Are you considering a kitchen remodel for your Milwaukee or Waukesha area home in 2024? We’ve compiled a detailed guide to help you understand kitchen remodeling costs – from materials, to labor to mechanical costs. As a Wisconsin design-build remodel expert, we have years of experience updating kitchens and know what it costs to get the project done.
What Affects the Cost of a Kitchen Remodel?
Have you ever watched HGTV remodeling shows such as Fixer Upper, Property Brothers or Flip or Flop? After watching a few episodes, most homeowners want to remodel their kitchen. In addition, they make it look quick and effortless on TV. While it’s easy to come up with a vision, there are a lot of unknowns involved including the cost.
Waukesha kitchen remodeling involves many facets. It includes a demo of the existing kitchen and the replacement of everything in it. Also, each project has its own level of complexity! For example, when walls move and plumbing changes, the price goes up.
Because most of us only remodel a room once or twice in our lives, we have no point of comparison. There are various factors that affect the cost of kitchen remodeling in Waukesha:
- Size of the Kitchen: The size of your space is the biggest factor that will affect cost. You need to take into account the space involved. How big is your kitchen? Certainly, when remodeling a larger space, you need more flooring, cabinets, countertops, etc. For instance, partially remodeling a large kitchen will often still cost more than a full remodel of a small kitchen due to the size.
- Scope of the Project: How much of your Waukesha kitchen are you looking to revamp? Do you want to gut the whole space? Or, do you want simple cosmetic updates such as countertops, backsplash and lighting fixtures? Obviously, a gut remodel will cost much more.
- Age of your Home: If your home is older and needs to be brought up to modern day codes and amenities, this will affect cost. The more modernizing that is needed, the more the cost will increase. As the project gets underway and walls are opened up, you may discover that certain aspects of the kitchen are not up to code. For example, roadblocks include: problems from previous projects, outdated electrical, structural issues, leaks and poor plumbing.
- Materials Used & Level of Finishes: What sort of materials do you want to use in your home? The cost of your project depends on your choices of cabinetry, counters, fixtures, flooring, etc. At Kowalske, we offer customers different price points for materials which are all high quality materials.
- Complexity: You need to look at the potential complexity of the project and how much work will be involved. For example, the biggest expenses in a Waukesha kitchen remodel include: tearing down walls, changing windows/doors, relocating electrical, plumbing or HVAC, and adding water fixtures such as a bar sink.
Additional Costs: Think about the extra items you will need to execute the project. Do you want to purchase new appliances as part of your kitchen remodel? Don’t forget the often-overlooked components like insulation, drywall, paint and trim. Also, think about the fine details like door knobs, cabinet hardware, kitchen stools, drapery, rugs and décor. All these other items and finishing touches that pull the room together will add on to the bottom line.
Where Will the Money be Spent?
Here is where the money is typically spent on a kitchen remodel:
- Labor Costs: Labor costs involve a variety of factors. These include everything from the demolition crew to tools used for the work. All of our team members are experts who provide high-quality workmanship.
- Materials: It’s important to consider the materials that will be needed to cover all the various components needed to complete the job. For example, this includes cabinets, counters and flooring. With Kowalske, all materials used are of high quality.
- Mechanicals: The mechanicals in your home will need to be updated to accommodate your new kitchen. Consider whether you need new plumbing, HVAC and electrical. Be sure that your contractor understands your local building codes and requests the permits needed for the project.
Keep in mind that as you go through the process, the scope of your project may change or grow. For instance, if your kitchen flooring continues into your dining room, your project may expand into the adjoining room. Your designer will help point things out along the way.
Milwaukee & Waukesha Kitchen Costs in 2024
Materials and labor costs continue to increase as the demand for construction and remodeling continues. The size of your kitchen and the number of cabinets are major factors that need to be taken into consideration when estimating the cost of a kitchen remodel. Milwaukee and Waukesha County homeowners can use the following chart.
Here are our remodeling project estimated costs*:
| PROJECT TYPE | ESTIMATED COST* |
|---|---|
| Kitchen Countertops, Backsplash, Sink & Faucet | $20,000+ |
| Kitchen | $100,000 – $500,000 |
| Kitchen Addition** | $400,000 – $4,000,000 |
* The ranges listed above are the typical costs for a project with Kowalske Kitchen & Bath. Most of our projects are greater than the minimum costs. Our typical client chooses to upgrade materials and scope beyond basic materials/scope.
We are a design-build company, so our projects include the design, materials, a dedicated project manager, permits and labor. Project estimates do not include the costs for appliances, furniture or décor. Each project is unique and the cost depends on size, age of home, level of finish and complexity.
**Large home remodeling projects can range anywhere from $400,000 to $4 million. The work we do is custom, so every project is unique.
Estimating Your Kitchen Project
When we estimate the cost of your Waukesha kitchen remodel, we provide you with a 3-column budget. To clarify, the investment levels are classified as either good, better or best. This 3-column budget allows you the flexibility to determine an investment amount you are comfortable with. Also, it also shows you how the money is being allocated to each portion of the project.
