The costs of remodeling a kitchen add up quickly.
In fact, the average kitchen remodel costs between $20,000-$50,000.
If those numbers scare you, it’s time to evaluate your budget. Find out what you can spend, and then educate yourself about the reality of kitchen remodels.
Keep reading as we go over some kitchen remodeling tips that will help you stay on budget.
Kitchen Remodeling Tips To Save You Money
Remodeling a kitchen is complicated. You want to design a kitchen that will stand the test of time and last 20 years or more.
Unless you have an unlimited budget, you need to evaluate which elements matter the most, and which you can skimp on to keep on track.
When to Splurge
Kitchens are one of the most expensive rooms to remodel, but you can decide what to spend the most money on. Investing money in these areas will make a big difference in the long run.
Solid Cabinetry
The cabinetry you choose will have the most impactful effect on the overall look of your kitchen.
Consider spending money on a full overlay door style to give your kitchen a custom high-quality look. Then, choose decorative hardware to make a statement or heavy-duty hardware that looks nice and will last a lifetime.
Liven up your cabinets by adding task lighting underneath. This helps illuminate counter areas (where all of the action is happening). They’re hard to add later if you change your mind, so you should factor these into your budget from the very beginning.
Soft-Close Cabinet Drawers
You might not think drawers are that important, but soft-close cabinet drawers are necessary for a high-end kitchen. If you choose not to install soft-close drawers, you will wish you had the first time you close your new drawers with a jarring “bang.”
Stainless Steel Appliances
Stainless steel appliances are the standard in today’s kitchens. This is because they are long-lasting, easy to clean, germ-resistant, and coordinate easily with any decor.
Stainless steel is neutral and can complement any home. They blend seamlessly with a variety of designs.
Upscale Backsplash
Go ahead, spend a little extra on the glass subway tile you’ve always wanted. A nice backsplash makes a statement, and a little tile goes a lot way.
Adding a custom backsplash will add a pop of color and interest to your kitchen. It’s an easy way to personalize your kitchen upgrade.
If you can’t spend much, a simple, white subway tile is actually very affordable but looks high-end.
You can take the tile all the way to the ceiling to add a dramatic, luxurious feel to your kitchen.
Luxury Countertops
Countertops are often seen as the #1 splurge you should make when upgrading your kitchen.
Spend your money on something durable that will last – granite is an excellent choice for this. If you can’t afford granite, opt for another solid surface such as quartz that looks like granite, or something unique such as lava stone.
Another bonus: buyers love to see granite countertops, so they offer great ROI if you think you will ever want to sell your home.
Classic Hardwood Floors
Hardwood floors are timeless, low-maintenance, and long-lasting. Plus, they can add value to your home.
If you have hardwood throughout your house, you may want to consider adding it to your kitchen to create a seamless look.
Whether you choose solid or engineered hardwood, blond or brown, you will find flooring that suits nearly any design.
How to Save
When remodeling your kitchen, you want to make sure that you’re happy with the results, but you’re also adding value to your home. You can cut some corners and get more bang for less buck if you avoid overspending in these areas.
Stick With The Existing Layout
You may be dying to change things up, but consider how changing the layout of your kitchen will add to your cost.
When you change the layout of a kitchen, you must also consider the extra costs associated with moving walls, plumbing fixtures, doorways, electrical hookups for appliances and more.
Forget Exotic Cabinetry
Cabinets are more than 75% of your kitchen space, so they are important, but there is always saving potential.
Whenever you make changes to your home, you should consider how future potential buyers might like them. Even if you don’t plan on moving any time soon, you never know whether you’ll have to put your house on the market.
Today, many companies offer exotic wood veneers that showcase the natural grain of the wood. You may love this idea, but will that trend stand the test of time?
Don’t Go Overkill on Appliances
Yes, we said stainless-steel was a must, but you don’t have to break the bank with other bells and whistles. Additional convenience features add unnecessary cost to your remodel.
If you’re on a tight budget, you might also consider buying secondhand. You don’t have to search on Craigslist or eBay for these. You can find stores that sell used appliances that come refurbished and with warranties.
Don’t Use Eccentric Tile
Be wary of over-designing your kitchen with eccentric tile choices. It quickly runs up the budget without much payoff.
The greater and more intricate tile you choose, the higher the expense. And something that may have seemed like a good idea may end up costing you money later (when you replace it).
When in doubt, choose classic over trendy. A simple, white subway tile can complement any kitchen without busting the budget.
Consider Budget Flooring
If you can’t afford solid hardwood floors, you can consider other options such as laminate or linoleum. These are acceptable options that really won’t harm your ROI.
The most important thing to consider is that your flooring ties into your other design elements nicely. It doesn’t have to be hardwood to give you a decent return.
Get Started Today
Keep these kitchen remodeling tips in mind as you begin your kitchen remodel to stay on budget and end up with the kitchen of your dreams.
When you’re ready to make design choices, contact us to discuss our quart and granite countertop options. We’d love to help you select the perfect countertops to complement your new kitchen!
