Kitchen Remodels Deconstructed: Basic, Mid-Level, and High-End Renovations

Many homeowners hesitate to take the first step towards a kitchen remodel because they doubt that the anticipated project cost will fit their budget. While some of us truly do have “caviar tastes on a tuna fish budget,” taking the time to determine a scope of work is a great way to find out if the kitchen remodel of your dreams is really so far beyond your price range. In most cases, arming yourself with the right information can help you embark on a kitchen remodel that you’ll love and fits your budget.

You should also know that the kitchen is one of the most popular rooms to renovate because it offers a high return on investment. Any money you spend on a kitchen remodel is money you can expect to see back in higher resale values. So, whether you’re renovating your existing kitchen, building a new one, or making basic, cosmetic changes, you’re making a smart choice by focusing on the kitchen.

Basic, Mid-Level, or High-End Remodeling: What are they, and which one is for you?

Start by asking yourself these questions: Do you want to completely gut your kitchen and start from the ground up? Or, are you looking for cosmetic changes like cabinet refinishing and new appliances? Answering these questions will help determine if you’re looking for a basic, mid-level, or high-end kitchen remodel. Let’s break these distinctions down for you:

The Basic Kitchen Remodel

Don’t let the word basic fool you. Similar to a new paint color, completely changing the aesthetics of a room in a basic kitchen remodel can make the whole space feel like new again. A basic kitchen remodel has the power to turn a “ho-hum” kitchen into a fresh, beautiful living space for you and your family.

A basic kitchen remodel typically involves retaining the layout of the kitchen, including appliance and fixture placement. Keeping the layout of your kitchen significantly reduces — or completely eliminates — plumbing and electrical costs.

According to the National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA), the largest expense in a kitchen remodel is cabinetry, which can account for as much as 30% of the project budget. Therefore, refinishing the existing cabinets by updating hardware and swapping out cabinets doors, say, with glass panels, is a great way to make a dramatic change on a budget.

When it comes time to choosing flooring, countertops, fixtures, and lighting, you will find a whole spectrum of design and pricing options available to you. Choosing stylish materials, like vinyl, that come in at a lower price point than the costlier hardwood, ceramic, or, porcelain tile is another way to keep your basic budget on track.

A basic kitchen model can:

  • Maintain your kitchen layout
  • Use existing appliances and (avoiding luxury appliances such as wine coolers, warming drawers, etc.)
  • Update look and feel with a creative use of paint
  • Replace fixtures (faucets, hardware, lighting) to create a fresh look
  • Utilize less expensive options for flooring, countertops and tile

The Mid-Level Kitchen Remodel

A step up from the basic remodel, a mid-level kitchen remodel often involves rearranging the layout of the kitchen, but more importantly, a mid-level remodel usually involves the use of higher-end materials, upgraded appliances, custom or semi-custom cabinetry, and the removal of walls to open up the space.

With more budget to work with, mid-level kitchen remodels provide homeowners with an opportunity to splurge on a few luxury items, like a beautiful custom range hood for a focal point, or installing a baking station — complete with a marble countertop for all those holiday cookies!

A common complaint among homeowners is a lack of kitchen storage. A mid-level kitchen remodel can provide you with the additional space you’ve been craving with custom cabinets to hide small appliances, pull-out bins for food storage, spice racks, pop-up mixer trays, custom butler pantries, and so much more.

A mid-level remodel can include:

  • Reworking the kitchen layout (including removing walls)
  • Custom or semi-custom cabinetry
  • Additional storage solutions
  • Professional and/or specialty appliances
  • Higher-end materials such as hardwood and granite
  • Custom or semi-custom options such an oversize island or baking station

The Custom, High-End Kitchen Remodel

If “custom” is the first word the comes to mind for all your must-have kitchen remodel elements, and budget is not your primary consideration, then a high-end kitchen remodel is for you. This type of renovation is perfect for the gourmet chef who loves to entertain, or for those desiring a highly efficient kitchen with all the modern amenities available on the market today.

With a high-end kitchen remodel, no expense is spared. To seamlessly blend the new kitchen with other rooms, structural changes often involve removing or adding walls, adding square footage or adjusting ceiling heights. Architectural details like crown moldings, wood-wrapped windows, and authentic baseboards and casings are used to create a cohesive, opulent look. Rich materials and accessories complete these gorgeous kitchen remodels, ranging from built-in refrigeration and wood-paneled appliances to chandeliers and custom lighting.

A high-end kitchen remodel can include:

  • Gutting the existing kitchen and/or adding square footage
  • Adding or changing existing plumbing and electrical lines
  • Custom cabinetry with specific storage solutions
  • Unique architectural details
  • High-end luxury materials and fixtures
  • Custom lighting
  • Professional-grade appliances and high-tech features

Breathing new life into an outdated or inefficient kitchen is some of the smartest money you’ll ever spend on your home. If we’ve inspired you to take the first step toward your kitchen remodel, we would love to help you begin the process of budgeting, designing, and building your ideal kitchen. Contact Acton ADU today for a complimentary design consultation.

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