Remodeling costs can feel like a moving target, especially here in San Diego where labor and material prices have their own unique rhythm. While national averages are a decent guide, they don’t tell the whole story. To get a clearer picture, local homeowners need a reliable benchmark. That’s why the “10×10 kitchen” is such a useful tool. It’s a standardized layout that allows for consistent pricing comparisons across different contractors. Asking how much should a 10×10 kitchen remodel cost in our local market is the most practical way to begin. This guide is specifically for San Diego homeowners, breaking down what you can expect to invest at different levels, from a simple refresh to a full-scale custom project, right here in our community.
Key Takeaways
- Your Biggest Costs Are Layout and Materials: While the 10×10 model is a useful guide, your final price is driven by structural changes and material quality. Keeping your kitchen’s existing footprint is the most effective way to manage costs, while your choices in cabinetry, countertops, and appliances will have the largest impact on the budget.
- Plan for the Whole Project, Not Just the Finishes: A realistic budget accounts for more than just cabinets and tile. Remember to factor in labor, which can be up to 35% of the total, along with design fees and local permits. Most importantly, set aside a 10-20% contingency fund to handle any unexpected issues without derailing your project.
- Finalize Your Plan Before You Start: The most expensive changes are the ones made after demolition begins. Lock in your layout, materials, and finishes during the design phase to prevent costly “scope creep.” A detailed contract with a trusted design-build team is your best tool for keeping the project on time and on budget.
What Does a 10×10 Kitchen Remodel Cost?
One of the first questions every homeowner asks is, “How much is this actually going to cost?” While every project is unique, the industry often uses a “10×10 kitchen” as a baseline to help compare prices. Think of it less as a literal 10-foot by 10-foot room and more as a standard model with a specific amount of cabinetry and counter space. It’s a starting point that helps us talk about costs in a consistent way.
The final price tag for your kitchen remodel depends entirely on the scope of work and the materials you choose. Are you simply swapping out countertops, or are you moving walls and reconfiguring the entire layout? To give you a clearer picture, we can break down the costs into three general tiers: basic, mid-range, and high-end. Understanding these categories will help you align your vision with your budget from day one. Remember, these are ballpark figures; the only way to get a precise number is with a detailed quote that reflects your specific goals and home. A transparent design-build process is key to making sure there are no surprises along the way.
The Basic Remodel: Smart & Simple
A basic or cosmetic kitchen remodel typically falls in the $10,000 to $15,000 range. This approach focuses on making a big impact with minimal structural changes. Think of it as a major refresh rather than a complete overhaul. The layout of your kitchen stays exactly the same, which saves a significant amount on labor, plumbing, and electrical work.
In a basic remodel, you might paint your existing cabinets and update the hardware, install a new laminate countertop, add a simple ceramic tile backsplash, and put in durable vinyl flooring. You’d likely keep your current appliances. This is a great option if your kitchen’s layout already works well for you but the finishes feel dated.
The Mid-Range Remodel: Style Meets Function
For most San Diego homeowners, the mid-range remodel is the sweet spot, typically costing between $15,000 and $30,000. This budget allows for a much more significant transformation that balances style, function, and value. You can start to introduce higher-quality materials and make more impactful changes that you’ll appreciate every day.
At this level, you can often afford semi-custom cabinets, beautiful and durable quartz countertops, and a full-height backsplash. It also includes a new sink and faucet, energy-efficient appliances, and upgraded flooring like luxury vinyl plank or tile. While the layout might stay largely the same, you have the flexibility to make small adjustments, like adding a pantry cabinet or a more functional island. You can see some great examples in our featured projects.
The High-End Remodel: A Custom Finish
A high-end or luxury kitchen remodel starts around $30,000 and can go well beyond $60,000. This is where you can create a truly custom space tailored to your exact specifications. This budget allows for top-of-the-line materials, custom craftsmanship, and significant structural changes, like removing walls to create an open-concept living area.
