Kitchen remodeling can cost anywhere from $27,000 to $158,000, depending on the scope of the project. With such a significant cost disparity, Maryland homeowners planning kitchen remodels need the final details to ensure their budget stays within their means. However, this also means that fun details, such as selecting tile patterns and finishes, will need to wait until after permits are obtained and other important financial details are worked out. Disrupting the whole process with a minor aesthetic choice can leave homeowners with unforeseen costs.
Major kitchen overhauls require a clear vision that accounts for each factor in order of importance to avoid costly mistakes and rework. Before customizing cabinets and choosing trim colors, homeowners have to take these steps to prepare for major kitchen remodeling in Maryland.
Set a Realistic Budget and Buffer
On average, major kitchen remodels cost nearly six times as much as minor remodels. This can make budgeting for a project difficult. Homeowners should examine how multiple factors will impact their final project price, including:
- Location
- Labor Costs
- Material Choices
- Financing Options
- Kitchen Size
- Permit Requirements
- Contractor Pricing
- Hidden Costs
For homeowners, each element of their remodel should factor in unexpected extra costs as a real possibility. These surprises can include inspection fees, demolition costs, trash disposal, and more.
Next Steps: Homeowners should take the top range of their budget and add 10-20% as a buffer to cover unexpected extra costs.
Get a Return on Your Investment
Return-on-investment (ROI) means considering which additional features or changes add the most value to the home. Kitchen remodeling in Maryland can affect both monetary value, livability, and convenience.
For example, homeowners may have to choose between new cabinets or countertops, two of the most expensive additions to any kitchen remodel. They should be prioritized based on their current condition and the value they could add to the home. This way, the homeowner sets clear expectations for what can be accomplished with the remodel, and what features may have to be postponed or cancelled.
Next Steps: Create a list ordering each new addition to the kitchen, factoring in the price, to set clear priorities for the project. Communicate with contractors and remodelers to make sure they know which features are the most important.
Plan Around Existing Space and Layout
The flow and function of a kitchen rely on the arrangement of core appliances and work surfaces. Setting clear paths between all these assets can allow space for multiple cooks, separate high-conflict areas, and promote multitasking.
Before choosing specific kitchen cabinetry or materials, homeowners should determine the layout, existing space, and needed changes. For major remodels, homeowners may want to change their kitchen to an open-concept style or add features such as island seating and breakfast nooks if they have the space.
Even if the kitchen is small, the design should account for the workspace in a functional, aesthetic way. For example, the stovetop should have space on either side. Storage should be varied, including horizontal, vertical, and pull-out options, to accommodate all types of kitchenware. The dishwasher should be near the sink. These details are small, but they must be decided early in the design process to refine the layout before cabinets or appliances are chosen.
Next Steps: Think about the future when planning the kitchen layout. Include possibilities like family growth, the desire to entertain or work in the kitchen, the need for extra storage, and special accessibility requirements when planning the space.
Contractor Reputation and Experience
The contractor that homeowners choose for their kitchen remodeling project needs to be up to the task, or the hard work done on other factors could be for nothing. The core features to look for when choosing a contractor include:
- Are they process-oriented?
- Do they work with their own installers and tradesmen?
- How long have they been in business?
- What does their online reputation look like?
- How is their tile, cabinet, and appliance selection?
- Do they seem organized?
- Are they priced competitively?
- Do they offer warranties/satisfaction guarantees on their work?
Next steps: Research multiple contractors before finalizing your project budget to ensure the one you choose aligns with your vision and will create an organized remodeling plan.
Plan Major Kitchen Remodeling in Maryland the Right Way
At Southern Maryland Kitchen & Bath, we use our 15 years in business to help homeowners at every stage of their kitchen remodeling projects. We work with our own tradesmen to make sure the work is done the right way. Our goal is to offer homeowners a one-stop shop for kitchen remodeling in Maryland, with personalized, long-term customer support to ensure everything meets your standards.
Contact our team today to learn more about our track record, satisfaction guarantee, and kitchen remodeling process. We’ll help you consider all the essential factors for your project so you can get it done the right way, the first time.
