How to Create a Kitchen Remodel Budget

Quick answer: To create a kitchen remodel budget, total the cost of cabinets, countertops, appliances, labor, and a contingency fund of 10–15%, then compare RTA cabinet pricing against pre-assembled and custom options to find the biggest savings opportunity within your total budget.

Step-by-Step Budgeting Process

1. Set a total spending ceiling based on what you're comfortable investing in the renovation overall.
2. Break the budget into categories:
   • Cabinets (typically the largest single cost)
   • Countertops
   • Appliances
   • Flooring
   • Labor/installation
   • Hardware and accessories
   • Contingency fund (10–15% of total budget)
3. Get a 10×10 kitchen price benchmark across a few cabinet collections to compare pricing fairly.
4. Compare RTA vs. pre-assembled vs. custom cabinet pricing for your chosen style — RTA cabinets typically offer the largest savings without sacrificing materials quality.
5. Decide what you'll DIY vs. hire out — assembling and installing cabinets yourself can meaningfully reduce your labor line item.
6. Order a sample door before committing to a full kitchen purchase, reducing the risk of an expensive style mismatch.
7. Build in a contingency fund for unexpected costs like electrical or plumbing adjustments discovered mid-project.
8. Track spending against your budget as you go, adjusting other categories if one area runs over.

Where DIY Saves the Most

Choosing RTA kitchen cabinets and assembling/installing them yourself typically produces the largest single savings in a kitchen remodel budget, since it eliminates both factory assembly labor and contractor installation fees.

FAQ

What percentage of a home renovation budget should go to cabinets? Cabinets typically account for 30–40% of total kitchen remodel costs, making them the single biggest line item — and the biggest opportunity for savings.

Is it cheaper to buy cabinets online or in a showroom? Buying direct online, especially RTA cabinets, generally cuts out showroom markups and reduces overall cost compared to traditional retail channels.

How much should I set aside for unexpected costs? A contingency fund of 10–15% of your total budget is a standard recommendation for kitchen renovations.

Do sample doors cost extra? Many cabinet companies, including Frugal Cabinets Online, offer sample doors that are fully refundable upon a full kitchen purchase.