Expect to see features like fully custom cabinetry with specialized storage solutions, premium countertops like marble or high-end quartz, professional-grade appliances, and sophisticated lighting plans. Visiting a design showroom becomes essential at this stage to see and touch the materials that will define your space. This level of investment is about creating a dream kitchen that is both a joy to use and a stunning centerpiece for your home.
How San Diego Prices Compare
So, how do these national averages stack up in our local market? In San Diego, a typical 10×10 kitchen remodel often lands between $15,000 and $25,000, placing it firmly in the mid-range category. Local factors like labor rates, permitting fees, and material availability all influence the final cost. Working with a local contractor who understands the San Diego market is crucial for getting accurate pricing and navigating regional building codes.
Because every home is different, the best way to understand what your project will cost is to get a detailed, personalized quote. An experienced team can walk through your space, listen to your goals, and provide a clear estimate based on real numbers, not just averages. If you’re ready to find out what’s possible for your kitchen, we’d love to help you start the conversation.
Where Does the Money Go? A Cost Breakdown
When you start planning your kitchen remodel, it helps to know where your money is likely to go. While every project is different, costs generally fall into a few key categories. Understanding this breakdown is the first step to setting a realistic budget and making informed decisions about what matters most to you. Think of it as creating a map for your investment—it shows you the path from your starting budget to a beautiful, finished kitchen. Let’s look at the major components that will shape your final costs.
Cabinets & Storage
Cabinets are the foundation of your kitchen’s design and functionality, which is why they often represent the largest single expense—typically 29% to 40% of your total budget. The cost can range from a few thousand dollars for standard, pre-made options to over $20,000 for fully custom cabinetry designed for your exact space and needs. This investment covers not just the boxes and doors but also the interior storage solutions, hardware, and installation that make your kitchen work seamlessly for you every day.
Countertops & Backsplash
Your countertops and backsplash are major focal points, and their costs can vary just as much as their styles. Durable laminate might be a budget-friendly starting point, while natural stone or quartz can range from $2,100 to $5,700 or more for a standard 10×10 kitchen. The material you choose impacts both your daily use and the overall aesthetic. This is why it’s so helpful to see and compare materials in person to find the perfect balance of beauty, durability, and price for your home.
Appliances & Fixtures
The “workhorses” of your kitchen—the refrigerator, oven, dishwasher, and microwave—are another significant investment. A mid-range appliance package typically costs between $2,500 and $6,800, including installation, while high-end, feature-rich models can easily exceed $10,000. Don’t forget to budget for fixtures like your sink and faucet, which also contribute to the final look and function. You can see how different appliance packages fit into the kitchens we’ve designed to get a better feel for what might work in your space.
Flooring & Lighting
Flooring and lighting set the stage for your entire kitchen. The cost for new flooring can range from around $1,000 for basic vinyl to upwards of $6,500 for high-end hardwood or tile. Lighting is just as important, often accounting for 10% to 15% of the total budget. A good lighting plan includes a mix of overhead (ambient), under-cabinet (task), and decorative (accent) fixtures to create a space that’s both functional and inviting, day or night.
Labor & Design Fees
Professional labor typically makes up 20% to 35% of your project’s total cost. This covers the skilled craftspeople—carpenters, plumbers, electricians, and installers—who bring your vision to life. It’s also wise to budget about 10% for professional design services. Think of this not as a cost, but as an investment in a cohesive, functional plan that prevents expensive mistakes down the road. A well-defined design and construction plan is the key to a smooth project, which is why we map out our process from day one.
What Really Drives Your Final Cost?
While the 10×10 kitchen is a helpful starting point for comparing quotes, it’s just that—a starting point. Your final invoice will depend on a few key variables that go far beyond square footage. Understanding these factors is the first step toward setting a realistic budget and making informed decisions about where to invest your money. From moving walls to choosing that perfect slab of quartz, every choice has a ripple effect on the total cost. Many homeowners are surprised to learn that two kitchens of the exact same size can have final costs that are tens of thousands of dollars apart. This difference almost always comes down to the five key drivers we’re about to cover.
