Refurbishing your kitchen can be an expensive and time-consuming project, so it’s smart to find any way you can to save money. The kitchen is likely a focal point of your home—where your family and guests gather—so you want it to look its best. You may be able to achieve your dream aesthetic without spending beyond your means. Here are a few tips for saving money while creating a kitchen you’ll enjoy for years to come.
Are you planning a kitchen remodel on a budget this spring? Make sure you have a professional by your side to ensure appliances and plumbing are installed correctly. Discover more about CW Service Pros’s kitchen remodeling services here.
1. Create a Budget
You want your dream kitchen, but you don’t want to overspend to get it. One of the most important steps of a kitchen remodel is creating a budget before getting started. Understand what you want to achieve, plan your costs ahead of time, and budget for each element of the kitchen separately.
To begin, carefully consider which parts of your kitchen you most want to upgrade, and plan your budget around these key features. You’ll be sure to get what you want or need and have a better idea of the money that may be left over for extras! If you’re not sure how much a specific element will cost, reach out to a professional. A licensed plumber, for instance, can advise on how to convert from an electric to a gas cooktop or how that sink you want will fit into your space.
Your budget should also take the unexpected into account. Contractors might find your wiring or plumbing is outdated, and it could cost more than you originally outlined. Your kitchen remodeling budget should include a little padding for potential surprises.
Some things to keep in mind when creating a budget:
- Make a promise to stick to it throughout the process – This can prevent you from overspending or getting carried away with an idea, design, or material not included in your original outline.
- Remember that you will probably need to eat out during the remodel – No oven, no cabinets, and/or no counters means cooking will be difficult—or impossible. Unless you have a friend who will let you use their kitchen, your budget should take into account extra food costs.
- You may need to spend money for permits.
- Are the details going to put you over-budget? Save them for a later date.
- Create a spreadsheet – It can track your purchases, your wish lists, and your labor expenses as well as any other costs that pop up. Without one, it can be difficult to keep abreast of your actual spending costs. Keep your budget spreadsheet updated, and it should truly reflect what you’re spending.
2. Start Brainstorming Your Dream Kitchen (with Your Budget in Mind)
One of the most enjoyable parts of a kitchen remodel is the planning! Look at online inspiration, like Pinterest décor boards or websites like Houzz to put together your favorite ideas, creating your dream kitchen. And maybe you’ll find some new designs you hadn’t considered!
In addition to Pinterest and Houzz, check out:
- Local furniture stores – These usually have model kitchens set up so you can see how everything fits together!
- HGTV – Browse their website or tune into almost any show on their television channel to see kitchens that inspire.
- Magazines – Plenty of magazines deal in home décor, including kitchens. Check out Better Homes & Gardens, Architectural Digest, and others. You can find these online or at your local library, bookstore, or grocery store.
Daydreaming about your new kitchen can sweep you away, and one of the toughest aspects is keeping your budget in mind. This is why having a written budget with a must-have list is an important first step; you can reference it as new ideas pop into your head.
It might be beneficial too to create two or three plans for your kitchen. If Plan A turns out to be too expensive, you have Plan B or C to turn to instead. Definitely talk your desires and plans over with a professional; they can probably find a way for you to create your dream while staying on budget.
3. Maximize Your Kitchen’s Potential
Optimizing your current storage space is often far cheaper than knocking through walls to gain additional storage, and it’s a great way to inexpensively create more room in your kitchen. This can be done by adding wall-mounted shelving or even removing cupboard doors to increase the storage capacity of existing units.
Also, consider sprucing up worn features with a coat of paint or other embellishments, like changing out handles for a new design, rather than replacing them. You might be surprised what a coat of paint and new finishes can do when it comes to redesigning a room!
4. Think About Future Costs
Before making decisions about which fixtures to include in your remodeled kitchen, it’s important to understand how much maintenance they may require in the future. Sometimes it’s worth avoiding the cheapest products in favor of those more likely to last. Give yourself an extra element of protection by ensuring that everything you buy comes with a guarantee and warranty.
You’ll also want to take into account your family’s future. Will you have kids? Will the kitchen you dream of now be as comfortable when you get older? If your elderly parents come live with you, is the kitchen safe and functional for them? Think about what you need now and in the years to come for your kitchen redesign.
5. Consider Aesthetically Similar Substitutes
You may have your heart set on a particular product for your kitchen only to discover it’s beyond your budget. Don’t worry! You can often find look-a-like products that do the same job for a lower price.
For example, you could choose laminate counter tops instead of more expensive marble or granite. You could paint cabinets instead of installing new ones. And by shopping your options, you’re likely to find tile with the same color pallet and size you want at a fraction of the price.
6. Avoid Custom Configurations, Like Custom Cabinets
Choosing custom configurations, like custom cabinets, can add a lot to your budget, especially if you go this route for the entire kitchen. Instead, stick to stock products to ensure you’re filling in the space properly, but not blowing your money on unnecessary items.
7. Seek Professional Advice
Finally, and perhaps most importantly, save yourself the worry of future kitchen missteps by employing professional help. They can assist throughout the entire process, from helping you budget to presenting design ideas to installing new appliances. They’ve gone through kitchen remodels dozens—if not hundreds—of times and understand what homeowners want and need in the room.
Even if you’re only planning on updating the appliances for your kitchen renovation, always opt for professional installation. A licensed contractor will be able to ensure each item is fitted correctly, protecting you from the risks of flooding, fire, and expensive repairs or corrections.
Although these tips may seem simple at a glance, they shouldn’t be taken for granted. With the right consideration and planning, you can enter your remodel confidently and create your dream kitchen on a budget. For help from our plumbing professionals, get in touch with CW Service Pros at 972-395-2597!
