Define the project boundary
Decide whether the project is a surface refresh, cabinet replacement, full remodel, or structural reconfiguration. Write down which rooms and systems are included and which stay untouched.
Track allowances separately
List cabinetry, counters, appliances, flooring, lighting, plumbing fixtures, and finish materials as separate allowances. Compare brands, quantities, and installation assumptions—not only the allowance dollar amount.
Keep labor, disposal, permits, and protection visible. If the layout changes, ask trades to describe plumbing and electrical adjustments in writing.
Protect a contingency
Existing wiring, plumbing, moisture, or uneven floors may only become visible during demolition. Reserve a contingency appropriate to the age and uncertainty of the home, and agree on written change-order approval before extra work proceeds.
Fictional scope comparison
Worked example: allowances and a change order
Fictional illustration only. The math assumes no tax, financing, or other fees beyond the listed items.
Allowance changes
A $34,000 contract includes an $8,000 cabinet allowance and a $3,000 countertop allowance. Selected cabinets cost $9,400 (+$1,400); the selected counter costs $2,600 (-$400). The revised subtotal is $35,000.
Priced change order
A written, approved $1,200 electrical change order brings the example total to $36,200. A possible wall repair listed as “price TBD” is still unknown and is not included in that total.
What to resolve: Record each allowance credit, overage, and approved change separately. A known extra has a scope and price; a “TBD” item must not be silently treated as zero or included in the subtotal.
Take it to the bid review
Copyable kitchen budget worksheet
- Project boundary / room and layout: __________________________________
- Included work and trade responsibilities: ______________________________
- Excluded work and owner-supplied items: _______________________________
- Still unknown; who will inspect, price, and approve it: __________________
- Cabinets — allowance $________ / selected total $________ / difference $________
- Countertops — allowance $______ / selected total $________ / difference $________
- Appliances, flooring, fixtures, and lighting — allowance / actual: ___________
- Permits, demolition, delivery, disposal, protection, and temporary kitchen: ____
- Approved change order — description __________ / amount $________ / date ______
- Contingency held outside the contract: $________ / remaining: $________
- Revised total after approved changes: $________; unpriced items remain separate.
Source and scope
Angi · kitchen remodel cost guideA broad national guide reference; it does not establish the cost of this fictional example or a local bid. The worked examples above are fictional.
This guide offers general planning information, not a local estimate or professional diagnosis. We do not include unsourced market statistics; see our methodology and editorial policy.