Think of it less like buying a product off the shelf and more like commissioning a custom piece of art for your home. The final price tag is a reflection of your unique vision, the quality of the materials, and the craftsmanship required to bring it all together. Knowing what really moves the needle on price will empower you to have more productive conversations with your contractor. You’ll be able to ask better questions, weigh your options more clearly, and allocate your funds to the areas that matter most to you. Whether your priority is a professional-grade range or a show-stopping waterfall island, understanding these cost drivers helps you make strategic trade-offs. This knowledge transforms you from a passive observer into an active participant in your own remodel, ensuring the final result is a space you love that also represents a smart investment in your home. Let’s break down how structural changes, material selections, design complexity, local permits, and even market conditions play a role in shaping your budget, so you can go into your project with clarity and confidence.
Changing the Layout
Want to move your sink to a new island or shift the stove to another wall? Be prepared for the cost to go up. Changing your kitchen’s existing footprint is one of the most significant expenses in a remodel. Any time you need to relocate plumbing, gas, or electrical lines, you’re adding significant labor and complexity. This isn’t just about patching drywall; it involves licensed professionals rerouting essential systems within your walls and floors. If you’re looking for ways to save, keeping your appliances and fixtures in their current spots is the most effective strategy. A smart design can often transform a space without the need for major structural changes.
Your Material Choices
This is where your personal style really comes to life—and where the budget can quickly expand. The difference between stock and custom cabinets or laminate and marble countertops can be thousands of dollars. High-end appliances, designer light fixtures, and premium flooring will also increase your total. This is why visiting a showroom is so valuable. Being able to see and touch materials in person at our Design Center helps you find a balance between the look you want and the price you’re comfortable with. Our designers can also show you how to get a high-end look for less by mixing materials strategically.
The Complexity of Your Design
A simple, straightforward design with clean lines will always be more budget-friendly than one with intricate details. Custom features like a built-in appliance garage, a complex backsplash pattern, or elaborate ceiling trim require more materials and, more importantly, more skilled labor hours. The more detailed and unique your vision is, the more time and expertise it takes to execute perfectly. Our design-build process helps map out these details from the start, ensuring the design you fall in love with aligns with your budget. This upfront planning prevents costly changes and ensures every element is accounted for before construction begins.
Permits & Local Codes
If your remodel involves moving walls or altering plumbing and electrical systems, you’ll likely need permits from the city. Navigating San Diego’s building codes and securing the right permits is a critical step that ensures your project is safe and compliant. These permits can add anywhere from $500 to over $2,000 to your project cost, depending on the scope of work. A reputable design-build firm will handle this entire process for you, factoring the costs into your proposal so there are no surprises down the line. It’s one less thing for you to worry about, and it provides peace of mind that everything is done correctly.
Current Market Conditions
Just like with any other industry, costs in construction can fluctuate based on market conditions. The price of materials like lumber and steel, as well as local labor rates in San Diego, can impact your final quote. While you can’t control the market, working with an established contractor who has strong supplier relationships can help minimize volatility and secure better pricing. The best way to understand current costs is to get a detailed quote based on today’s pricing. This gives you the most accurate picture for your specific project and locks in material costs before they have a chance to change.
Avoid These Common Budget Mistakes
A solid budget is your roadmap for a successful remodel. It helps you make clear decisions, avoid financial stress, and keep your project moving forward without costly delays. But even the most carefully planned budget can get derailed by a few common missteps. A successful kitchen remodeling project is a careful balance of design, planning, and execution, and that starts with a realistic financial plan. By anticipating these potential pitfalls, you can protect your investment and ensure the process is as smooth as the new countertops you’re dreaming of. Let’s walk through the mistakes we see most often so you can steer clear of them.
Not Having a Contingency Fund
Think of a contingency fund as your project’s safety net. No matter how meticulously you plan, remodeling can uncover surprises, especially in older homes. You might open a wall and find outdated wiring or unexpected plumbing issues that need immediate attention. A contingency fund—typically 10% to 20% of your total project cost—is set aside specifically for these unforeseen expenses. It’s the difference between a minor hiccup and a major budget crisis. Without this buffer, you could face stressful delays or have to make compromises on other parts of your kitchen.
