Set your budget!

Here's some information that you may wish to consider as you decide about your remodel. Remodeling magazine issued their "CostvsValue" report for 2008-09 recently. In the Southeast region, the average cost for a mid-range major kitchen remodel is $53,236. The average cost in the same region for an upscale kitchen is $106,506. These figures are slightly lower than the national average. They define a Major Kitchen Remodel as follows:

Update an outmoded 200-square-foot kitchen with a functional layout of 30 linear feet of semi-custom wood cabinets, including a 3-by-5-foot island; laminate countertops; and standard double-tub stainless-steel sink with standard single-lever faucet. Include energy-efficient wall oven, cooktop, ventilation system, built-in microwave, dishwasher, garbage disposal, and custom lighting. Add new resilient flooring. Finish with painted walls, trim, and ceiling.