Hidden Costs of Kitchen Remodeling (And How to Avoid Them)

Kitchen Remodel

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If you’re reading this article, then it’s likely that you are preparing to remodel your kitchen. Perhaps you’ve recently began to research kitchen remodels and you’re trying to get some answers, or maybe you’re on the fence about going through with a remodel. It’s important to remember that kitchens are often the most expensive rooms to remodel, second to bathrooms. Kitchens are diverse, coming in various shapes and sizes, and requiring dynamic plumbing and electrical needs. There are a few good rules of thumb when it comes to remodeling your kitchen, but the first thing you need to know is that there will likely – very likely – be some unexpected expenses.

You likely already have a pretty strict budget in mind for your kitchen, and you might already be anticipating some of the more common costs. For example, your current budget might comfortably fit things like appliances and counters. You might also be expecting to pay a chunk of your budget in labor fees. Surprisingly, labor is just a small fraction of what you can expect to pay in a kitchen remodel.

There are a number of expenses you might be expecting, including paint, electrical, flooring, and appliances, but what you might not be expecting are the hidden costs of kitchen remodeling. The team at Bright Builders has compiled a guide to help you tackle unexpected costs when remodeling your kitchen.

What Are the Real Hidden Costs of Kitchen Remodeling?

First, you are absolutely right when you assume that finished products and appliances will take up a bit of your budget. According to Home Advisor, about 70% of kitchen remodel expenses go towards finished products and appliances. The rest of your budget will probably go towards labor and expenses. Still, this is just a general guideline because, almost inevitably, there will be hidden costs.

In the case of a kitchen remodel, you’ll probably come across something that’s just not quite right. For example, it’s very common to find water damage or rot when you’re in the middle of a kitchen remodel. Usually during the demolition phase, when old appliances and surfaces are being removed, these issues are discovered. Much to the dismay of the homeowner, this is the best time to fix these lurking problems, but it does come at a cost that’s unexpected.

Aside from water damage, there are many other issues that commonly pop up during kitchen remodeling. For example, structural damage, pest damage, and faulty electrical wiring are often uncovered when working on a kitchen remodel.

Those are just some of the most common hidden costs when it comes to kitchen remodeling, but there are a few others you should be aware of. For example, last-minute decisions can make an impact on your budget. You might decide to go with a different, more expensive countertop or appliance, and that impulse decision will likely cost you more than you anticipated. Another hidden cost of kitchen remodeling is eating out. While your kitchen is being remodeled, you’ll likely be eating elsewhere, and those expenses can add up quickly.

How to Avoid the Hidden Costs of Kitchen Remodeling

Fortunately, there are a few things you can do to help reduce the likelihood that you break your budget with hidden costs:

  1. Make room in your budget for unexpected expenses by allotting about 15% of your budget to these kinds of things. Even if you have to go over budget due to hidden costs, you’ll be more prepared.
  2. Know that hidden costs happen! Don’t be shocked if your remodel begins with an unexpected issue. It’s highly common, and odds are, you’ll turn out just fine.
  3. Plan carefully. That means planning out your budget down to the very appliances, countertops, and fixtures you’ll be installing.
  4. Stick to the plan! When you deviate from the plan, you’re more than likely going to break your budget.
  5. Hire a professional contractor. Many hidden costs happen due to accidents, but a professional contractor can help avoid common mishaps while also helping guide you through any issues quickly and, in many cases, at a better cost than a DIY fix.

When remodeling a kitchen, you’ve got to anticipate that there will be hidden costs, so start out by doing the math with a thought-out budget. Then, tackle issues when they arise, all while staying on the course of your plan to ensure that hidden costs don’t hamper your remodel.