HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO REMODEL A KITCHEN IN COACHELLA VALLEY?


Kitchen Remodeling: The skinny on national averages and how they measure up in the Coachella Valley.

National averages can be a little misleading because they include everything from "entry-level" states to "luxury" states. The average spend in Jackson, Mississippi is not the same as the average spend in Palm Springs. It goes up even more when one includes luxury appliances, lighting, and materials. 

If you have been thinking about remodeling your kitchen and are about to pull the trigger, you've probably been doing research. The easiest items to get a fixed price on will be appliances, cabinets, materials, etc. What really catches homeowners off guard are the items that add up needed to install these items and labor. Labor, in particular, is where California differs from other states. Add to that "luxury" locations and budgets suddenly look very different from the national averages. 

Methodology: Kitchens And Baths By Lynn have curated data from the most relevant sites so you can get a more accurate snapshot here. As an added bonus, Lynn has added her truth, wisdom, and skill to that data so you can closer to a true budget when it comes to remodeling your bathroom in Coachella Valley. Hint: Most of the national averages are way off making those numbers a little misleading. 

Before the deep dive into specific costs, it should be noted the national average is also going to include DIY homeowners in remote states. In other words, unless you are doing ALL of the work yourself, don't expect anything near the national average out of the Coachella Valley. Remodeling Magazine is much more accurate to Lynn's experience pricing a mid-range kitchen remodel at about $81,000 to an upscale kitchen at about $158,000. As a design/build firm (that means Lynn designs and installs) Lynn says you can expect to pay about $450 a sq ft.  That said if you set your sights on a mid-level remodel of a  kitchen you can expect to start around $80k and go up from there. 

If that took the wind out of your sales a bit, take heart. Data from the 2022 State of Remodeling in U.S. report helps justify the cost. Kitchens come in second to bathrooms at 23% for the most popular remodeling project. You can expect a 53% recovery at the sale of your home. Consider the value of your home. Now increase it by 3% with your remodel. Not bad for something you wanted to do anyway. 


Keep in mind, other than the illustration above, Lynn's pro experience will be in gold whereas national averages will be in blue. National Averages are going to equal sweat equity in the valley vs a professional installation in gold. Pro install is materials, labor + design. Uniquely, Kitchens And Baths By Lynn is a design-build firm. Design-build firms often save homeowners on costs due to the efficiency of the designer and contractor installation all being under the same roof. This allows for more oversight and fewer errors on the job. Often times homeowners get a discount rate because the services are wrapped up as opposed to a-la-carte services. Using full services has many benefits:
  • Less Stress: Remodels are stressful. Being able to just make decisions about finishes, fixtures, and furnishings helps alleviate most of the stress.
  • Project Manager: The pros are the project manager. They are the ones to schedule subcontractors for installation, order materials for the project, check them, install them, and handle any returns. 
  • Licensed: Often times homeowners that try to project manage their own remodel hire subcontractors that aren't licensed or do the work themselves to save money. While some work, like painting, is okay, more technical work like plumbing and electricity comes with consequences. Any installation that might be covered by your homeowners' insurance could be negated if not done by a licensed contractor. That includes any other part of the home that is affected by a poor installation job like; fire damage from wiring or water damage from plumbing leaks. Where a homeowner might have tried to save money...they are now out much more than they bargained for. 
  • Industry Knowledge: This is what these professionals do for a living. While that seems obvious it means they will see solutions due to years of experience where homeowners often do not. They are also able to look down the road and see potential challenges that can be addressed early on. Lastly, they can recommend finishes, fixtures, appliances, etc that you may not even know about that will give you much better results than you would have imagined. 

You are getting a lot of peace of mind, service, and experience for $450sq ft. This is why it costs more. There is a lot of value in professional services both now and in the future. You will have to decide for yourself how much risk you are willing to take on. An area where you can work on saving money during the planning stage is choosing materials. 

How much bang can you expect for your buck?


Now that you know how to allocate your budget based on percentages...how will that translate into a spendable budget? Let's say you have an $85,000 budget. Based on the illustration above, you can use up to 29% of the budget for cabinets. $85,000 x 29% gives you a budget of $24,650. Not a great budget for cabinets but it will work. Keep in mind that these are just best practices based on professional experience and factoring in resale. With that said your house, your dream. Certainly, if you want to spend less or reallocate some things to spend more on cabinets, it's your kitchen. Time to go shopping. Below you will find items that are often bid with material and labor combined:

***ALERT***: The Leading Reason To Going Over Budget Is Not Understanding The Labor

Sometimes homeowners research and specify the materials because they are able to get a good deal on materials, fixtures, finishes, etc. Other times they might have an heirloom they want to have installed. Where homeowners fall short is being able to estimate labor costs and/or justify the cost. Since the pandemic cost of labor has increased to keep up with the cost of goods. Add to that any complex installations and you can expect a more expensive estimate. 

