A complete kitchen remodel can be costly, but gives a high return on investment.
Kitchen Reno
A close look at the details that can affect your costs, timeline. BY ELISABETH STUBBS
Kitchen remodels have one of the highest returns on investment of all home improvement projects. A full gut and redo also is one of the most expensive. A kitchen makeover can be as easy and affordable as painting existing cabinets, updating cabinet hardware (knobs and pulls), adding new flooring, countertops and a custom backsplash. Or, it can be as extensive as a complete remodel with a new design, cabinets, appliances, etc. – truly a new kitchen! Remodeling magazine does an 30
AROUND ACWORTH | November 2020
extensive survey every year of recent kitchen remodels in Atlanta. In 2019, a minor kitchen remodel averaged $23,118. A major kitchen remodel was $68,090 while an upscale kitchen renovation averaged $138,765. These are all-inclusive prices, including new appliances, countertops, sink and faucet, flooring and paint. The distinction between a minor and major kitchen remodel primarily is what is done with the cabinets. A major kitchen remodel includes new cabinets while a minor one does not include changing the cabinet
boxes, only refinishing or painting the existing cabinets. One of the biggest cost drivers for a kitchen remodel is structural issues. Changing the footprint of your kitchen, in any way, will bump up your budget. Moving the kitchen or building an addition involves major construction as well as new electrical, plumbing and flooring. Opening up to another room could require structural work and unforeseen costs if load-bearing walls are involved. Even relocating the sink or range requires moving the plumbing or gas lines. If you’re not sure where to begin, start by putting together a detailed wish list indicating your goals for remodeling. Do you want more space? More storage? More style? A builtin dog bed? Organize it by priority, from the "must-haves" to the "in our dreams." Use websites and apps such as Instagram, Pinterest, and Houzz to view and collect pictures of rooms, products, materials, and architectural details that appeal to you. Visit model homes and vendor showrooms and take pictures. Make notes about what you like about friends' kitchens (and hate about your own) and general concepts translated from other areas of your life. For example, glass-front cabinets and open shelving are very popular, but if you are not a cleaning fanatic you may be happier with solid doors that conceal clutter. It can take several months to complete a kitchen demo and renovation. Custom cabinets usually take around four to six weeks for delivery. The extent of the job, the contractor's workload and the availability of materials also have an effect. Once the materials have been delivered, installation can often be completed in as little as two to four weeks. Elisabeth Stubbs is one of the owners of Enhance Floors and More, one of Atlanta’s top-rated flooring dealers, located in Marietta.