See below for detailed project examples.
Kitchen Remodel Costs
The cost to remodel your Milwaukee or Waukesha kitchen is most affected by the size of your space.
Oconomowoc Kitchen
- Features: Custom Cabinets & Hood, Quartz Counters, Ceramic Backsplash Tile, Workstation Sink, Kohler Fixtures, Bi-Fold Window & Hardwood Flooring
- Cost Range: $100,000 – $110,000
- Learn more about this Indoor-Outdoor Kitchen
Brookfield Kitchen
- Features: Custom Cabinetry & Hood, Quartz Counters, Tile Backsplash, Open Shelving, Undermount Sink, Delta Fixtures, Hardwood Flooring, Lighting & Satin Bronze Hardware
- Cost Range: $100,000 – $120,000
- Learn more about this Brookfield Kitchen
Lake House Kitchen
- Features: Custom Cabinets & Hood, Cambria Quartz Counters, Butcherblock Counters, Kohler Farmhouse Sink, Delta Fixtures, Tile Backsplash, Luxury Vinyl Flooring, Pantry, Beverage Station, Windows, Trim & Hardware
- Cost Range: $175,000 – $200,000
- Learn more about this Lake House Kitchen
Our Design-Build Remodeling Process
As a design-build-remodel company, we provide the design and construction services all under one roof. Most importantly, working with us from start to finish simplifies the kitchen remodeling process for you. We have experienced designers with degrees in interior design/architecture and support staff to ensure that your kitchen project runs smoothly. On the other hand, other companies may only provide a portion of the work.
Our Services
Design Coordination
- Educating you about the remodeling process
- Measuring your space
- Creating a functional design that meets your needs & style of the home
- Creating floor plan drawings
- Creating 3D renderings
- Providing a project estimate
Project Development
- Assisting you with final selection of materials: cabinetry, counters, flooring, plumbing fixtures, lighting, hardware, etc.
- Home walk-through with the project team
- Ordering materials: cabinetry, counters, flooring, lighting, fixtures, hardware, lumber, drywall, paint, trim, etc.
Construction
- Providing a dedicated Project Manager to oversee the project
- Providing you with an online calendar
- Obtaining permits
- Executing work: demo, framing, drywall, installation, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, tile, painting, carpentry, etc.
Is Design-Build Right For You?
Our ideal customer chooses design-build because they want guidance and expertise to oversee the entire kitchen remodeling process. This approach involves a variety of benefits:
Team Effort
Are you looking for a cohesive team? Work with one team from design through construction. By analyzing your project closely during the design and planning stage, we try to avoid any additional expenses and keep the project on track. We visit your home with our design team, electrician, plumber, etc. to review the plans and discuss the project.
Space Design – Flow, Function & Style
Do you want a designer who guides you through the process to design a space with functionality and cohesive style? With Kowalske, you’ll have an experienced designer that works on your project from start to finish. Your designer will help you plan your space for the best design for flow, function, storage, and style to match your home. Your designer will show you drawings and 3D renderings of your space to envision the final look and feel.
Material Selections
Do you want a simple and easy selection process in the comfort of our Delafield, WI showroom? Or would you rather run around town searching for countertops, flooring and backsplash tile yourself? At your appointment in the Kowalske showroom, we present numerous options for your project. We coach you through the material selection process for your project, including cabinetry, counters, flooring, tile, fixtures, hardware and lighting. We source and buy from a wide variety of high-quality vendors. Our goal is to provide you with durable products and exclusive lines.
Ordering Materials
Do you have time to order all the materials for your project? (We didn’t think so.) We have a dedicated production team that orders and tracks the materials. We ensure that items are available BEFORE your project begins. We know the importance of finishing a job on time so we don’t start a job until all materials are available.
Construction
Are you looking for a smooth construction process that finishes on time? A Project Manager will oversee your project and is available for questions. We coordinate the day-to-day work, including the demo, framing, drywall, plumbing, electrical, tiling and carpentry. Licensed contractors will complete all the work. You’ll have access to an online schedule to see what is happening each week and the peace of mind knowing all the details and quality of work are overseen.
Get Started on Your Waukesha Kitchen Remodel
Taking on a kitchen remodel is a commitment, but there are ways to make it easier. Start by taking an assessment of your specific needs and goals. Next, connect with the right experts to make your venture a success. Kowalske Kitchen & Bath is the company to choose to ensure you get the job done in the way you want. We can make your Milwaukee or Waukesha kitchen remodel a very manageable and enjoyable experience.
About Kowalske
Kowalske Kitchen & Bath remodels dozens of kitchens each year in Waukesha and Milwaukee Counties, including Delafield, Brookfield, Hartland, Wauwatosa and Elm Grove. Homeowners choose us for our excellent customer service, quality materials and meticulous craftsmanship.
Frequently Asked Questions
