Thinking about a kitchen renovation but worried that costs are too high right now? Overall, the material costs have only gone up 7-10% this year for a kitchen remodel. However, costs will continue to increase, so it will only get more expensive if you decide to wait for your new kitchen. Currently, a mid to higher-end kitchen remodel in our area typically costs $65-$110K. Here are how the costs break out, important tips, and current lead time information. 
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CABINETS – The most expensive part of your kitchen, it makes up about 42% of the overall cost and currently has a lead time of 6-25 weeks depending on the cabinet line. Cabinet pricing will vary significantly not only because the quality of cabinetry varies but also because a kitchen can be designed with lots of bells and whistles like a decorative wood hood, stacked cabinets, matching door end panels, glass-front cabinets, and in-cabinet accessories.
INSTALLATION AND CONSTRUCTION – Makes up about 18% of the total budget and includes installation of cabinetry, light fixtures, appliances, plumbing fixtures, hardware, and tile. It also includes demolition, dumpster, and port-o-john rentals, drywall patching, and ducting new hood. If you need to tear down a wall, add a window, install a support beam, move plumbing, add decorative molding or create a coffered ceiling, these will all add a lot to the construction costs.
APPLIANCES – This is another item that will vary a lot, it makes up about 18% of the total budget and lead times are currently 2-8 months. This is the first thing you should start shopping for because it will affect your cabinet design, your budget, and the start date of your project.
COUNTERTOPS – Most people spend about 10% of their budget here and pick either a natural quartzite, natural granite, or man-made quartz. Lead time is not an issue, usually plan on 5-14 day turnaround after template, but do pay your fabricator to buy the slabs of stone early so that they are on hand when you need them.
FLOORING – Typically this item is around 7% of the budget. A new tile floor is, on average, double the cost of a new wood floor because prepping the subfloor and installation is higher for tile than wood. Also, there are some pricey tiles out there, so choosing less expensive tiles can really keep the cost down.
TILE BACKSPLASH – Backsplash tile only makes up 2% of the budget, but it will really impact the overall style of your kitchen. Get what resonates with you, spending more here will not break the bank and will give you a big bang for your buck.
HARDWARE, PLUMBING & LIGHT FIXTURES – This is the jewelry of your kitchen and makes up a mere 3% of the budget. Light fixtures especially really make a statement about your personality, so have some fun here and don’t hesitate to spend extra on something you love. Make sure you order a month or two before the start of your project and plan to store them in your garage so that they are ready when you are.
The professional designers at TrueLeaf kitchens can help you create a kitchen that is within your budget while truly transforming the way you live. Visit our website at www.trueleafkitchens.com or our showroom at 134 S. Finley Ave. in downtown Basking Ridge, NJ. To schedule your complimentary consultation with one of our experienced designers, call 908-766-2006.