How to Budget Your IKEA Kitchen Remodel: It Isn’t All Cabinets

A lot goes into remodeling a kitchen, and the design and supplies are just a fraction.

We include an extra items list in our IKEA kitchen design package because many people forget to account for things like cabinet rails, hinges, and trim in their kitchen budget. It may be that they genuinely don’t know everything that goes into a kitchen remodel, or they get so excited they only have eyes for quartz countertops and shaker-style doors.

We never want our customers taken by surprise, so we wrote an article detailing the budgeting aspects of an IKEA kitchen remodel—even the ones we don’t personally handle.

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5 Key Elements of an IKEA Kitchen Remodel Budget

As with any remodeling project, much of the cost of the following factors depends on the luxury tier you plan to use. An in-home interior designer will cost more than the IKEA home planner. (We like to think IKD is a happy middle ground between the two.) Semihandmade doors will cost more than IKEA doors, and installing the kitchen yourself will be cheaper than hiring an installer. The list goes on.

But no matter how you plan to achieve the remodel or which budget tier you’re comfortable with, you need a plan that includes all five elements.

1. Design

Some homeowners can get away with using the IKEA home planner, but most want a professional eye before they start tearing out cabinets. IKD’s professional designers are IKEA experts, and we charge $445 for a complete IKEA kitchen design package. This includes high-resolution color renderings, shopping lists, floor plans, elevations, and more.

“While we have a clear vision of what we want (and even got pretty good at the IKEA kitchen planner!), we knew we needed that expert touch to really bring a plan to life. We didn’t want to miss any of the important small details that can ultimately make/break when it comes to optimizing an IKEA design.” –Amanda Presmyk, IKD customer

2. Supplies

The supplies include the fun bits (a.k.a. what you and guests will see) and the not-so-fun bits (a.k.a. what the spiders will see). Be sure to budget for cabinet fronts, countertops, trim, hardware, cabinet rails, toe kicks, cabinet lighting, etc. IKD helps by including a Pricing and Purchase Package with every kitchen design.
Here is an example of a kitchen supply list and approximate cost, sourced from this article on kitchen cost.

However, we don’t include other items you may need to consider. For example, if you plan to do any DIY during your kitchen remodeling project, do you have the tools you need to complete the job? If not, you may need to include tool rental or purchase in your budget. If you plan to install extras like a tile backsplash, or new appliances, budget for those, as well.

Will you be happy with your old canisters and internal cabinet organizers when they’re set against the backdrop of a newly remodeled kitchen? Consider your kitchen from every angle, and you’ll be able to get an honest idea of the supply costs.

3. Installation

Do you plan to hire someone for your IKEA kitchen installation, or will you do it yourself? If you plan to move wires or plumbing, we advise leaving it to the professionals. If you’re just replacing cabinet boxes and fronts, you may be able to execute the design without professional help.

Some installers you can find through our Install Connect service handle everything from painting and flooring to demolition and installation. Others only provide the installation service. Once you find someone who fits your needs, they’ll be able to give you an idea of what to expect for the cost of the kitchen.

“A lot of times when people are doing a kitchen, they ask if we know anyone that can do flooring or remove a wall. So, when I need to, I do it all in-house. We don’t subcontract, only the electricians and plumbers. Other than that, we do flooring, tile work, backsplashes, and countertops. Basically, we do anything in general when it comes to remodeling the kitchen to achieve the final design.” Terry, Installer with Installer Connect

Keep in mind that countertop installation is often a separate service.

If you plan to DIY the installation, you’ll need to consider the tools you need to achieve the look, like painting supplies, protective drop cloths, cutting tools for IKEA hacks, and a dumpster rental.

4. Construction

For some, a remodel is an opportunity to take out the old kitchen cabinets and replace them with something fresh. Maybe they’ll move a few things around, like the sink, or add some outlets. Even including an island in the project wouldn’t count as major construction.

However, some homeowners go all-out and gut the kitchen, knock down walls, build a pantry, and rip out the ceiling. These projects typically require a building permit and contractors to rearrange the kitchen safely.

“I tell them we are going to take a little longer if they’re downtown or in high rises. So it does take a little longer to finish these projects. There’s also more inspections by the building engineers and more inspections by everybody. We really just stayed away from that.” –Meris, Installer with Install Connect

Of course, these projects will be more expensive overall, but our design fee remains the same. In this instance, you’d need to budget for the contractor to oversee construction, an architect to create a floorplan that’s up to code, a designer to handle the interior look of the kitchen, supplies, and installation.

You may also want the contractor to return as a project manager if you plan to avoid overseeing the supply purchase and installation yourself.

5. Bills, Bills, Bills

Have you considered how the renovation will affect your monthly costs moving forward? More lighting and appliances in your kitchen will inevitably mean a higher electric bill. If you cook more, that can also affect utility costs. If you move from a laminate countertop to butcher block or granite, keep in mind that the material requires more maintenance, which means more investment in cleaning supplies.

Take a comprehensive approach to your IKEA kitchen remodel budget.

It’s important to examine the cost factors of an IKEA kitchen remodel from all angles and budget accordingly. We assist by offering a flat fee for IKEA kitchen design and upfront information about all IKEA and Semihandmade costs.

We want our customers to love their new kitchens, not wonder where their money went.