How to Estimate Costs of Kitchen Remodeling (4 Steps) | eHow

Put it down on paper. Draw a plan and make a list for your kitchen remodel to help you determine costs. Decide if you'll need new cabinets or if you can paint them. Many home improvement centers offer computer generated kitchen remodeling plans based on your own photos. Decide if appliances will be replaced and what type you want. Check online for appliance features and stores that offer discounts. Some appliance stores offer substantial discounts when buying more than one appliance. Appliances, cabinets and fixtures will be approximately 30 percent of the total remodeling cost.

Hire a reputable contractor who is experienced in kitchen remodeling if you aren't going to do it yourself. Make sure the contractor is licensed and insured. Get references from the contractor and make sure that you have a time frame in writing. Labor costs are estimated at approximately 30 percent of the total remodeling cost.

Do it yourself. If you are experienced in home repairs, you may be able to do a lot of the work yourself to save money. Experienced do-it-yourselfers can do their own painting, hanging kitchen cabinets and installation of some appliances. Gas appliances need to be installed by experts. Make sure you hire reputable plumbers and electricians to help with the mechanical aspects of the kitchen remodel if necessary. Depending on the age of your kitchen, mechanical remodels can take as much as 30 percent of your budget.

Keep at least 10 percent of your budget for those unexpected costs. You might have termites or dry rot in wood, which will need to be replaced. Wiring may be old and not up to code. Old water pipes could be leaking and need to be replaced. Always keep a "contingency fund" for just such repairs.