Planning a Kitchen Renovation? Start With the Right Budget Buckets
If you’re considering a kitchen renovation, chances are one of your first questions is:
“How much is this actually going to cost?”
Maybe you already have a number in mind. But where did that number come from?
A quick Google search? A friend’s renovation from a few years ago? A number that simply feels comfortable?
Before you start selecting cabinetry, falling in love with countertops, or calling contractors, it’s important to understand what actually makes up the cost of a kitchen renovation.
At WVC Vision by Design, this is one of the first conversations we have with our clients. A successful renovation doesn’t begin with picking pretty things—it begins with understanding the full scope of the project and creating a realistic plan for where your investment needs to go.
Your Kitchen Renovation Budget
Rather than thinking about your renovation as one big number, we recommend breaking your investment into a few major budget buckets.
While every project is different, these percentages can provide a helpful starting point:
25–35% | Cabinetry + Hardware
Cabinetry is often one of the largest investments in a kitchen renovation.
The size of your kitchen, cabinet construction, level of customization, door style, finishes, storage features and hardware selections can all impact this number.
20–30% | Contractor + Construction
This is the work required to physically bring your new kitchen to life—from demolition and installation to carpentry, drywall, painting and other construction needs.
Your scope matters here. For example, keeping the existing footprint will look very different from a project that involves removing walls, relocating plumbing or making structural changes.
10–20% | Appliances
Appliances can quickly shift the overall renovation budget depending on the brands, features and level of performance you're looking for.
For high-end or professional-grade appliances, this portion could reach 25% or more.
This is also a great time to identify your non-negotiables. If you've always dreamed of a professional range or integrated refrigerator, keeping that as a must have, allows you to plan the rest of the budget accordingly.
10–15% | Design Team
Your design team is responsible for the planning behind the project—from space planning and design development to material selections, specifications, drawings and coordination.
Investing in the design process upfront creates a clear roadmap for the renovation and helps ensure decisions are being made with the entire project in mind.
8–12% | Countertops
Countertop pricing can vary based on material, square footage, fabrication, edge details and installation.
Natural stone, quartz, porcelain and specialty materials can all fall into very different price ranges, making this another important bucket to consider.
5–10% | Plumbing + Electrical
These are costs homeowners don't always consider when initially creating a kitchen budget.
Moving a sink, changing appliance locations, adding lighting, relocating outlets or significantly changing the kitchen layout can all impact your plumbing and electrical needs.
3–8% | Tile + Finishes
Backsplash, tile, paint and the finishing details may feel like smaller pieces individually, but they still need to have a place within the overall renovation budget.
Identify Your Non-Negotiables
One of the best things you can do before beginning a renovation is determine what matters most to you.
Maybe it’s custom cabinetry.
Maybe it’s professional-grade appliances.
Maybe you’ve been dreaming about a specific stone for the island.
Or maybe completely changing the layout and improving functionality is the most important part of the entire project.
There isn't one correct way to allocate your kitchen budget. Understanding your priorities helps determine where you may want to invest more—and where you may be comfortable pulling back.
From a Budget to a Feasible Plan
These percentages are a great place to start, but they’re just that—a starting point.
The next step is understanding how they apply to your specific kitchen, scope and priorities.
This is an important part of our Design Initiation Phase at WVC Vision by Design.
Before moving into the larger design process, we take the time to understand the existing space, desired scope, project priorities and overall investment so we can begin aligning your vision with what is realistically feasible.
Because the question shouldn't only be:
“What do I want to spend?”
It should also be:
“What will the kitchen I actually want require?”
Understanding your budget buckets gives you the information you need to start answering that question—and ultimately begin your renovation with a much clearer plan.
Percentages are general planning guidelines and are not intended to total exactly 100%. Actual budget allocations will vary based on project scope, existing conditions, selections, level of customization, and whether design project management and/or construction coordination services are included.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
All full-service interior design projects begin with our Design Initiation Phase.
This foundational step allows us to take a deeper look at your space, goals, priorities, timeline, and budget before design work begins. Most importantly, it helps give you the real numbers you need to plan your renovation accordingly—before moving too far into the process.
The Design Initiation Phase includes:
On-site consultation and assessment of your space
Field measurements and documentation, as needed
Discussion of your goals, priorities, lifestyle, and timeline
Preliminary budget alignment and investment guidance
Definition of project scope and overall design direction
A tailored design proposal outlining recommended services and next steps
By establishing your scope and anticipated investment early, you can make informed decisions about your project and move forward with a clearer understanding of what it will take to bring your vision to life.
Ready to begin? Contact us through our Contact Us page to start your Design Initiation Phase today.