Generally speaking, the national averages suggest homeowners budget $50 to $75 per hour in labor. Maybe, if you are looking for a handyman to do some "odd jobs" but, Kitchens And Baths By Lynn caution that homeowners should expect to pay more in Coachella Valley. $75 - $160 per hour is more realistic which translates into 40% to 60% of your budget. That said if you go with a design/build firm you could see that percentage drop as low as 35%. The bigger your kitchen, the more you’ll pay. Always ask for a detailed bid and invoice that covers all the materials and labor fees, including demolition and disposal. If you hire a General Contractor (GC) you can expect that they will charge 10% - 20% of the overall cost of the project. Your GC will then orchestrate timelines, purchases, and subcontractors.

Kitchen project by Kitchens And Baths By Lynn

Appliance Installation: $120 - $280 per appliance. In most cases, the appliances are about 14 % of the total budget. This is about $3,220 but will go up with luxury additions.
  • Budget-friendly / free standing: $200 - $1000
  • High-end/free standing: $1,000 - $5,000
  • Custom built-in appliances: $1,000 - $10,000
  • By Type:
    • Refrigerator: Basic installation should be $150 to $250. Keep in mind a built-in model will need extensive cabinetry and electrical work done. This can cost anywhere from $130 to $3,900.
    • Gas Cooktop: Basic installation for a gas cooktop will be $70 to $155. Converting the cooktop’s type of gas (i.e., LP to natural), running new gas lines, or changing the cabinets, will increase the cost.
    • Electric Cooktop: Similar to gas, expect to pay $70 to $155 to install your electric cooktop if exchanging the same specs. There may be additional tasks like countertop alterations, ductwork, or new wiring installation that will cost extra.
    • Stoves | Ovens | Ranges: For freestanding or drop-in, you’ll likely pay between $105 to $125 for installation services. The cost should be the same for double-wall ovens. If the installer needs to cut countertops or wall openings expect between $200 and $225. Cabinets to hide your wall oven can be anywhere between $1,000 to $5,000, depending on size, wood type, and door style. It costs anywhere from $800 to $3,200 to install a built-in oven, but costs vary by several factors:
      • Oven types:
        • Gas Oven: $600 - $1,500
        • Electric Oven: $600 - $3,500
        • Convection Oven: $820 - $3,300
        • Pizza Oven: $1,400 - $5,000
        • Steam Oven: $2,000 - $4,000
      • Gas / Electrical: 
        • Electric ovens typically require a 240-volt outlet. Adding one is around $140 to $300, including labor costs. Similarly, gas ovens require a gas line to work. Adding a gas line is $20 $80 per linear foot. 
      • Labor: 
        • Hiring a General Contractor to install a built-in oven is about $90 per hour in labor. Depending on the complexity of the project it can take anywhere from an hour to a few days if outlets or lines need to be installed.
    • Range Hood: The general range for range hood installation at $120 to $500 with under mounts being the most economical. Wall-mounted models will cost more to install as they are more complex. Expect to pay more if cabinets have to be adjusted.
    • Microwave: Between $70 and $500 to install your new microwave depending on the type of cabinet integration.
    • Kitchen Exhaust Fans: Installation is $70 to $105 for labor. If you need ductwork or wiring work done, the price will increase.
    • Dishwasher: From about $110 to $270 for labor alone. To remove or replace cabinets, expect to pay a minimum of $1,900. Additionally, with new plumbing to hook up the appliance, expect $1,270 to $3,200.
    • Appliance Package: A standard package includes the fridge, range, and dishwasher costing $260 to $550 for installation. Some retailers will offer a discount or rebate with a package deal.
    • Washer & Dryer: For a direct change out expect to pay $50 to $175 for a washer and dryer installation. Moving the location cost about $700 to $2,000 for plumbing, electrical, and vents.
    • Smart Appliances: Installation is $70 to $500. Make sure to hire a professional who understands smart appliances and can provide a primer on how to use them. Additionally, if your Wi-Fi doesn’t normally extend to your kitchen, you might need to extend its range. With today's technology mesh net systems work the best.

PLUMBERS & ELECTRICIANS: Just like bathroom remodels they are a must.

A simple faucet installation averages from $150 to $550, and a sink installation can cost between $100 and $600. General Contractors can perform these installations. Remember that changing the floor plan or moving the plumbing lines will require a plumber (about $1,100) and a permit (up to $800).

Kitchen & Bath Specialist: The average kitchen designer will make up about 4 percent of your budget. It is highly recommended to use a professional as this is where most of your money will be saved.

You will get the kitchen you want if for no other reason than a specialist understands where the blindspots are for homeowners. The remodeling process becomes even easier with a design/build firm because there isn't a breakdown in communication between the designer and contractor as they are the same entity.

Design fees should include 3-D renderings of the project, assistance with and sampling of material and color selections, project coordination with contractors and suppliers, and ongoing support throughout the entire remodel if you are getting full service. If the fees feel out of your scope, at minimum, consult with a specialist to make sure you haven't missed anything from storage to lighting. You can expect:

Costs
      • Per Hour: $250 

      • Advanced Services: $4,400 - $25,000 (can include the following below)

        • 3D Renderings

        • Material / Color Selection

        • Coordination with contractors and suppliers

        • Start to finish support and management

        • Field trips to showrooms for materials and appliances with your kitchen and bath specialist

        • In-person consultations and needs evaluation based on lifestyle.


