Decor

There's no two ways about it: TV design shows and glossy magazines have changed people's expectations for their renos. But the costs shown on TV are often not at all realistic. Interior designer Evelyn Eshun breaks down the real costs of a beautiful kitchen renovation.

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And here are some of the most common misconceptions that people have about the costs of renovations:

1. Budget: most people don't realize that the average kitchen reno comes in around $50,000. Make sure you do your research before committing to a specific number, and be careful not to get anchored to a cost before you really understand the scope of the work.
2. Timelines: if you've got a lot of custom orders, a kitchen renovation can take as long as 20 weeks — so don't expect things to come together overnight. From concept to cooking, think of the whole process as a year-long project, so you have enough time to pull together the materials and labour.
3. All at once: you don't have to do everything at the same time. Sure, living through a renovation can be a pain, but if you plan things out slowly and hold off certain elements like appliances for the future, it'll be easier on your wallet — and your sanity!

More on kitchen renos:
Deb on a Dime: Kitchen Makeover
IKEA Kitchen Makeover
Planning the Perfect Kitchen