The only thing of which you can be certain when budgeting for any renovation project is that you’ve more than likely under-budgeted on at least one expense. To help prevent you from drowning in unexpected expenses when the holes in your budget begin to show, below are some of the most commonly overlooked expenses in any kitchen remodel:   

1) Damaged Flooring 
If you do not have any spare tiles or floorboards stored somewhere, you might not be able to keep the original flooring, especially if you are planning on replacing the cupboards. Often, after having removed the cupboards, homeowners will find that there is no flooring underneath or that the flooring is damaged and needs to be replaced.
Top Tip
If you are newly purchasing a home, be sure to check whether the seller has any spare tiles or floorboards leftover from the original flooring and ask if they could leave these behind when they move.

2) Budget for accidents
It will be helpful to have some emergency cash in case something gets damaged during the renovation. If you are getting new appliances delivered, or are newly moving into the space, it is advisable to keep all appliances (both old and new) out of the kitchen until all construction work is over – unless you’re looking for an excuse to replace something. While throwing a plastic sheet over a stove or fridge might protect these appliances against the dust that results from a construction zone, it by no means protects them against accidents.

3) Plugs & Plumbing
Do not forget the call-out fees for plumbers and electricians during these renovations. If you are planning on shifting appliances or want to move the kitchen sink, you will need to make sure you have enough money set aside to pay for this. These professionals easily charge around a R500 hourly service fee, so be sure you fully understand how long these jobs will take before committing to this expense.

4) The Power of Comparison
What might start as a minor update can easily escalate into a full-blown remodel. You might not realise how outdated certain features of your kitchen are until you start replacing things and the shortcomings of these features are highlighted against the newness of the updated features. Before you know it, this can spread to other rooms in your home that you once thought perfectly acceptable until set against a remodelled kitchen.

Final Advice
If you have a relationship with an estate agent, chat to them for advice. As local experts, they might be able to advise you on reputable local contractors. They can also tell you what renovation will add value and what buyers are looking for in your area.