Looking to update / remodel our kitchen. Talked to one company that said their kitchen remodels start at $75k - sounds steep to me. We're not talking major redesign - same basic layout, new cabinets and counter tops, replacing cooktop and in wall oven with a new induction range, and replacing an old island. I was expecting closer to $50k. Am I off base? Any recommendations for designers/remodelers in the Austin area?

We're going to start the same process soon, I'll let you know if I find anyone for design.
We remodeled a kitchen a little over a year ago in our rent house, used IKEA cabinets... turned out pretty good, but didn't need a designer for that one.

David And Kaylee Wagner

https://whomescollective.com/

Thanks! Can you share your experience with them?

I'm good friends with David and worked with him for several years at a custom home builder here in Austin before he went out on his own.

He's done dozens of remodels that I've walked in our neighborhood and the work is on point. He's thorough, thoughtful, and communicates well. Kaylee also has a fantastic eye for design.

I'm recommend him without hesitation and really think you'd be in good hands.

This is not surprising to me - appliances alone depending on desire can be upwards of 30-40k. Cabinetry, painting, tile and countertops. I actually think thats in the ballpark. Trust me, ive been living this the last 6 months.

We did a whole kitchen gut and remodel and it was more than 75 less than 100.

Custom built cabinets though, no new fridge or dishwasher.

But it also involved lots (and I mean lots) of demo and framing/reframing work.

OP - there are so many variables. It might be best to start spit balling the cost of materials.

Cabinets $400-$800 / linear ft.

Counter top slabs $40-80 square foot.

Fridge/stove etc.

Sink, faucet, disposal.

Backsplash tiling?

Flooring?

Lighting?

Range hood?

Electrical locations?

Take good measurements and visit HD/Lowe's kitchen design center. At least when we used HD, the design services were free and the guy did an amazing job.

NOTE: HD charges about 1/2 price of the each cabinet for install, so I just hired a local cabinet installer to do it and cost was under $1,000.

In 2012, our complete kitchen gut / rebuild was under $20k including cabinets, install, and appliances. I realize prices are much higher now, but it can be done for much less if you are careful about your choices.

Gut the kitchen yourself. Get undercabinet wiring in place and sheetrock installed and you are ready for the new cabinets. My husband extended the bar so we could seat 4.

I mean this sincerely, but a 2012 cost can easily be increased by 200% today. My pocketbook wishes it was otherwise.

SnowboardAg said:

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I mean this sincerely, but a 2012 cost can easily be increased by 200% today. My pocketbook wishes it was otherwise.

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I agree! However that are lots of "design" centers and cabinet makers that make big bucks.

Hi Dmart90, I'm an architect based in Austin who would be able to help you with the design for your kitchen remodel if you haven't found someone already. I typically work with my clients from the beginning to end of the project starting with the beginning phases of design, through construction drawings, submitting the drawings for permitting, finding a contractor (if needed) and throughout construction.

Chelsea Jones '14
Chelsea Jones Studio
https://chelseajonesstudio.com/
admin@chelseajonesstudio.com

dubi said:

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SnowboardAg said:

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I mean this sincerely, but a 2012 cost can easily be increased by 200% today. My pocketbook wishes it was otherwise.

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I agree! However that are lots of "design" centers and cabinet makers that make big bucks.

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You can make big bucks in cabinetry. But it is not everyone. Custom cabinet makers do not make big bucks. Just because their prices seem high in comparison to IKEA or HD/Lowe's, they spend enormous amounts of money on their shops, insurance, employees, not to mention materials are crazy high. Most kitchens I work on, my materials; plywood, hardwood, slides, organizers may be 30% of the project. Plus, because it is custom, the standards are higher, not every time, but some customers and/or architects and designers can suck time out of you beyond description. I have on a few occasions, spent hundreds of hours that I did not expect (could be over the course of 6 months) on a larger project; doing samples, drawings, mock-ups, addressing changes because people can't make up their minds, etc. Sometimes there is no way to see before you submit a price, how high-maintenance a customer or design team may be? I also have had customers, after the cabinet installation, want to change the color. And not pay for it because they feel they are already spending a lot of money. It can get very dicey when dealing with high dollars being spent on cabinetry.

But to your point, I have seen design centers and/or GC's make a lot of money. Mostly when they are doing very little work, but will mark the cabinetry up 100% or more. Frequently that is when the cabinets are fairly cheap; chinese made, very low quality, or other. A GC that is fair will mark custom cabinets up maybe 10-15% or so, but the custom cabinets are far more expensive, he is still making $10k. I have also seen GC's mark the cabinets up, want a kick back, then the designers want a kickback, it can make custom cabinets look very expensive. But it's not the cabinet makers always making the money.

dubi said:

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Take good measurements and visit HD/Lowe's kitchen design center. At least when we used HD, the design services were free and the guy did an amazing job.

NOTE: HD charges about 1/2 price of the each cabinet for install, so I just hired a local cabinet installer to do it and cost was under $1,000.

In 2012, our complete kitchen gut / rebuild was under $20k including cabinets, install, and appliances. I realize prices are much higher now, but it can be done for much less if you are careful about your choices.

Gut the kitchen yourself. Get undercabinet wiring in place and sheetrock installed and you are ready for the new cabinets. My husband extended the bar so we could seat 4.

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How much of the labor did yall do on that project?

Quote:

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How much of the labor did yall do on that project?

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We paid for:

• Electrician to rewire kitchen and master bath
• Sheetrock installer to replace paneling
• Cabinet installer for kitchen
• Kitchen counter install
• Plumber for master bath
• Marblecraft tub surround and counter for master bath
• Tile installer for 750 sq ft (basically tile most everywhere but bedrooms)

Hubby did everything else.