Forgetting Hidden Costs
When budgeting, it’s easy to focus on the big-ticket items like cabinets and appliances while overlooking the smaller, “hidden” costs that can quickly add up. These can include building permit fees, debris removal, or the cost of setting up a temporary kitchen. You might also need to budget for eating out more often while your kitchen is out of commission. A transparent and detailed quote from your contractor is essential. Our design-build process is designed to account for every detail upfront, so you have a complete picture of the investment from day one.
Choosing Materials That Don’t Last
It can be tempting to opt for less expensive materials to lower your initial costs, but this is often a mistake in the long run. Budgeting for quality, durable materials like hard-wearing countertops or energy-efficient appliances makes your kitchen a timeless and functional space. Cheaper alternatives may look good at first but can quickly show wear, requiring costly repairs or replacement sooner than you’d like. Visiting a showroom can help you see and feel the difference, allowing you to invest in materials that will stand the test of time and daily use.
Letting “Scope Creep” Take Over
“Scope creep” happens when small changes and additions start to pile up after the project has already begun. It might start with deciding to add a few more recessed lights, then upgrading the faucet, and before you know it, you’ve significantly exceeded your original budget. The best way to prevent this is to finalize all your design decisions and material selections before demolition starts. Having a clear, fixed-scope contract protects you from unexpected cost increases and ensures everyone is on the same page about the final vision for your kitchen.
Trying to Manage It All Yourself
While the DIY approach can seem like a way to save money, managing a full kitchen remodel is a complex job. Juggling different vendors—a designer, a plumber, an electrician, an installer—can be incredibly stressful and often leads to scheduling conflicts and costly errors. Rushing the planning phase or choosing the cheapest bid without proper vetting can derail your project. Working with an integrated design-build team means you have a single point of contact responsible for your entire project, from the initial design concepts to the final walkthrough, ensuring a seamless and predictable experience.
Smart Ways to Save on Your Remodel
A beautiful, functional kitchen doesn’t have to drain your savings. While it’s wise to invest in quality craftsmanship and durable materials, there are several practical ways to manage your budget without compromising on the final result. It’s all about making strategic choices that deliver the biggest impact for your dollar. By focusing on what truly matters to you and being clever with your selections, you can create a space you love while keeping costs in check. Here are a few of our favorite tips for a budget-conscious remodel.
Keep Your Current Layout
One of the most effective ways to control costs is to work with your kitchen’s existing footprint. Moving walls, plumbing lines, or electrical wiring is a complex and expensive part of any renovation. By keeping your sink, dishwasher, and range in their current spots, you avoid the significant labor and material costs associated with re-routing essential services. A smart design can still completely transform the feel and function of your space, even within the same layout. A fresh kitchen remodeling plan can introduce better storage, improved workflow, and updated style without the expense of a major structural overhaul.
Refinish Cabinets Instead of Replacing Them
If your cabinet boxes are still in good shape, you have a golden opportunity to save. Instead of a full replacement, consider refinishing or refacing your existing cabinets. A professional paint job can dramatically modernize your kitchen, giving it a clean, bright look for a fraction of the cost of new custom cabinetry. Another option is refacing, where you keep the cabinet boxes but replace the doors and drawer fronts. This gives you the appearance of brand-new cabinets without the expense and disruption of a complete tear-out. It’s a fantastic way to allocate more of your budget toward other features, like countertops or appliances.
Get High-End Looks for Less
You don’t need the most expensive materials to achieve a luxurious feel. There are many high-quality, mid-range options that beautifully mimic the look of high-end stone, tile, and wood. For example, luxury vinyl plank can offer the warmth of hardwood at a lower price point, while certain quartz patterns provide the elegance of marble without the maintenance or cost. Visiting a design showroom allows you to see and touch these materials side-by-side. An experienced designer can guide you toward smart selections that honor your vision and your budget, ensuring you get a polished look that lasts.
