Almost every kitchen remodel starts with a list longer than the budget. The good news is that you do not need the most expensive version of everything to get a kitchen that looks and works great. The trick is knowing which choices you will feel every day and which ones only show up on the invoice. Here is how Kitchen and Bath Experts helps Richmond homeowners decide where the money goes. For overall price ranges, start with our kitchen remodel cost guide.
Where to splurge
1. The layout and the work behind the walls. Plumbing, electrical, framing and ventilation are invisible once the kitchen is done, and they are expensive to fix later. If the layout needs to change to work well, that is money well spent. See our kitchen layout guide.
2. Cabinet construction, drawers and hardware inside. You open drawers and doors thousands of times a year. Sturdy boxes, full-extension soft-close slides, quality hinges and deep pot drawers make a kitchen feel high-end every day. See stock vs. semi-custom vs. custom cabinets.
3. The countertop where everyone gathers. If you love a natural stone, use it on the island where it gets seen and touched, and use a less expensive material on the perimeter. See our countertop materials guide.
4. Lighting. Under-cabinet lights, recessed lights on dimmers and good pendants change how the whole room looks and works, for a modest share of the budget. See our kitchen lighting guide.
5. The kitchen faucet and sink. A faucet you use dozens of times a day is worth a quality valve and a pull-down sprayer. A large single-bowl undermount sink is easier to work in than a small double bowl.
6. A range hood that vents outside. It protects your cabinets and air quality and keeps the house from smelling like dinner for two days.
Where to save
1. Keep the sink where it is. Leaving the plumbing in place is often the single biggest saving in a remodel, and most layouts can be improved around it.
2. Mid-range appliances. Unless you cook seriously, a reliable mid-range package does the job. If you want one statement piece, make it the range.
3. The backsplash field tile. A simple subway or handmade-look tile in a good layout looks great at a fraction of the cost of premium tile. Save the special tile for the area behind the range. See our backsplash guide.
4. Door style and hardware. A simple Shaker door is timeless and usually costs less than more detailed profiles. Cabinet pulls are easy to upgrade later.
5. Open shelving in one spot. Replacing one section of upper cabinets with shelves lowers the cabinet count and adds a decorative spot.
6. Refacing instead of replacing if your cabinet boxes and layout are in good shape. See cabinet refacing vs. replacement.
Costs people forget to plan for
- Permits and inspections for electrical, plumbing and structural work. See our permits guide.
- Electrical upgrades in older homes, including new circuits for appliances and sometimes a panel upgrade.
- Hidden conditions such as old wiring, galvanized pipes or water damage behind cabinets, common in older Richmond homes.
- Flooring transitions where the new kitchen floor meets the rest of the house.
- Paint and drywall repair in the rooms next to the kitchen.
- Eating out while the kitchen is out of service. See how to prepare for a remodel.
Build in a contingency
Set aside a contingency for surprises behind walls and under floors, and a bit more in older homes. Making all major selections before work starts is the best way to protect the budget, because changes in the middle of a project cost the most. Kitchen and Bath Experts gives one fixed price based on finished selections, so you know the number before demolition begins.
Frequently asked questions
What is the most expensive part of a kitchen remodel? Cabinets and labor are usually the largest shares, followed by countertops and appliances. Moving plumbing or walls raises labor costs quickly.
What adds the most value for the money? A layout that works, good storage, good lighting and durable surfaces. Those are what Richmond buyers and homeowners notice.
Can I do some of the work myself to save money? Painting or removing old hardware can save a little. Electrical, plumbing and anything that requires a permit should be done by licensed pros.
Get a budget that fits your plans
We will walk your kitchen with you, help you decide where to spend and where to save, and give you one fixed price. Schedule a free in-home consultation.