and How to Finance Them
Remodeling your kitchen is no simple task. These projects can take quite a long time and involve one of the most expensive rooms in your home to renovate. When calculating the cost of your kitchen renovation, it’s normal to focus your budget on the larger ticket items like flooring, countertops, and upgraded appliances. However, there are lots of hidden costs that you may not realize. It’s important to make room in your budget for these unforeseen costs so that you’re ready for them when they arise.
Below is a list of several common hidden costs of a kitchen remodel and ways for you to financially prepare yourself for them.
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Pest Damage
Pest damage, more specifically termite damage, is an issue you most likely will not notice until you start to open up some walls. Basically, termites eat through the wood in your home and, if left untreated, it could lead to major issues down the road. The good news is that this is not a hugely expensive fix, with the national averages being less than $1,000. Nonetheless, putting this cost on top of other hidden expenses will add up. Keep in mind, this price largely depends on the size of your home as well as the duration and size of the infestation. A smart idea is to have your home inspected yearly to avoid any surprises when you decide to take on a kitchen renovation.
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Water Damage and Mold
Another fairly common issue you will find when tackling a remodel, especially in the kitchen, is mold and water damage. This happens when pipes are not connected or sealed properly which results in a leak within your walls. These issues often go unnoticed for long periods of time, in which case they have since turned into mold, which can have dangerous results. The average cost for fixing water and mold damage is right around $2,000 but can go all the way up to over $6,000 depending on the size and severity of the damage. When taking on a kitchen remodel it’s of utmost importance that you hire a plumber who is going to provide you with quality work so you can avoid any major and costly problems in the future.
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Dining Out
During a kitchen remodel, people often forget that they will be losing the heart of their home for an extended period of time. Depending on the scope of your renovation, you’re looking at anywhere from a few weeks to a few months without your kitchen. This means you’ll have nowhere to prepare meals and you’ll probably end up eating out more than normal. The cost of this will add up and could actually cost you thousands of dollars in the long run. A quick fix for this issue would be to set up a temporary kitchen space in a less used room in your house where you could still cook at home.
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Pet Care
Another expense to consider during your kitchen remodel is your pets. A renovation site isn’t going to be the most pet-safe environment. Your pets could get in the way, putting themselves and everyone else in danger, as well as being exposed to harmful dust and chemicals. It’s a wise choice to consider boarding your pets during this process as much as possible to ensure their safety. Remember, pet care can be pricey and is probably not figured into your budget. A cheaper alternative would be to find a friend or relative who could take them in for less or even for free.
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The Small Things
When you finally finish your kitchen remodel, there are a number of little things that may pop up and could add some unplanned dollars to your budget. Say you have upgraded all of your kitchen appliances and now realize it’s time to upgrade all of your pots and pans? What if all of your old decor no longer matches your gorgeous new kitchen countertops and now you need to redecorate. Maybe you want to buy all new dishes to go with your new open shelving? All of these little items can add up to a large sum of cash and can put a strain on your budget if you have not planned ahead for impromptu costs.
Financing Options
Whenever you’re taking on a large project like a kitchen remodel, it’s important to understand your financing options and to choose the one that best fits your budget and lifestyle, as well as the size of the project. Below are several options for financing your renovations.
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GreenSky
GreenSky is our in-house financing option offering 12-months no interest and no payments. You’ll also receive no interest on your purchase if paid in full during the promotional period! Apply online today.
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Refinancing
Many homeowners may want to explore refinancing their mortgage as a way to pay for their kitchen remodel. This is a great way to put some extra cash in your pocket while lowering your monthly mortgage payment at the same time.
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Personal Loans
A personal loan is a great way to utilize your credit score in exchange for a lower interest rate loan from a bank or credit union. These loans are best for those who have a higher credit score as they’ll receive the lowest interest rates.
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CreditCards
Utilizing credit cards for a renovation should be done carefully as you don’t want to fall into a lot of high-interest debt. They’re best used for smaller projects. When choosing a credit card for a kitchen remodel, choose one that has a lower interest rate as well as an interest-free promotional period.
Conclusion
Taking on a kitchen remodel is no small task. They’re a long and expensive process, but if done well, can add a huge amount of value to your home. If you plan ahead and include room in your budget for any unforeseen issues, your project will run smoothly.
