Kitchen makeover FAQs

What is the average cost of a kitchen remodel?

Recent kitchen renovations we have completed ranged from $65,000 to $100,000++, excluding appliances. REMODELING Magazine does an extensive survey every year of recent kitchen remodels in Atlanta. In 2023, a minor kitchen remodel averaged $27,362. A major kitchen remodel was $77,015. An upscale kitchen renovation averaged $152,429. These are all-inclusive prices, including new appliances, countertops, sink and faucet, flooring and paint. What is the distinction between a minor and major kitchen remodel? Primarily what is done with the cabinets. A major kitchen remodel includes new cabinets. A minor remodel does not include changing the cabinet boxes, only refinishing or painting the existing cabinets.

One of the biggest cost drivers for a kitchen remodel is structural issues. Changing the footprint of your kitchen in any way will bump up your budget. Moving the kitchen or building an addition involves major construction as well as new electrical, plumbing and flooring. Opening up to another room could require structural work and unforeseen costs if load-bearing walls are involved. Even relocating the sink or range would mean moving the plumbing or gas lines.

Every remodeling project is unique, and costs vary depending on the homeowner's budget, tastes, and priorities. In general, however, materials account for 80 percent of the budget, while labor costs represent 20 percent. According to the National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA), the largest expense in a kitchen remodel is cabinetry, which can account for up to 50 percent of the budget. After labor, appliances are the next biggest expense, eating up about 15 percent of the budget. Countertops are about 10 percent, and flooring makes up 7 percent. The smallest expenses, at about 5 percent each, are lighting, plumbing fixtures, doors and windows, and walls and ceilings. Understanding that there are no standard costs for a remodel -- every home is unique because of its age, layout and construction type -- will help you be more realistic about the potential costs of your project.

What makes a kitchen remodel more or less expensive?

• Structural changes can be minimal or extensive. Cabinets account for about one-third to one-half the total cost of a typical project and range in price considerably based on quality, the type of material they are made of, and whether they are stock (ready made in specific sizes) or custom (produced specifically for your kitchen in whatever sizes and finishes are needed).
• The material you choose for surfaces including counters, backsplashes and floors can also account for variations in price.
• Other key elements that factor into the equation are talent and workmanship. In the remodeling business, you tend to get what you pay for. An accomplished designer, skilled tradesmen and expert installation crew will cost more. But you'll appreciate their ability every time you use your kitchen.

What are some trends in kitchen design?

• Large islands, really large islands
• Social kitchens with adequate and comfortable seating
• Popular colors for the kitchen include off whites and warm ivories, earthy browns, blues, greens, black accents, and the occasional pop of bright color
• Cabinets installed all the way up to the ceiling. Open shelving is on its way out
• Statement hoods are huge. Metal, wood, contemporary, farmhouse, coordinating, or a standout!
• Stainless steel appliances remain strong, but colorful appliances and fun retro colors are great!
• Cabinets that look like furniture, and vintage pieces of furniture that have been put to use as islands or cabinets
• Natural materials, lots of wood (usually rustic), unpretentious design, and cooking spaces that can accommodate large meals
• Touch activated faucets, pull-out faucets
• The most popular cabinet color choices are white, blue, and green. In wood cabinets, warmer wood tones are trending.
• Under cabinet lighting, task lighting
• Preserving and honoring older kitchens is becoming popular -- updating the functionality and technology, but keeping the older feel and cozier vibe
• Smart storage solutions like lazy Susans to make potentially wasted corners fully functional, pull-out drawers, customized drawers and cabinets
• Large sinks with deep bowls
• Large, functional pantry
• Barrier-free design and products: they make life easier for children, pregnant women, and seniors as well as individuals with disabilities

How long should it take from showroom visit to finished kitchen?

It can take several months, even after the design is finalized. Custom cabinets usually take around four to six weeks for delivery. The extent of the job, the contractor’s workload and the availability of materials also have an effect. Once the materials have been delivered, installation can often be completed in as little as two to four weeks.

Where do I start? What do I need to be thinking about?

Start by putting together a detailed wish list indicating your goals for remodeling. Do you want more space? More storage? More style? A built-in dog bed? Organize it by priority, from the "must-haves" to the "in our dreams." Use websites like Pinterest and Houzz to view and collect pictures of rooms, products, materials, and architectural details that appeal to you. Visit model homes and vendor showrooms and make pictures of what appeals to you. Make notes on what you like about friends' kitchens (and hate about your own) and general concepts translated from other areas of your life. For example, glass-front cabinets and open shelving are very popular, but if you are not a cleaning fanatic you may be happier with solid doors that conceal clutter. You can see pictures of our installations on our Facebook and Instagram pages.

What do you charge for an estimate?

Your kitchen renovation is a major investment in your home. We are here to assist you with the attainment of your concept and vision. Design plans, budgeting, and product selection are integral parts of the estimating process, as well as interaction with the various trades that are involved. We do not charge by the hour; the fee for our design service starts at $250.

What is a Kitchen Designer?

A Kitchen Designer is a professional, qualified by education and experience to research, design, plan and supervise the installation of residential kitchens. Enhance Floors & More uses a Kitchen Designer as part of the renovation process, particularly in the design and layout of the cabinetry. Our Kitchen Designer will meet with you and survey your existing kitchen to develop the design plan for your new kitchen. There is a fee for this service, however, it is well worth the nominal charge to meet with a true kitchen expert.

What types of kitchen counter tops are best?

Replacing counter tops is a great way to update your kitchen. Hard surface counters such as quartz, granite, quartzite and marble are the most widely used at this time. Their price varies depending on your stone selection. Quartz holds up as well or better than natural stone, never needs sealing, and costs a little more than granite, but usually less than marble and quartzite.

What is installed first—my new cabinets or my new flooring?

Floors are almost always installed after the cabinets. We will go over the timeline once we have visited your home and your product selections have been made.