How to Create an Accurate Budget for Your Kitchen or Bathroom Remodeling Project — and the Key Details You Must Pay Attention ToHow to Create an Accurate Budget for Your Kitchen or Bathroom Remodeling

Azar Mammadli
Oct 26
4 min read

Remodeling your kitchen or bathroom is one of the most rewarding investments you can make in your home. But without a clear and realistic budget, even the most exciting design project can quickly turn stressful.

At BORCELLE Design & Remodel, we believe successful projects begin long before construction — they start with smart financial planning.Here’s how to create an accurate budget for your remodeling project and the essential details you need to watch closely.

💡 1. Define Your Goals and Priorities

Before looking at prices, start with why you’re remodeling. Are you:

Updating an outdated space?
Expanding functionality?
Preparing your home for resale?
Building your dream kitchen or luxury bath?

Your priorities will guide your spending decisions. For example:

If resale value is your goal, focus on timeless materials and layout efficiency.
If you’re designing your “forever home,” invest more in custom cabinetry, high-end fixtures, and unique design features.

Pro Tip: Make a list of your must-haves and nice-to-haves. This helps you stay flexible as quotes and material choices come in.

🧮 2. Establish a Realistic Budget Range

A remodel isn’t one-size-fits-all. Costs vary based on location, materials, and scope of work.Here’s a general cost range for most homeowners in Virginia, Maryland, and D.C.:

Project Type	Typical Range
Basic Kitchen Remodel	$20,000 – $35,000
Mid-Range Kitchen Remodel	$40,000 – $65,000
Luxury Kitchen Remodel	$70,000 – $120,000+
Bathroom Remodel (Standard)	$15,000 – $25,000
Luxury Bathroom Remodel	$30,000 – $60,000+

Your budget should include materials, labor, permits, and a 10–15% contingency for unexpected surprises (like plumbing or electrical issues).

Pro Tip: Always set a range instead of one number. It gives you flexibility as the design evolves.

🧰 3. Understand the Major Cost Components

Knowing where your money goes helps you make smarter decisions. On average, here’s how a kitchen or bathroom budget breaks down:

Kitchen Remodel

Cabinetry: 30–40%
Countertops: 10–15%
Appliances: 10–20%
Plumbing & Electrical: 10–15%
Flooring & Backsplash: 10%
Lighting, Paint & Finishes: 5–10%

Bathroom Remodel

Cabinets & Vanities: 25–30%
Tile & Flooring: 20–30%
Plumbing Fixtures: 15–20%
Lighting, Mirrors & Accessories: 10%
Labor: 20–25%

Pro Tip: Don’t underestimate installation costs — high-end materials require skilled labor, and that expertise adds value and longevity.

🧱 4. Get a Professional Design Plan First

A detailed design plan is the foundation of a reliable budget.Many homeowners make the mistake of collecting quotes before finalizing their design — which often leads to inaccurate estimates and unexpected costs later.

At BORCELLE Design & Remodel, we start every project with a design consultation and 3D rendering.This allows clients to visualize their future space, make decisions early, and receive an accurate cost breakdown before construction begins.

Benefits of having a design plan:

Prevents last-minute design changes (which can increase cost by 15–25%)
Clarifies materials, finishes, and fixture quantities
Streamlines communication with contractors and suppliers

🧾 5. Compare Materials and Alternatives

Your material choices have a significant impact on both cost and appearance. For example:

Quartz countertops are durable and beautiful but more expensive than laminate.
Custom cabinets offer flexibility but cost more than semi-custom or in-stock lines.
Porcelain tile mimics marble at a fraction of the price.

Pro Tip: Balance your investment by mixing high-end statement features with budget-friendly elements. For example, splurge on a stunning backsplash or waterfall countertop while saving on flooring or hardware.

🪜 6. Plan for the “Invisible Costs”

When creating your budget, include costs beyond materials and labor — things that often catch homeowners by surprise:

Permits and inspections (especially for electrical, plumbing, or structural work)
Temporary kitchen setup or alternative bathroom use during renovation
Demolition and debris removal
Appliance delivery, hauling, or hookup fees
Post-project cleaning and minor repairs

Pro Tip: A good remodeler (like BORCELLE) includes these items upfront in your proposal so there are no hidden surprises later.

📊 7. Include a 10–15% Contingency

Even the best-planned projects can uncover surprises — a hidden leak, outdated wiring, or uneven subfloor.Setting aside a 10–15% contingency fund ensures you’re prepared without stress.

Example:If your planned kitchen remodel is $50,000, reserve an extra $5,000–$7,500.If you don’t need it, you can use that balance for upgraded finishes or new decor!

🧩 8. Choose a Transparent Contractor

Your remodeling partner is the key to staying on budget.Look for a company that provides:

Detailed proposals (with line-item pricing)
Fixed pricing after design approval
Clear communication about allowances and change orders

At BORCELLE Design & Remodel, transparency is our foundation. We guide clients through every cost component — from cabinet styles to lighting — so they can make informed choices that align with their financial goals.

🏡 9. Think Long-Term Value, Not Just Cost

It’s tempting to focus on the lowest price, but a remodel should be measured by value and longevity.A professionally designed kitchen or bathroom improves your home’s function, comfort, and resale value for years to come.

Smart investment rule:If you plan to stay in your home 5+ years, invest in materials and craftsmanship that last — not just the cheapest options.

✨ 10. Final Thoughts

Creating an accurate budget isn’t about cutting corners — it’s about planning smarter.By defining your goals, understanding cost factors, and working with a trusted design-build partner, you can achieve a beautiful, functional kitchen or bathroom without unexpected expenses or stress.

At BORCELLE Design & Remodel, we believe your remodel should feel exciting, transparent, and rewarding from day one.

Schedule your complimentary design consultation today to receive: