Most savvy homeowners and assiduous designers know that the only way to get the most for your money in a kitchen renovation project is by doing your homework. But when it comes to upgrading to new granite countertops, should consumers seek quotes or calculate a budget first? A recent report published by
CNN Money advises that before obtaining quotes from contractors, consumers should calculate a rough budget to present to the contractor. Adapted from the CNN article, here are the steps consumers can take to calculate a budget in order to ensure contractors are giving you the best value granite countertops.
- Find what the average cost per square foot will be for your entire kitchen project.
- Adjust this average cost to the scope of your project, for example if you are only replacing the island countertop as opposed to all kitchen surfaces.
- Modify the average cost per square foot to your location; metro areas on the east or west coast generally charge more per hour for labor costs than rural areas.
- Adjust the average cost according to the quality of materials, whether you are opting for commercial grade or high-end granite materials.
