5 Things That Will Increase Your Kitchen Renovation Budget

Kitchen renovation in progress

Sticking to your kitchen renovation budget is tough but maintaining a realistic goal with an open mind for unforeseen circumstances can make the process much easier. Here are five common budget busters that you should look out for so you can get your renovations done on time without breaking the bank.

1. If you’re renovating the kitchen or bathroom make sure to be aware of all the plumbing work. Work the layout around existing plumbing and avoid designs that require you to move plumbing. You also have to consider the cost of all the new plumbing fixtures in addition to labor charges, it adds up quick!

1. Upscale appliances will definitely increase your renovation budget. You could get a simple but sturdy Frigidaire gas oven stove for around $500 or splurge on a La Cornue gas oven stove listed at $9,500. Choose your appliances wisely depending on your budget.

1. Inspections can be a pain to do but it’s so crucial that you meet all the housing code requirements. You might end up having to spend money out of your own pocket to change out electrical work or pipes if they’re not up to code. If you don’t take steps to reach code compliance, the next step is prosecution by the city. We all know how expensive lawyers are, right?

1. Knocking down an interior wall to change the layout might sound like a good idea, but there are a lot of things to consider before you start. You’ll have to submit a Buildings Regulations application and have the work site inspected. Knocking down a wall means that you’re compromising the structural integrity of the house so you’ll have to hire a structural engineer to make sure the house is stable and fully supported. You also run the risk of running into a load-bearing wall – which could cost you up to ten grand to remove.

1. Custom cabinetry can be nice if you have the budget for it, but if you don’t you can save some major cash by choosing from stock cabinets. Stock cabinets are about $60 to $200 per linear foot whereas custom cabinets run anywhere from $500 to $1,200 per linear foot. If your heart is still aching for custom cabinetry, consider semi-custom cabinets that are about $100 to $650 per linear foot for a happy medium!