FAQ: Just In Case You Have A Question We Missed

Q: How long does the average kitchen remodel take?
A: 9 - 15 weeks

Q: How much does it cost to gut the kitchen?
A: $1,500 - $3,000

Q: What factors affect the pricing of appliances and installation?
A: There are a few:
    • Expect the price to increase if you need to run wiring, address any plumbing issues, add ductwork, or modify your cabinetry.

    • If your installer is not familiar with your brand of appliance, they may charge you more to install it—especially if the plumbing or gas hookups are unusually complicated. Some popular brands have certification courses for contractors, which can make the process smoother (and might allow your contractor to offer a set price for the work).

    • If your contractor needs to purchase or provide any additional parts to fit your appliances in—such as insulation for a dishwasher or a cabinet trim kit—you’ll need to factor in those costs. Some appliance manufacturers do not include these extra parts, as every install is different, so compare exactly what you’re buying versus what you need.

    • Some appliances will require nothing more than to be placed in their spot and plugged in. Others, however, may require electrical or plumbing work that you didn’t foresee when you purchased them. For instance, if your old appliance is really old, you may need to run more electrical power or install an additional outlet.

    • Up on the second floor. 

    • Any hidden contingencies in the wall (ie, mold discovery from cabinet, pipe going through cabinet), increasing hight of ceiling gas line in soffit, water line for refirigetator often rigged or broken needs to be corrected).


Q:
What is a kitchen expansion?
A: An expansion is more than renovation or remodeling. This type of project is about changing the footprint of the kitchen often by combining rooms. Expanding a space comes with a higher price tag because of all of the plumbing, electrical, and framing work that is involved. Structural changes are common for load-bearing walls and may require an engineer or permits

Q: What is your advice for priorities based on budget?
A: Let's break this down based on budgets:
    • $20,000 - $70,000

      • No new cabinets. Paint them. $5,000 -$7,000
      • Additional Materials: Upgraded sink and faucets. Elegant lighting. High-end hardware.

        • Sink / Faucet: $1,500 (material + Labor)

        • Lighting: $4,000 - $10,000 (lighting + electrical)

        • Hardware: $600 - $1,000 (40 handles + installation)

      • Design & Labor: Let the pros do all of the heavy lifting. Hire a kitchen and bath specialist so that you aren’t making a costly mistake. Better still, hire a design / build firm. 

        • Kitchen & Bath Specialist: $1,000 (floor plan only for pricing purposes + first consultation) - $3,000 - $4,500

          • Layout: Mistakes on the layout can cause poor resale, frustrating to use, a disappointment in the investment, and not meeting your needs which can all lead to wanting to do it over.  

          • The products: Expert advice on quality products that function in a way that meets your needs, introduce to to new products that you didn’t know you needed. 

          • Good Labor: Poor craftsmanship is regretful. Poor installation leads to short and long-term damage. Good labor leads to the satisfaction that you made a wise investment.

        • The General Contractor: $20,000 - $45,000

          • Will make sure that the installation is done correctly and meets the standards of your homeowner's insurance. 

          • Keeps your project on schedule.

          • Keeps the job clean.

          • Manages the job so that sub-contractors are orchestrated correctly and goes to the subs to get the job done right. 

      • Appliances: Get all new, energy-efficient, and/or smart appliances. This includes white glove appliances like built-in appliances like coffee makers and microwaves.

        • $15,000 mid to high end

          • LG oven

          • Thermador (benefits of steamer)

          • GE Cafe

          • Jenair

          • Decor

          • SubZero

          • Bosch

      • Countertops & Backsplashes: Get high-end countertops; quartz, marble, Corian, or granite. Have fun with high-end backsplashes from luxury tile to solid surface.

        • $20,000 (labor + material)

    • $70,000 - $130,000+

      • Cabinets: Custom with as much convenient storage as you need.

        • $28,000 

      • Additional Materials: Change the floor plan and take out a wall. You have a lot of flexibility with this budget. Consider a butler's pantry. You can afford luxury hardware, lighting, windows, window treatment, furniture, and textiles.

        • $25,000

      • Design & Labor: Let the pros do all of the heavy lifting. Hire a General Contractor and interior designer. The Interior Designer will make sure that all of your needs are met and the kitchen is stunning. The General Contractor will make sure that the installation is done correctly and meets the standards of your homeowner's insurance. 

        • $21,000

        • Change Layout: Take out walls, move doors or windows

      • Appliances: Buy smart and energy-efficient appliances. Consider Thermadore, Cafe, Wolf / Sub-Zero, Thore, Viking, Miele, Fisher-Paykel, Gaggenau, and Dacor to name a few.

        • $20,000

      • Countertops & Backsplashes: With this budget, you can afford Cambria, Silestone, and Caesarstone. For tile check out Tile Bar for Ann Sacks and more.

        • $20,000





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