Before moving forward with any type of home remodeling project, it’s important to have a real sense for what the final cost could be. For the cost of any kitchen, bathroom, or whole-home remodel in Wichita KS, there are several variables that go into setting your budget. Let’s look at the key contributors and how they can affect your final remodeling project budget.
Contractor Cost:
There won’t be a “contractor” line on an actual estimate, but the contractor providing the estimate will have different rates for different services. Such as planning, design, labor, customization services, and so forth. As with any service provider, a contractor could fall anywhere from “good enough to get the job done”, to high-end or luxury artisan, with prices on both ends to match.
Materials:
Materials can vary greatly in price. Take flooring for example, beyond the square footage, we also need to take into account the type of flooring. Ceramic tile, vinyl, and wood all vary in price. Those kitchen counters could be marble, granite, concrete, tile, or laminate. Cabinets might be custom-made pieces, or sturdy and functional. Don’t forget, appliances add another variable. Those sparkling new stainless steel kitchen appliances will certainly cost more than their ultra-basic counterparts. And, in order to create a cohesive space, everything needs to be of similar quality. Materials is one area of the budget that highly affects the cost of a kitchen, bathroom, or whole-home remodel in the Wichita area.
Labor:
Labor usually accounts for 20 to 35% of a project’s total costs. The specifics will depend on the scope of the project and the type of work required. Keep in mind, hiring more hands to complete a job quicker, means paying those extra hands, too. Speed versus cost, therefore, is a common consideration.
Miscellaneous Costs:
For large projects, there will typically be a local requirement for certain permits, licenses, applications, or inspections. Together, these costs could add up, but will be necessary. Your contractor should be well versed and aware of these costs and include them in your estimate.
Extras:
Before all is said and done, there are numerous odds and ends for a remodel that can add to the bottom line. An organized contractor can help avoid many of these. However, there can be unforeseen costs, and sometimes things simply change along the way. For instance, what started as a basic wood floor ends up being ceramic tile.
As a general rule of thumb, factor in an extra 10% for the final bill. Unexpected costs are bound to happen in one form or another. It’s best to be prepared for the inevitable.
The cost of a remodel has a huge range. To help stay on track, keep tabs on the main factors that go into determining your cost, prioritize the essentials, and do away with what isn’t necessary.
Editor’s Note: This article was originally published in May 2015 and was updated in October 2020 for accuracy.