Asheville Kitchen Remodel

We get asked daily what people should budget for a kitchen remodel in the Asheville area. If you’re looking for an exact figure on what it will cost to remodel your kitchen, you need to understand the time and thought it takes to complete an estimate. We hesitate to throw out an average number because there are so many factors. We’re more qualified to ballpark a number after doing an initial consultation but often times it’s not in the best interest of us or our client because even a range can be way off.

A kitchen renovation is no small task. Judd Builders takes a measured approach when it comes to kitchen renovation budgets. The process of putting together an estimate involves multiple vendors and subcontractors. According to Remodeling Magazine’s 2022 Cost vs. Value Report, the average cost for a minor kitchen renovation in Asheville, NC is $25,833. This average doesn’t include layout changes, or moving plumbing or electrical. The average for a major mid-range kitchen renovation is $74,734 and the average for a major upscale kitchen is $146,422.

“We like to do our due diligence when putting together a kitchen remodeling budget. Kitchens are typically the most expensive type of remodel because of the amount of materials used and the need to budget for plumbing, electrical, mechanical and in some cases, framing. The homeowner has endless choices in terms of materials and finishes and what they choose drives the budget. You should have a good idea of what you want to spend and know your absolute top end for your kitchen remodeling budget. Having a contingency amount is always a good idea as well in case we come across an unexpected expense which can happen during any home remodel,” says John Judd Jr., Co-Owner of Judd Builders.

Kitchen Remodeling Budget

The National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA) recommends the following breakdown of costs:

Cabinets – 29%
Installation – 17%
Appliances and ventilation – 14%
Counter tops – 10%
Flooring – 7%
Lighting – 5%
Walls and Ceilings – 5%
Doors and Windows – 4%
Faucets and Plumbing – 4%
Other/Miscellaneous – 1%
Design – 4%

A kitchen remodel is an investment in your home. It’s necessary to determine what’s important to you and what your goals are before determining your kitchen renovation budget. Figure out of your kitchen layout works for you or if you’ll be moving plumbing and/or electrical. If it doesn’t function well for you in its current layout, your kitchen remodeling cost will be higher.

“Having a contingency amount is always a good idea in case we come across an unexpected expense which can happen during any home remodel. You don’t know what you’re working with until you start removing walls and peeling back the layers in the home.”

John Judd Jr.Co-owner

Kitchen Remodels Q&A

How long will you stay in your home?

This is an important question to ask yourself before you decide how much to spend on your kitchen remodel.

If you plan to stay less than five years, you may want to spend less. You need to consider whether or not you can recoup the cost of your kitchen renovation. You’ll also want to be sure to choose finishes and materials that are attractive to a wide variety of buyers since the kitchen is the heart of the home.

If your plan is to stay in your home more than five years, you have more options for finishes and design. You may want to go ahead and invest all at once to have a kitchen that is exactly what you want and you’ll love for years to come. Remember, with most kitchen remodels it’s easier and many times more cost-efficient to tackle the entire kitchen remodel at once. Don’t think that breaking the project into phases will always save money. Think about your long-term comfort. Spending more than you initially budgeted may be worth in in the long run.

Should I move out of my house during a kitchen remodel?

It is much easier to remodel a home when the owners aren’t living in it. The remodeler doesn’t have to work around the homeowner and can tend to have better control of the schedule. Many times when the kitchen is being remodeled it makes sense to go ahead and tackle a bathroom remodel or addition project to knock it all out at once. It’s a myth that you’ll save money spreading projects out over time. Many times you can save by getting all of your projects completed at one time. If you can move out, it’s helpful but not always feasible. During a kitchen remodel, heavy duty plastic will be put up to ensure dust doesn’t enter other rooms in your home. Your kitchen won’t be accessible during the remodel so it’s a good idea if you to stay to have a small kitchenette type set up.

How much of a return should I expect if I remodel my kitchen in Asheville, NC?

According to the Key Trends in the 2022 Cost vs. Value Report, Asheville homeowners should expect to recoup 53.9% after a major (upscale) kitchen remodel. The recoup rate for a major (mid-range) kitchen remodel is 60.3%.

Who will be my primary contact during my kitchen remodel?

You will have a dedicated project manager during the entire remodeling process. Your project manager will be involved from the initial site visit until the final walk-through. You will have your project managers contact information and if for some reason the project manager is unavailable, he or she will always have a back up and you will be made aware in advance. You will get to know our team including our owners, demo and framing crews, trim crews, and our trusted industry partners like our cabinet designers and countertop vendors. You will be sent a weekly schedule to know who will be in your home on which days. Our project managers are extremely hands on and visit projects multiple times each week.