiful Guarantee.

At Dalton Carpet One Floor & Home, we know how important it is for you to feel confident in your flooring selection. Therefore, we strive to ensure that the floor we’ve created together, is as beautiful as the one you envisioned. If not, we’ll replace it for free. That’s what we call The Beautiful Guarantee®.

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