Upgrading the kitchen runs the gamut from small changes you can do yourself to major remodeling that requires the services of several professionals. If a major remodel sounds expensive it is because it is. A complete remodel can run you a minimum of $20,000, depending on the size of the kitchen, extent of structural changes, and the type of materials you choose. However, you can do quite a decent job at kitchen remodeling without cashing in your 401k by following some budget-friendly tips.
Get everything ready
Choose your cabinets, countertops, fixtures, hardware, and anything else you need to complete the project. You want to make sure none are backordered or otherwise unavailable before your contractor starts with the demolition. You can run up quite a tab when you make changes at the last minute, usually because you must pay for extra man-hours or rush shipping to get your products as soon as possible.
Keep your cabinets
Kitchen cabinets are expensive, even if you get it from Cabinet Land. While getting new ones might be ideal, you can keep almost 40% of your remodeling budget by simply keeping your existing cabinets if they are in good condition. If they need updating, you can have your contractor refinish or repaint them professionally.
Keep the cabinet body
Another option is to replace just the cabinet fronts to update it if your cabinet boxes are in good condition. Cabinet doors often take the worst beating in the kitchen, so their condition may be just too bad for refinishing or repainting them. It is time for a change. Ask your contractor for available styles to go with your existing cabinet boxes and overall design. In most cases, they will install them for you at a nominal cost. You can also choose to install them yourself after the remodel.
Be selective with the backsplash
The standard backsplash is just four inches high, and you can stick with that if you want to keep your costs low. However, a full backsplash can really make the room pop. You can compromise by being selective with the areas to put a full backsplash treatment. You can choose to put a full backsplash I prominent areas of the kitchen where it can do the most good, such as by the cook top.
Another budget-friendly option is to use tiles instead of slabs. You can do a stepped backsplash with tiles, which is a great way to get around awkward spaces.
Use the lights
Lighting is an essential element in kitchen design, and you can get away with some pretty slick substitutions if you have the right lighting. You can choose more affordable options in countertops and cabinets (always big-ticket items in a remodel) and make them look more expensive with pendant and spot lighting.
Also you can heighten the drama in your kitchen without shelling out more money by installing dimmer switches for your lights. You can go from daylight to nighttime with a flick of the wrist, and the effect is quite impressive. Consider installing under cabinet lights as well. LED strips and bars are quite affordable to buy, install, and use. They can really make your kitchen pop.
Keep your layout
Unless your current layout does not work with the way you use your kitchen, keep it. Making any changes that requires moving plumbing, electrical wiring, or gas pipes in your kitchen can really bloat your remodeling cost. Relocating just one thing like the sink or stove can add $5,000 to your total cost. Keeping your kitchen layout intact will also shorten your project time considerably, so it is the most practical decision you can make.
Consider smaller pieces
Kitchen countertops can make a big difference to the look of your kitchen, so choosing quartz, granite, or marble is a great idea. However, these are among the most expensive materials you can choose for kitchen countertops, so you might want to ask about remnant slabs. These are leftover materials from other projects, and often retail for less than whole slabs. You can look through the inventory of your supplier and do a little creative designing to make use of the available stones for your countertops. Alternatively, you can opt for tiles, which are considerably more affordable than slabs.
Check for sales
Just because you’re doing a remodel doesn’t mean everything has to be brand spanking new. You might find some of the most interesting pieces in your kitchen in yard sales or even clearance sales such as light fixtures, ornate cabinet pulls, and accent tiles. Old, retro, or discontinued items tend to be somewhat uncommon, so picking some up at low prices might just be what you need to make your kitchen pop.
Conclusion
Kitchen remodeling is definitely an investment. However, you can take steps to make sure you don’t go over your budget. These tips can help you and your remodeling contractor keep your remodeling costs down. The one thing you should not do is to try to do the actual remodeling yourself. It might end up costing you more than consulting with a professional remodeling company from the first.
Cabinet Land Kitchen and Beyond offers free consultation services and quotes, so you can have the benefit of our expertise without spending a dime.
We are a local remodeling company with a showroom located in Schaumburg, Illinois. We work only with quality natural stones for countertops as well as the best cabinet brands at the best prices compared to our competitors such as Advance Cabinets and Handsome Cabinets.
Visit us today to see what we have to offer. We service Chicago land and have the expertise and resources to complete virtually any type of countertops and kitchen cabinets – ON TIME and ON BUDGET with top quality craftsmanship that will exceed your expectations.
