Start with what isn't working
Before looking at finishes, list what bothers you about the kitchen today: not enough counter space, a cramped walkway, nowhere for small appliances, poor light. Those answers decide whether you need new finishes or a new layout, and the price difference between the two is large.
What an estimate should list
- Demolition and haul-away.
- Any framing, including a wall coming out.
- Plumbing and electrical changes.
- Cabinets, counters, backsplash and hardware.
- Drywall, trim and paint to finish.
- Permits, if the work needs them.
- A schedule, so you know how long the kitchen is out of use.
Where surprise costs come from
Most budget overruns come from things that weren't priced: rot under the sink, old wiring behind a wall, a load-bearing wall that needs a beam. A good walk-through looks for those before the estimate is written, so they're in the price from the start.
Living through it
- Set up a temporary kitchen with the fridge, a microwave and a kettle.
- Plan simple meals for the weeks the kitchen is out.
- Agree working hours and where the crew parks before work starts.