The kitchen will probably yield the biggest return on your investment in the competition to be the top home remodeling project. But you might find the following advice especially useful if you want to make the most of your money and produce something that looks good and functions well.
Are you prepared to start the renovation you’ve been thinking about? It pays to research the best use of your money when remodeling your kitchen and investing thousands of dollars in it. And sometimes it’s the smallest things that can make a big impact on your renovation. Here are some of our favorite ideas to cut costs on a kitchen renovation so you can get the most out of your money.
Follow these 8 tips.
Re-Purpose Cabinets
Your existing cabinets can be painted or refinished to help you save money on your kitchen renovation. Not only does it allow you to give your kitchen a much-needed facelift, but it also allows you to customize your cabinets to fit your exact needs. Before giving them a facelift, make sure they are in good physical and mental health, with no stains, wobbly doors and other damages. With a few tools, some paint and a little bit of creativity, you can completely revamp your cabinets and give your kitchen an entirely new look. Plus, since you’re repurposing, you can often find supplies at a fraction of the cost of buying new cabinets. Replacing drawer fronts and doors on kitchen cabinets is another technique to recycle them.
Figure in a Ten-Percent Cushion
Include a cushion in your budget. This is the most important tip for a successful and stress-free kitchen remodel. You never know what you’ll run into during deconstruction or what will present itself as a problem or an unexpected opportunity. Homes built in the 1970s and earlier may have asbestos or lead paint. The expense of testing and removal might reach thousands of dollars. It may be necessary to upgrade the electrical system in a kitchen built 50 years ago or older to support modern lighting and equipment. Plan a 10 to 20 percent contingency to account for unforeseen circumstances like substitutes and hidden terms. Great if you don’t use those extra 10 to 20 percent! But you’ll be aware of its presence if you ever need it.
Replace Hardware and Fixtures
New hardware in the kitchen makes it appear completely different while being simple and affordable. It’s an inexpensive way to give your kitchen a whole new look. Replacing your old knobs and handles with new ones can drastically change the look of your kitchen and give it a modern update. Pulls, a sink faucet or new lighting fixtures—pendant lights in particular—are like jewelry that can dress up a simple kitchen structure. For some great lighting choices in your kitchen, check out this guide.
Install New Flooring
A change to the floor is one of the more expensive things on your list, but it lasts a long time and boosts the style. Tile has a lifespan of more than 60 years and offers a wide range of alternatives. A trendy floor idea that you can try out is bamboo flooring. Bamboo flooring combines endurance and aesthetics. Although it is technically a grass, bamboo is more durable than most types of wood. Bamboo is available as tiles or planks in a range of shapes, hues, designs and textures. When looking for a sound investment that can save you money over time, choose ones that stand up to daily demands and are simple to clean.
Splurge on Durable Cabinets
If you’re looking for a small kitchen remodeling hack that won’t break the bank but will still give you a big impact, splurging on durable countertops is an excellent choice. Although they could be one of the most expensive items in your budget, new countertops are also an important part of the design. It is worthwhile to choose a stunning and long-lasting countertop made of quartz, quartzite or granite. Not only are they attractive and easy to clean, but they are also resistant to heat, scratches, and staining; all of which can help keep your kitchen looking great for a long time. Due to their longevity, buying them is an investment in the future.
Install a New Backsplash
An easy and affordable kitchen renovation that significantly alters the appearance of the room is installing a new backsplash. Not only can a new backsplash add a layer of visual interest to the kitchen, but it can also be used to hide any flaws or imperfections in the existing wall. Additionally, updating the backsplash can be an affordable way to freshen up your kitchen without having to tackle a full-scale renovation. The array of materials and styles available makes it easy to find a backsplash that fits your budget, style, and needs. A simple subway tile backsplash is always a wise choice. Or you may be daring and use a distinct color, pattern or shape. A great location to inject some flair into your design is the backsplash. For backsplash inspiration, review this guide.
Expect Surprises
You’ve seen enough home improvement TV to know that there are unforeseen costs associated with every makeover. When you’re about to believe the timeframe and budget are manageable, mold or a defective electrical system suddenly appears. Making a list of potential problems and creating a plan for them in advance is worthwhile. We advise you to hire a professional inspector or, at the very least, allocate a sizeable sum to your budget for unforeseen expenses.
Visualize the Layout
In this era of virtual reality, you can “see” your renovated kitchen well before the demolition work starts. Making decisions while picturing the layout and design can help minimize unexpected outcomes. If you need help visualizing, we recommend checking out Pinterest for inspiration photos and then heading over to free planning guides. Or to make things even easier, we suggest making an appointment with our team of experts. Our skilled team of designers can draw out your dream layout so that you can physically visualize it before the remodeling happens. A kitchen remodel is one of the more affordable improvements you can make if you want to improve the appearance and value of your home. Even though every redesign has a unique appearance, the above advice should help you achieve your desired outcome.