Time Your Appliance Purchases
Appliances are a major line item in any kitchen budget, often ranging from $10,000 to over $50,000 for a full suite. If you have some flexibility in your timeline, plan your purchases around major sales events. Holiday weekends like Black Friday, Memorial Day, and Labor Day are famous for deep discounts on refrigerators, ranges, and dishwashers. Buying a floor model or a previous year’s version can also lead to significant savings. Just be sure to coordinate with your contractor to ensure the appliances you choose fit the design specifications and that delivery aligns with your project schedule.
Know Which Projects to DIY
Taking on a few tasks yourself can be a great way to save on labor costs, but it’s crucial to be realistic about your skills. Simple jobs like painting walls, swapping out cabinet hardware, or even handling some of the initial demolition can be satisfying and budget-friendly. However, complex and licensed work—like plumbing, electrical, and cabinet installation—is best left to the professionals. A mistake in these areas can lead to costly repairs, project delays, and safety hazards. Following a clear remodeling process with a trusted team ensures these critical jobs are done right the first time.
Create Your Remodeling Game Plan
A successful kitchen remodel doesn’t happen by accident. It’s the result of thoughtful planning and smart decisions made long before the first hammer swings. Creating a solid game plan is the single best thing you can do to ensure your project runs smoothly, stays on budget, and delivers the beautiful, functional kitchen you’ve been dreaming of. Think of it as your roadmap to a stress-free renovation. By tackling these key steps upfront, you set the stage for a seamless experience from your first design meeting to the final walkthrough.
Set a Realistic Budget
Before you start pinning inspiration photos, it’s time to get real about numbers. A good rule of thumb is to plan on investing between 5% and 15% of your home’s total value into your kitchen remodel. For a standard 10×10 kitchen, this often translates to a wide range, but it gives you a practical starting point. It’s also wise to build a contingency fund—an extra 10% to 20% of your total budget—to cover any surprises that might pop up, especially in older San Diego homes. This isn’t a sign of poor planning; it’s smart preparation that prevents unexpected costs from derailing your project.
Get a Few Detailed Quotes
Once you have a budget in mind, the next step is to talk to professionals. We recommend getting detailed quotes from at least three licensed and insured contractors. Pay close attention to what’s included in each proposal. A low bid might be tempting, but it could leave out crucial elements that will turn into expensive change orders later. Look for a partner who provides a clear, comprehensive scope of work and can walk you through every line item. This transparency is key to understanding the true cost and value of your project, and it’s a cornerstone of our process.
Understand Your Contract
Your contract is the official playbook for your entire remodel. Before you sign, take the time to read it carefully. This document should clearly outline the full scope of work, a detailed payment schedule, the project timeline, and information on warranties. A well-defined contract protects both you and your contractor, ensuring everyone is on the same page about expectations and deliverables. If anything is unclear, don’t hesitate to ask questions. A trustworthy partner will be more than happy to provide clarification, ensuring you feel completely confident before moving forward.
Manage Your Project Timeline
Patience during the planning phase pays off tenfold during construction. Rushing to the demolition stage without a fully developed plan is one of the most common and costly mistakes homeowners make. A successful remodel requires a careful balance of design, material selection, and strategic scheduling. Working with a design-build firm simplifies this process immensely, as one team coordinates every detail from start to finish. This integrated approach helps prevent delays and ensures your project keeps moving forward efficiently, turning your vision into a reality without unnecessary stress.
Think About Resale Value
A kitchen remodel is an investment in your home and your quality of life. Not only does it make daily routines more enjoyable, but it can also significantly increase your home’s market value. On average, homeowners can expect to recoup a majority of their kitchen renovation costs upon resale. Even if you have no plans to sell anytime soon, choosing timeless finishes and a functional layout ensures your new kitchen will appeal to future buyers while bringing you joy for years to come. You can see examples of value-adding designs in our featured projects.
