If 2020 has made us realize anything, it’s that we should be treating our home as our oasis.
As you spend more and more of your time at home. You may be looking around and thinking, this place could use an upgrade!
One of the most popular rooms to remodel is the kitchen. A beautiful kitchen is a perfect place to welcome guests, host family gatherings, and bond over delicious meals. It provides an opportunity to show off your personal style while also creating a functional living space.
Depending on the direction you would like to go in, whether you are making a few simple upgrades or performing an entire gut-rehab on your space, the price of a new kitchen can come at a cost.
In 2021, most Homeowners in Hamilton, Ontario can expect to pay around $85-$235 per square foot. In total, be prepared to plan for a budget between $20,000 to $45,000 for your next kitchen remodel.
*Most of our client’s homes are about 1,500+ sqft with an average kitchen size of 225 sqft
While the price point is certainly not out of reach, there are a few things to consider before embarking on your kitchen remodel. The first step to staying within your budget is to do a little research beforehand.
Determine the Kind of Kitchen you Want
Since there is almost an infinite number of possibilities that you can decide on when it comes to renovating your kitchen, the first thing that you will need to determine is what exactly it is that you want to get done. A good rule of thumb when determining what you would like done is to think about how much time you spend (or would ideally like to spend), in the kitchen.
If you are one that likes to host gatherings and cook for all of your friends and family, the added cost of an entirely new kitchen may be worth the investment. But, if you are only looking for a functional kitchen that will get the job done, and you are operating on a tight budget, a few simple upgrades could be exactly what you need.
Figure out the Level of Reconfiguration
After you have figured out a rough outline of your dream kitchen, it is time to break it down even further. Kitchens involve electrical and plumbing configurations, so it’s important to decide if you are going to need functional changes or solely cosmetic upgrades.
If you are changing the entire configuration of the kitchen, the installation costs are going to severely impact your overall budget. If you are only changing the look of your kitchen, like tiling and countertops, you will be able to shave a lot of money off of the budget.
Understand the Cost of Each Upgrade
Another helpful tip to keep in mind when upgrading your kitchen is to figure out the most important items that you would like to change. Some upgrades require a higher cost of your budget than others, and if you do not have unlimited funds, you might need to compromise a few changes here and there. As a general breakdown, here is how much you can expect to pay on your kitchen renovations in the Hamilton, Ontario area:
Kitchen Cabinets
The average cost for kitchen cabinets in Hamilton, Ontario is about $8,500-$9,500.
This is by and far the largest percentage of your budget. Although the cabinets are a central point in the kitchen they come in a wide range of price points. Although pre-fabricated cabinets may not be your first choice, with ever-evolving technology you can find some incredible designs at a lower price point than if you were to go the custom route.
Now if you are sold on custom cabinetry, be aware that due to the pandemic there has been a dramatic increase in prices for materials. That said, custom cabinetry can give your kitchen the look and feel of elegance.
Pro Tip: There is a middle ground.
Depending on your budget, consult your contractor and or designer. Often times you can install modular cabinetry where part of the cabinets are prefab and part are custom made.
Countertops
Countertops in Hamilton can average around $3,000. They often account for roughly 10% of your budget.
Countertops are an important element of your kitchen and come in a wide range of options.
The exact price will largely depend on the material you decide to go with. Technology is ever-evolving so if you want a luxurious look and feel, without the ‘luxurious’ price tag don’t be afraid of considering a laminate or composite material.
Appliances
If you are looking to upgrade all of your kitchen appliances, the average cost that you can expect to pay in the Hamilton area is around $4,201 and can account for about 14% of your budget.
In 2021, it’s not uncommon to find kitchen appliances that come with a touch screen, can connect to the web, or even alert you when you’re running low on ketchup. Although some of these bells and whistles may be unnecessary, choosing to upgrade your appliances during your kitchen renovation is probably the best investment you can make.
New appliances are functional, long-lasting, and practical. And if you decide to sell your home, buyers are often more inclined to consider a house with upgraded appliances.
Do you have to upgrade your appliances during your kitchen reno?
No, in fact, it can give your budget some flexibility. As long as the equipment is in good shape you can keep the machines until you’re ready to fork out money for the upgrades.
