Kitchen & Bath Remodel – What’s Really Possible with Your Budget?

Kitchen  (Based on 10' x 12' room)    •    Bath  (Based on 8' x 10' room)

Kitchen/Bath Facelift
Kitchen: $15,000

• Can be DIY, though it’s still possible to involve a designer/contractor
• Repaint existing cabinetry
• New door/drawer hardware
• Update some lighting fixtures
• New countertops: laminate, stone or wood (save money by doing a DIY install, or shop remnant slabs at granite/stone yards). By the way, did you know you can paint your existing laminate tops?
• Add fresh paint on walls
• Add glass or stone backsplash (Save money by shopping at big box stores, outlet stores or the clearance aisles of specialty stores)

Bath: $8,000 – $13,000
• DIY if you are handy or consult with a designer/contractor
• Plumbing stays in the same place
• Replace fixtures with off the shelf items from big box stores, outlet stores or the clearance aisles of specialty stores. (For example, an all-in-one vanity, or fiberglass shower units)
• Countertop replacement: cultured marble or lower end granite
• Add accent tile to the backsplash area of the vanity or tub/shower surround
• Add fresh paint on the walls
• Keep existing vanity: paint or gel stain it
• Update accessories: towel bars, mirror, faucet, vanity lighting, and cabinet hardware

Kitchen/Bath Minor Renovation
Kitchen: $35,000
• Some DIY, but seek design and install assistance from professionals
• Appliance and plumbing locations do not move
• Re-face current cabinets with new doors and paint/stain existing boxes
• New countertops or resurface existing ones
• New cabinetry like ready to assemble cabinets (RTA) or stock options at outlet stores or the clearance aisles of specialty stores
• Keep most appliances, possibly replace one or two
• New backsplash
• Replace lighting fixtures, cabinet hardware and plumbing fixtures
• New flooring

Bath: $13,000 – $28,000
• Work with a professional designer, licensed contractor, plumber and tile specialist
• Move some plumbing fixtures
• Upgrade toilet to chair height and better flush rating
• Upgrade to better quality plumbing fixtures, like copper and bronze, which will last much longer than off-the-shelf options
• New tile flooring: porcelain or stone in a pattern like herringbone or with accents of glass or mosaic pieces
• New semi-custom vanity cabinets with extra details: painted, distressed or glazed finishes, bump out the sink, add legs or feet for a furniture look, more drawers with customized storage
• Enlarge shower (remove tub if rarely used or downsize it), add frameless glass surround
• Utilize tile on the walls or add beadboard or shiplap paneling to add personal flair
• Update all linens and add custom window treatments

Kitchen/Bath Major Renovation
Kitchen: $50,000+  
• Work with licensed contractor, designer, plumber and electrician
• Full gut and re-do
• Relocation of plumbing and appliances
• Possibly adding square footage by removing walls and combining space from adjacent rooms
• Professionally designed and installed cabinetry (semi-custom or custom)
• New lighting: accent, under cabinet task lighting and general lighting
• New flooring: wood or tile
• Custom designed backsplash utilizing different materials
• New appliances: stainless steel, custom color or “hidden” with cabinet panels
• Adding bells and whistles to cabinetry for customized storage

Bath: $30,000+
• Work with a team of professionals: designer, licensed contractor and sub contractors for carpentry, plumbing, electrical/mechanical and tile

• Full gut, everything is removed and starts fresh where all fixtures go where you want them
• Possibly utilize space from adjacent rooms to enlarge the footprint
• High-end materials, fixtures and cabinetry
• Utilize radiant heat flooring
• Install a steam shower or sauna
• Showers with custom benches, niches in the walls, multiple shower heads and body jets
• Free standing tubs: soaking or jetted
• Custom vanities with solid wood construction and highly detailed for your personal taste
• Tile flooring: natural stones like marble or limestone
• High-end plumbing fixtures and decorative accessories in the newest finishes and styles
• Walls are customized with tile, intricate wood moldings, wallpaper or faux painting techniques
• All lighting is updated and includes decorative sconces and chandeliers
• Heated towel bars/warming drawers

Thanks to Brittany Gardner, CKD, RID, for compiling this helpful chart for our readers. She is with the American Woodmark Corporation, Timberlake Cabinetry, Atlanta, GA.
Brittany is a GA Registered Interior Designer with advanced training and specializes in kitchens, baths and custom cabinetry. She has an accredited educational background and holds certifications from the national organizations, NKBA and NCIDQ, known for their high qualification testing and experience requirements. She is immersed in the design community as a volunteer and mentor, recognized as one of the 2014 NKBA’s 30 Under 30 and was recently announced as the President Elect for the GA Chapter of NKBA 2015-2017. For more information visit

http://www.nkba.org/Design/Homeowners/ProSearch.aspx[embed:fc:field_portfolio:1452:fc_portfolio_node_embed]