Partnering with the Right Professionals
A successful kitchen remodel is about more than just cabinets and countertops—it’s a carefully balanced combination of design, planning, budgeting, and execution. The team you hire is the single most important factor in bringing your vision to life without the headaches. While it’s tempting to focus only on the final look, the experience of getting there matters just as much. Choosing the right partner means you get clear communication, expert guidance, and a process you can actually trust. It’s the difference between a stressful, chaotic project and a smooth, predictable transformation you’ll love for years to come.
How to Choose Your Contractor
Finding the right contractor can feel like dating—you’re looking for a partner you can trust with your home and your money. It’s smart to get a few different estimates to compare costs and keep your project on budget. But don’t just look at the final number. A low-ball bid might hide cheap materials or inexperienced labor. Instead, look for a detailed, transparent proposal that breaks down every cost. A great contractor will listen to your goals, answer your questions clearly, and provide a realistic timeline. Look for a team with a strong local reputation, a portfolio of work you admire, and a process that makes you feel confident, not confused.
The Value of Professional Design
It’s easy to think you can save money by skipping the professional designer, but this is one of the most common and costly mistakes homeowners make. An experienced designer does more than just pick paint colors and tile; they are spatial problem-solvers. They can help you reimagine your kitchen layout for better flow, find clever storage solutions you’d never think of, and prevent expensive errors in scale or function. Working with a designer ensures your kitchen is not only beautiful but also perfectly suited to how you live. Their expertise helps you make confident decisions on materials and finishes, creating a cohesive look that stands the test of time.
Why Project Management Matters
A kitchen remodel has a lot of moving parts: demolition, plumbing, electrical, cabinetry, countertops, and more. Without a skilled project manager, coordinating all those timelines, trades, and material deliveries can quickly become a full-time job for you. Having a clear and defined plan helps you avoid delays, unexpected costs, and financial stress. A dedicated project manager or an integrated design-build firm handles all the logistics, so your project stays on track. This single point of contact is the key to our streamlined process, ensuring everyone is on the same page and you always know what’s happening next.
Ensuring Quality from Start to Finish
True quality isn’t just about the premium materials you choose; it’s about the craftsmanship and care that goes into the entire project. It’s in the perfectly aligned cabinet doors, the clean grout lines, and the respectful crew that protects your home and cleans up every day. A quality-focused team vets every trade partner, uses proven installation techniques, and stands behind their work. When you’re looking at a firm’s past work, pay attention to the small details. Seeing a portfolio of consistently beautiful featured projects is a great sign that the team is committed to excellence from the first design meeting to the final walkthrough.
Design a Kitchen That Lasts
A successful kitchen remodel isn’t just about hitting a budget; it’s about creating a space you’ll love using every single day for years to come. While the cost is a critical piece of the puzzle, the real value lies in a design that lasts. Trends will come and go, but a kitchen built on a foundation of smart, functional design is always in style. This means thinking beyond the surface-level aesthetics and focusing on the core elements that make a kitchen work: an intuitive layout, ample storage, and high-quality materials that can handle the demands of daily life.
Investing in a thoughtful design is one of the smartest financial decisions you can make during a remodel. It prevents the costly mistake of needing another renovation in just a few years because the layout is frustrating or the materials haven’t held up. A well-designed space simplifies everything from cooking and cleaning to entertaining and gathering, making it the true heart of your home. It’s about creating a backdrop for your life that is both beautiful and incredibly practical. When you prioritize function alongside form, you build a kitchen that works just as beautifully as it looks. See how we bring this philosophy to life in our featured projects.
Plan Your Space for Better Flow
Have you ever been in a kitchen that looks stunning but is a nightmare to cook in? When a kitchen looks beautiful but is difficult to use, it defeats the purpose of remodeling. Great flow is all about creating a layout that feels intuitive and effortless. Think about your daily routines: Where do you set down groceries? How do you move from the fridge to the sink to the stove? Your design should create clear, unobstructed pathways for these tasks. A professional designer can help you map out a kitchen remodeling plan that considers traffic patterns, appliance door swings, and island clearance, ensuring your space is as practical as it is pretty.
