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4 Rules for Remodeling Your Kitchen on a Budget
Want to vs Need to… If your stove stops working or your cabinets are falling apart your might need to remodel your kitchen. For most people though remodeling is more of a “want” than a “need”.
With that in mind we typically recommend delaying your project and saving until you have enough to invest in quality materials and professional installers. If that’s not possible (or you just can’t wait) then follow these 4 rules to get the most out of a tight budget.
4 Rules for Remodeling Your Kitchen on a Budget
Of course, if you are remodeling on a tight budget the first step is to actually have a budget. Take some time to look at your finances and decide how much you can afford. The break that down into major expense categories (appliances, cabinetry, flooring, lighting etc…). If you need help with that give us a call, we’ve done a few kitchen budgets over years 🙂
Rule 1: Try to Keep the Existing Footprint
Moving walls and plumbing can be costly. Electric work can be more economical. Keep your existing footprint as much as possible but if moving something is really important to you just know that you’ll have to compromise somewhere else to stay withing your budget.
Rule 2: Do simple things yourself, hire a pro for the rest
Even a professional remodel can take weeks. DIY project can take months. Do you want to have your kitchen torn apart for months? There are some things you can do yourself to save money but leave the hard stuff to the pros. Stick do doing things on your own that don’t affect the function of your kitchen. Removing flooring for example or painting walls and trim. For
There are some things you can do yourself to save money but leave the hard stuff to the pros. Stick do doing things on your own that don’t affect the function of your kitchen. Removing flooring for example or painting walls and trim.
Rule 3: Spread out the costs
One of the best pieces of advice I can give is to take your time. Appliances, tile, faucets etc… all go on sale at some point during the year. Consider setting up a regular Google search for items you are considering and get alerts when things go on sale. Shop craigslist and overstock companies as well.
If you buy things over a period of several months and store them it spreads out the spending and may actually help increase your budget.
Rule 4: Prioritize your Spending
Most people remodel their kitchen once every 20 years. With that in mind, it pays to invest in things that will last.
But on a tight budget compromises need to be made. There are some things you can skimp on and others you shouldn’t. Cheap cabinets are never a good choice. Nor is a cheap kitchen faucet, it gets used to way too much.
Money can be saved in other areas… countertops for example. There are some fantastic laminate options these days and butcher block counters can be economical and look great.
Consider Cabinet Refacing
Cabinet refacing can be a fantastic option for remodeling a kitchen on a budget. With refacing there is no demo, your existing cabinets stay in place, so there aren’t any “cascading costs” like new countertops or flooring. Your appliances and counter tops stay in place so you can keep using your kitchen during the refacing. And a typical kitchen cabinet refacing only takes 5 days.
Spreading out costs:
Because refacing does not require any demo or removal of your counters or appliances it allows you to do your project in stages. You can replace countertops first if that’s your priority. Then reface later on. Cabinet refacing allows your project to have a more flexible schedule.
Thank you for reading! If you think refacing cabinets is the best route for you check out our process
Paul McManus
Certified Residential Contractor, CRC1331326
