How to Estimate a Kitchen Redo

Make a list of all the things you are planning on redoing in your kitchen. Decide what you can live with and what you can't.

Determine how much work you are going to do. You will likely have some jobs that you are willing to do yourself, and some that you can't. Labor can add a lot to the grand total of amount of your remodeling job. It is typical to add from 25 to 30 percent to your total cost for labor.

Keep in mind the fundamentals. Many older homes will need updated plumbing or electrical wiring. It is things like this that can blow a budget out of the water. If you have an older home, consider hiring a contractor to inspect these items before beginning a remodel. Add another 25 to 30 percent for updating and changes like these.

Think about the updates. Costs like new countertops or wood flooring are easy to anticipate. Knowing what you want will help to estimate the kinds of costs you are going to experience as you buy new appliances or cabinetry.

Anticipate extra costs. It is always a good idea to add an extra 10 percent to the total of your kitchen redo. This will help you to plan for any unexpected costs and problems.