Maximize Your Storage
One of the biggest regrets homeowners have after a remodel is not including enough storage. Insufficient storage space can quickly lead to cluttered countertops and frustrating disorganization. A smart design makes the most of every square inch. Think beyond standard cabinets and consider solutions like floor-to-ceiling pantries, deep drawers for pots and pans, pull-out spice racks, and clever corner cabinet systems. During our process, we work with you to take a full inventory of your kitchen items to design custom storage that fits your exact needs, keeping your new space tidy and functional from day one.
Perfect the Kitchen Work Triangle
The kitchen work triangle is a classic design concept that connects the three main work areas: the sink, the refrigerator, and the stove. The goal is to place these elements in a way that makes your workflow efficient and minimizes steps. While modern kitchens sometimes adapt this into “work zones,” the core principle remains the same: create a logical and compact layout for your primary tasks. Understanding common kitchen remodeling mistakes, like a poorly planned work triangle, can help you plan smarter and get the dream kitchen you truly want. It’s a simple concept that makes a huge difference in everyday usability.
Make Timeless Design Choices
While it’s fun to incorporate trends, your big-ticket items should stand the test of time. Budgeting for quality, high-end materials like durable countertops or energy-efficient appliances makes your kitchen a timeless space. Opt for classic cabinet styles, neutral backsplashes, and hard-wearing flooring that won’t look dated in a few years. You can always add personality with elements that are easier and less expensive to change later, like paint colors, light fixtures, or cabinet hardware. Visiting a King Remodeling showroom allows you to see and touch these lasting materials, helping you make confident choices for your home’s most important room.
Related Articles
- Kitchen Remodeling 2 – King Remodeling
- 9 Must-Have Features for a Modern Kitchen Remodel
- 7 Things to Know Before Starting Kitchen Remodeling – Blog
- How to Survive a Kitchen Remodel – King Remodeling
- How to Plan a Kitchen Remodel – King Remodeling
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a “10×10 kitchen” the actual size of my kitchen? Not necessarily. Think of the 10×10 kitchen as an industry benchmark used to create a baseline price for comparison. It refers to a sample kitchen with a standardized amount of cabinetry and countertop space—specifically, about 20 feet of each. It’s a tool that helps contractors provide a starting price point so you can compare quotes more easily, but your final cost will be based on the unique measurements and features of your actual space.
Why can two kitchens of the same size have such different price tags? The final cost comes down to three main factors: scope, materials, and complexity. If you keep your existing layout, your price will be much lower than if you move walls or relocate plumbing and electrical lines. Likewise, choosing high-end materials like custom cabinets and marble countertops will cost significantly more than stock options and laminate. The more custom features and intricate details you add, the more skilled labor is required, which also influences the final price.
Can I save money by purchasing my own materials and appliances? While it might seem like a good way to cut costs, sourcing your own materials can often lead to headaches and hidden expenses. A design-build firm has access to trade pricing and trusted suppliers, ensuring you get quality products. More importantly, we manage the entire ordering and delivery process, making sure everything arrives on time and in the right quantity. This prevents costly delays and ensures every piece fits perfectly into the overall design plan.
How long will my kitchen be out of commission during the remodel? The timeline depends entirely on the scope of your project. A simple cosmetic update might take a couple of weeks, while a full gut remodel with layout changes could take anywhere from six to ten weeks or more. A key part of our process is creating a detailed project schedule before any work begins. This gives you a clear and predictable timeline so you know exactly what to expect and can plan accordingly.
What is the most common mistake people make when budgeting for a kitchen remodel? The biggest oversight we see is failing to set aside a contingency fund. This is a separate amount, typically 10% to 20% of your total budget, reserved for unexpected issues that can arise once walls are opened up, like old wiring or hidden plumbing problems. Having this buffer in place provides peace of mind and prevents a small surprise from turning into a major financial stressor.
