If you’re thinking about updating your kitchen, your budget will be a major consideration. How much you have to spend will impact the scope of work you are able to complete. It will also influence the materials you can use and the quality of finish you can achieve.
But how much should you expect to spend on a new kitchen? Here we look at the average renovation budget and the factors that will influence the exact cost of your project. We also share a few tips on keeping the total price down without significantly compromising the final design.
The average cost of a renovation
Based on data gathered over the last few years, we know that the average kitchen renovation costs roughly $15,000 – $20,000. However, the exact price will depend on a few important factors, like:
- The size of the kitchen space
- The quality of materials used
- The amount of new cabinetry required
- If any services (plumbing, electrical, etc.) need to be relocated
With that in mind, if you are simply updating a smaller kitchen, you may only need $8,000 – $10,000. But if you’re completely overhauling a large family kitchen, including redesigning the layout, it could cost you $25,000+.
For those planning a kitchen renovation in 2022, it is also worth noting the impact COVID has had on prices. Specifically, the restrictions put in place to minimise the spread of the virus have created some supply chain issues. This, in turn, has driven up material costs, making most renovations now more expensive.
At Smart Kitchen in 2021 the average kitchen cost was $10,000 – $12,000 for cabinets and benchtops so we know we are still very competitive in diy kitchen renovations in Barbados.
Interestingly, there has also been a trend towards larger scale kitchen renovations over the last couple of years. As people are spending more time at home, they are willing to spend more on getting the perfect kitchen space. This has increased the average kitchen renovation budget, though it remains to be seen whether this trend will continue.
Add another heading on information on flat pack alternatives/installation – to save money but important to compare apples with apples – flat pack kitchens need more time to install so installation costs are much higher compared to KS fully assembled. This is a big aspect on any kitchen renovation cost
Consider other low-cost alternatives
Many people consider flatpacks kitchens as an alternative to prebuilt cabinets. But these days you can buy pre-assembled cabinets at similar prices to flatpacks. In fact, pre-assembled often works out to be the cheaper option.
This is because when you consider the time and cost involved in putting together one cabinet, let alone 20, you save on labour costs. The fact that they are pre-assembled saves time and therefore labour cost.
Labour costs are a big aspect for any kitchen renovation costs.
Other ways to keep your costs down
Regardless of the size of your kitchen space, there are a few simple tricks to getting the most from your renovation budget.
Most significantly, doing more of the work yourself will reduce the need for professional trades. As this is one of the biggest expenses, minimising trade hours can significantly impact the final bill. And there are plenty of activities you can easily do yourself, like removing the old kitchen and measuring the space.
Other ways you can reduce the cost of your kitchen renovation include:
- Choosing more cost-effective materials, like laminates rather than natural wood or stone
- Maintaining the existing layout and focusing on optimising the functionality of the design including additional storage
- Choosing to keep your major appliances (e.g. fridge, oven, dishwasher) and existing flooring
- Opting for more affordable tapware and handles, knowing these can be easily upgraded at a later date
Want to discuss this further?
If you’re considering upgrading your kitchen but need help working out your renovation budget, give Smart Kitchen a call. We’re one of Barbados’s leading suppliers of high-quality, low-cost kitchens and experts in creating beautiful but affordable designs. We also deliver all our kitchens fully assembled, making it even easier to renovate your kitchen.