The Truth About Luxury Kitchen Costs: Where to splurge and where to simplify

We are frequently asked about kitchen remodels and how much a high end luxury kitchen costs. We also hear "I could never afford the types of kitchens you do". I beg to differ...

Let's face it, in today’s market, homeowners want high-end results, but they also need to spend intelligently. The good news: you can build a luxury kitchen with real quality without paying for waste.  

What are the three top drivers of high end kitchen costs in Ottawa and how do you get the luxury look without cutting corners? 

Today, we see people are cautiously considering their timing and budget for what seems like a daunting (yet rewarding) renovation. The economy feels tight and while home budgets have been hit, many of you want to know where to splurge and where to be resourceful and prudent with their money.

The part to remember is that it's not about spending more, it's about spending right. Let me help you break it down into the top three drivers we believe drive the cost of your kitchen in Ottawa.

Cabinetry is a major part of your kitchen architecture. It drives the look and feel, the function and is the main furniture in this space. Structure, lines, colour, space...there is so much to consider and you don't want to make any mistakes here. 

High end cabinetry involves elements such as custom sizing, quality hardware and construction (soft-close systems, heavy duty boxes, stronger hinges etc.) and so much more. Let's not forget tight reveals, flush panels, proper fillers, panel ready appliances, built-in hood surrounds, premium finishing, stain consistency and durability. All of these elements drive the amount of detailed work that goes into making them look amazing! 

Invest in the areas your eyes see most and make the kitchen feel expensive. Your island and main run, well thought out lighting, high end hardware and of course your colour scheme are all areas to pay close attention to and not cut corners. 

So how do you achieve all that without blowing your savings? The truth is not everything needs to be custom. From there simplify the secondary areas such as inside the pantry cabinets, garbage and recycle setup, fridge wall surrounds, coffee bar niches, broom closets etc. You can use standard width cabinets on the perimeter instead of custom sizing, reduce your specialty pullouts (spice drawers and tray dividers) and keep your upper cabinets straightforward. 

Your next focus is your countertops and stone: it's important to know its not "quartz vs. granite" that drives your pricing, it's actually the slab selection (veining and consistency), selecting waterfall edges, mitred corners or thick profiles, undermount vs integrated sinks, cutouts, edge details, seam planning and waste all drive the cost of your stone selections. Remember premium slabs with premium fabrication will dig into your bottom line. 

So how do you make strategic selections without losing the look? Select a unique eye catcher for your island and choose something more straightforward and complimenting for your perimeter countertops .

Finally, let's chat about your contractor, an expense that is more "behind the scenes". Your luxury kitchen and selections come with an unseen expense. Someone who is qualified to understand the preparation, execution and detailed eye that is required to install and coordinate your dream space. They must understand how to sequence across all the trades (demolition, plumbing, electrical, HVAC, cabinetry, tile, painting) and everything else that brings this kitchen together. Let's not forget your detailed finishing, paint quality, transitions, trim, caulking and more. 

Many Ottawa homes are not perfectly level, square or straight even though your beautiful kitchen demands it looks this way in the end. That takes experience, skill and time to plan and coordinate how to meet your expectations. 

In short, be smart where you spend on your cabinetry, countertop surfaces and make sure you have a qualified contractor with experience on how to bring your desired end result to life. We are not your lowest priced option...and we don't want to be. Our focus for your project will be smart planning, disciplined spending and execution that will last. 

Are you planning a kitchen renovation in the next 12 months? Reach out and we would be happy to answer your questions and help you get started. Your kitchen is your home's "hub", where you, your family and your friends come together and we want to make sure it's a space you are proud to share with them.

-Emily Jossinet