Budgeting for a Kitchen Remodel in 2025

A kitchen remodel is one of the most rewarding investments you can make in your home. It improves functionality, enhances daily living, and adds lasting value. But before the first cabinet is installed or the first tile is set, one question comes first: How do I plan a realistic budget for my kitchen remodel?

At Pointe Cabinets and Design, we believe a successful kitchen renovation starts long before the demo day—it starts with smart financial planning. Here’s how to create a thoughtful, well-structured budget that helps you get the kitchen you love without costly surprises.

1. Define Your Goals and Priorities

Before you assign a single dollar, get clear on why you’re remodeling.
Are you upgrading for resale value? Expanding for family use? Modernizing an outdated layout?

Your goals will directly shape your budget. For example:

  • Resale-focused remodels may emphasize timeless finishes and neutral colors.

  • Forever-home remodels might justify investing more in custom cabinetry, professional-grade appliances, or high-end stone surfaces.

Having a clear purpose helps guide every decision—and every expense.

2. Determine Your Investment Range

A realistic kitchen remodel budget in Grosse Pointe typically falls between 20–30% of your home’s current value.
For example, if your home is worth $600,000, you might expect to spend $120,000–$180,000 on a kitchen renovation that aligns with the home’s quality and market value.

Setting an investment range (rather than a single number) gives you flexibility as you make design and material selections.

3. Break Down the Budget by Category

Once you’ve set your overall investment, divide it into categories to see where your money will go. A typical breakdown looks like this:

Category

Percentage of Budget

Cabinetry & Hardware…

30–40%

Appliances

10–15%

Countertops

10–15%

Flooring

5–10%

Plumbing Fixtures

5–10%

Lighting & Electrical

5–10%

Labor & Installation

20–30%

Contingency (Unexpected Costs)

10–15%

Cabinetry is often the largest investment—and for good reason. It sets the tone of your kitchen’s style and function. At Pointe Cabinets and Design, we specialize in high-quality cabinetry that blends beauty, craftsmanship, and longevity, ensuring your dollars are well spent.

4. Consider the Layout and Scope of Work

Layout changes—like moving plumbing lines, removing walls, or reconfiguring the footprint—can significantly increase labor costs.
If you’re keeping your existing layout, you’ll save on plumbing and electrical work. But if you’re opening up walls or expanding into adjacent spaces, be sure to account for framing, drywall, and structural adjustments in your budget.

Our design team can help you explore layout options that meet your goals and your budget, balancing impact with practicality.

5. Account for Permits, Design Fees, and Professional Services

Permits, inspections, and design services are often overlooked in early budgeting. These are essential parts of a well-executed remodel and typically account for 5–10% of the total cost.

At Pointe Cabinets and Design, we manage these details for our clients—from design drawings to permit coordination—ensuring your project runs smoothly and compliantly.


6. Prepare for Hidden Costs

Even the best-planned remodels can reveal surprises once walls are opened: outdated wiring, old plumbing, or subfloor damage are common.

Build in a 10–15% contingency fund to cover these unexpected issues without derailing your project or creating stress.


7. Balance Quality and Value

Not every element needs to be top-of-the-line to achieve a stunning result. Our designers help clients prioritize—investing more in long-lasting features like cabinetry and countertops, and saving where appropriate, such as with lighting or backsplash materials.

Thoughtful planning ensures your kitchen looks elevated without unnecessary overspending.


8. Stay Flexible and Communicate

As your remodel progresses, stay involved and communicate regularly with your design team. Make selections early, review estimates carefully, and track expenses. Transparency prevents budget drift and ensures decisions align with your goals.

Our team at Pointe Cabinets and Design provides ongoing budget updates and cost reviews throughout the design and installation process—so you’re never surprised by the final total.


Final Thoughts

A kitchen remodel is a major investment—but with the right planning, it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. By defining your goals, setting a clear budget, and partnering with experienced professionals, you can create a kitchen that reflects your lifestyle and adds lasting value to your home.

At Pointe Cabinets and Design, we help homeowners across Grosse Pointe and Metro Detroit design kitchens that are as functional as they are beautiful—all within a transparent, realistic budget.