Save On Your Kitchen Renovation
Renovating your kitchen but still looking to stay within a certain budget? Here are eight ways you can save some serious bucks on your kitchen remodel, even if you need to enlist the help of a professional.
1. Have a grand plan.
If you’re doing more than a simple paint job or cabinet replacement, you should contact a professional. “Hiring a designer saves you time and money in the long run so you don’t make expensive errors,” says south Flordia based designer Meredith Marlow. Make sure you DIY doesn’t turn into a DI-Don’t.
A kitchen renovation doesn’t have to cost an arm and a leg!
2. Be prepared before you start.
Have a thorough idea of what you want the end result to look like and what time and effort it’ll take to get there. Chief Design and Renovation Officer at Sieguzi Kitchen & Home Inc. in Toronto, Canada says, “One of the factors that sends a budget spiraling out of control is homeowners picking products during the renovation. If a product is back-ordered, the homeowner is often faced with a choice: pick a different item that is often pricier, or wait for their original choice, when their tradespeople may have other jobs scheduled and the homeowner may be charged extra for the work.” Of course, complications can arise as it is if an emergency comes up or there is a hang-up with a permit, so make sure your plan is as air-tight as you can make it in advance.
3. Doors can hide outdated cabinets.
If your cabinets are a little too outdated to be saved by a coat of paint, they could be spruced up by just installing new doors. If the structure is solid and was made well, you don’t have to toss out the entire cabinet: just get accurate measurements and find a style of door you like, then order them online to save money.
4. Light it up.
Bringing in more and better lighting is a power move in any renovation, but this rings true especially in the kitchen. Hang pendants for style and additional light, and make sure the overhead light is bright in areas where you will be cooking. Unique, fun and colorful options are available and can be relatively inexpensive while lending a TON of style to the space.
5. Keep plumbing where it is, unless you absolutely have to.
Moving around your plumbing is one of the most expensive renovations. Unless there’s a problem with where your plumbing is now as far as mold or other issues, avoid moving it.
6. Use less expensive material alternatives.
Granite and solid-surface countertops don’t have to break the bank. Go to granite supply yards and check out their remnants. Consider sheet metal, wood remnants and peel-and-stick tile options for backsplashes and walls. If you don’t have huge areas to cover, you may find yourself a pretty “rocking” deal (see what we did there?).
7. You paid for it, use it. Take advantage of all the space you have.
Drawers, cabinets, etc. There is always a use for everything- don’t let your space be wasted. Maximize storage with dividers. Use leftover paint inside your cabinets for a pop of color. Line your drawers with wallpaper remnants. Have fun with it and your kitchen can really be unique.
8. Used appliances and resale shops are your friend.
Don’t be afraid to check out a resale shop such as ReStore by Habitat for Humanity or your own local favorites; you never know what you might find, from window coverings to appliances. Oftentimes, contractors and builders donate or sell their overstocked items at a discounted rate there, or you might be able to find a cool older vintage model that could add a lot of style to your home. We just read how a woman recently just scored a Viking double oven, which retails new for $5,000, for only $190 at Traverse City, Michigan ReStore. Now THAT is a deal!
Hopefully, with these quality tips, you can outline your kitchen renovation and save a few bucks along the way!