What You Need to Know Before Starting a Kitchen Remodeling Project

Kitchen Remodeling March 2025
What You Need to Know Before Starting a Kitchen Remodeling Project

One of the biggest projects that can be done to a home is remodeling the kitchen. Most people in the Plant City, Lakeland, and Winter Haven area are looking for modern cabinets, upgraded countertops, hardware, and appliances, as well as open floor plans that allow for a high-functioning space.

Before you start watching HGTV and pinning your favorite house projects for inspiration, follow some professional tips that can help you come out on top with your renovations.

Your budget should allow for a kitchen design that’s cohesive with your home

Your renovations should be on a budget of no more than 15% of your home’s value. When your remodeling starts climbing higher in price, you lose the value that your new kitchen should be adding to your home.

A great example budget breakdown when allocating funds for your project goes as follows:

  • 30% on cabinets
  • 14% for appliances
  • 10% towards countertops
  • 5% for lighting
  • 4% towards plumbing fixtures
  • 2-3% set aside for paint
  • 1-2% for your tile selection
  • 35% should be for construction costs (windows, flooring, labor, designer)

Your budget will fluctuate depending on if you are, or are not, splurging on appliances, or if you decide to refinish your cabinets vs. purchasing new ones. Ultimately, you want a space that is both functional and aesthetically pleasing.

Consider Hiring a Professional Designer

If you want to really hit a home-run with the look of your kitchen, a designer may be the best way to go. Allocating about 3-10% of your budget to hire a skilled professional could be worth every penny for your new kitchen. Our professional designers know the most common design trends requested by residents in the Plant City, Lakeland, and Winter Haven region of Florida, and are experienced in renovation work, offer solid advice, and provide design assistance that works.

Are You Moving Soon? Concentrate on the Cosmetics

Do not pour a ton of money into a home that you are planning to say goodbye to in the next few years. Instead, take a more conservative approach and simply upgrade the cosmetics of the space.

Make the kitchen appealing to potential homebuyers. Find out what home seekers are looking for and create a space that speaks to the public’s taste.

Great options for budget upgrades include repainting cabinets, installing fresh cabinet hardware, putting in new lighting fixtures, and adding a fresh coat of paint for the walls.

Make Rational and Functional Decisions for Your Home

Take time to narrow down the big things that are must-haves in your home. Anything original in the kitchen that you love, keep it, refinish it, and make it your own. Do research and consider your budget.

You should not tackle remodeling your kitchen alone. Call and talk to our professionals about our kitchen remodeling services. From design to finishing touches, our team members are excited to help you obtain the kitchen of your dreams.

If you are in Lakeland, Davenport, or Brandon and ready to hire, start with kitchen remodeling or the Davenport page. Typical costs and how we price a job are in kitchen remodeling in Davenport and Polk County. You get a written price after the free consultation. Call (863) 647-1800.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

The answers Central Florida homeowners ask us most often.

Do you respond to fire and storm emergencies 24/7?
Yes. When disaster strikes we respond 24/7 for emergency board-up, tarping, and water removal, then handle the full cleanup and reconstruction with the same team. Call (863) 647-1800 any time.
What happens when I call?
A real Central Florida team member takes your call, gathers the details, and gets an estimator or emergency crew moving. For remodels we schedule a consultation and walk-through; for damage we dispatch mitigation first and plan the rebuild with you from there.
How does pricing work?
You get an up-front quote before work starts, and you approve it first. No surprise line items: changes are priced and approved before we proceed.
What areas do you serve?
We serve Lakeland, Plant City, Tampa, Brandon, Valrico, Winter Haven, Wesley Chapel, Zephyrhills, Davenport, and the surrounding communities across Polk, Hillsborough, and Pasco counties in Central Florida.
Do you work with insurance on fire and storm claims?
Yes. We document the damage thoroughly, provide the estimates and reports your adjuster needs, and coordinate with your insurance company throughout the repair and rebuild.
Can I finance my remodel or repairs?
Yes. You can apply for project financing through our third-party lending partner, subject to credit approval. Terms vary by lender, by the amount requested, and by your creditworthiness. We walk you through the process before anything is submitted, and for smaller jobs we also accept all major credit cards.
Does True Builders handle both remodeling and repairs?
Yes. True Builders is a full-service general contractor that handles remodeling (kitchens, bathrooms, additions) and reconstruction after fire, smoke, and storm damage, all with one accountable team.
Are you licensed and insured?
Yes. True Builders is a licensed Florida general contractor (#CBC1258346) and fully insured, serving Central Florida since 2009.

Find Us in Central Florida

Three offices across Central Florida: Lakeland, our Plant City headquarters, and Auburndale. We remodel and restore homes throughout Polk, Hillsborough, and Pasco counties.

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