How much will it really cost to build your dream kitchen? The internet is filled with inspiring photos of dream kitchens, but facts about how to create a realistic budget are harder to find. Here are some guidelines to help you determine a realistic budget for your dream home. Each home is different, but a general rule of thumb is that 10% of your overall budget (including land) will be spent in your kitchen. In Western Washington that’s the equivalent of about $400 per square foot. This number will be higher or lower depending on the finishes you select. Primary costs include include cabinetry, flooring, countertops and appliances. Here are some factors to consider when estimating the budget for your custom home kitchen.
Cabinetry
Kitchen cabinets cost approximately an average of $500 to $1,500 per cabinet box (not including installation). An average kitchen includes about 30 boxes. To estimate the cost of cabinets for your home, consider the number of cabinet boxes you will need.
Another cost factor to consider is materials. Cabinet materials are typically laminate or wood. Wood is more durable and will give your kitchen a richer look. The most common choices for wood cabinets are alder, cherry, maple, hickory and oak.
The third factor to consider when estimating cabinet costs is production method. Built-to-order (also referred to as semi-custom) cabinetry is more cost effective than built-on-site custom cabinetry. Efficient design can eliminate the need for custom cabinetry, lower your cost, and still look great.
We recommend: Alder is a popular choice for cabinetry in Western Washington. It’s a locally sourced, sustainable wood with a beautiful grain that looks great.
Price comparison:
$$$$: Cherry
$$$: Alder, maple
$$: Oak, hickory
Flooring
Two things will impact the cost of your kitchen flooring: surface area and material. Kitchen flooring will cost anywhere from $2 to $40 per square foot based on the surface that you choose. Lower cost options include tile, vinyl, and linoleum (about $1 to $8 per square foot not including installation). High-end materials include hardwood and natural stone and can run between $4 and $30 per square foot. There are many mid-range options that are durable and beautiful. These include cork, concrete, bamboo and laminate.
We recommend: Laminate floors are a popular choice for many of our clients who like the rich look of hardwood but need a more durable surface. Laminate is also budget-friendly with a cost savings of up to 50% compared to hardwood.
Price comparison:
$$$$: Hardwood, natural stone
$$$: Laminate, cork, concrete, bamboo
$$: Vinyl, linoleum, tile
Counters
Kitchen counter surfaces can cost between $10 and $125 per square foot installed. Granite is the most common countertop surface for kitchens but there are other surfaces that are beautiful and durable as well. Alternatives include soapstone, quartz stone, marble, tile, and concrete.
We recommend: Many of our customers prefer quartz stone as a cost-effective alternative to granite. Quartz stone is heat and scratch resistant like granite but resists stains and bacteria. Quartz stone also requires less maintenance than granite and a more consistent color for a visually stunning look.
Price comparison:
$$$$: Soapstone, concrete, stainless steel, marble
$$$: Granite, quartz, butcher block
$$: Tile, laminate
Appliances
In the average new construction home the appliance package typically represents 2% of the overall budget (including land). In a custom home this will vary depending on whether you choose a standard or luxury appliance package. A standard appliance package will cost between $2,000 and $4,000 and a luxury package will cost $10,000 or more. You can find a mid-range appliance package for about $7,500.
In addition to the standard appliance package you may opt for a double oven, wine fridge, warming drawer or other elements that will increase the overall budget.
Price comparison:
$$$$: Wolf, SubZero, Blue Star
$$$: Bosch
$$: GE, LC, Samsung
What will your dream home cost to build? Schedule a Project Analysis today to find out more. We’ll help you find practical, beautiful solutions to designing a home you’ll love. Request a free Project Analysis now.
Estes Builders is an award-winning design build firm that specializes in custom homes in Western Washington. We have earned more than 130 customer testimonials and a reputation as Western Washington’s most trusted custom home builder. We build custom homes in Sequim, Port Angeles, Port Townsend, Port Ludlow, Bainbridge Island, Kingston, Silverdale, Port Orchard and surrounding areas. Contact us for a FREE Project Analysis to discuss your project.]]>