How to get the most out of your Kitchen Remodeling Budget

It’s a new year, and you are ready for a new kitchen in Phoenix AZ. But like most of us, you have a budget to work with on your remodel. So where to start, when working with Rise Above Remodeling, with the planning and design of your dream kitchen?

Begin with the reality of budgeting for kitchen remodels: Kitchens are always one of the most expensive areas of the home to remodel. Bedrooms, living rooms, hallways, and even small bathrooms pale in comparison to the price of remodeling a kitchen. The good news is that a budget kitchen remodel is possible relative to the average cost of other kitchen remodels.

The average kitchen renovation runs between about $20,000-$50,000, depending on how serious an overhaul it is. But you really can get more bang for less buck if you take down a few tips from the experts on ways to save money during a kitchen remodel. Here are two planning tips to help you avoid extra costs, and some practical ideas to consider when deciding to redo or replace kitchen fittings.

Before you start:

• Start with a design plan. If you’re doing more than just painting the cabinets or replacing the countertops during your kitchen remodel, don’t try to save money out of the gate by not hiring a professional to create a design plan. At Rise Above we include consultation with a professional design planner to ensure you have the design that will work for your space as well as your budget.
• Don’t start the project until all the new products have been picked and delivered. If a product is backordered, the homeowner is often faced with a choice: pick a different item that is often pricier, or wait for their original choice. At Rise Above we do not start any project until all of the pieces are in place. This allows for a more timely construction for you.

Tips for saving:

• Make an honest assessment of your cabinets. If yours are in good shape, consider keeping them and just giving them a new look. White paint does wonders for outdated cabinets and can save you money. Adding new hardware will enhance the bright white effect. If your cabinet doors are too far gone to spruce up, consider if they could be spruced up with some new doors. If the structure is sound, you don’t have to toss out the whole cabinet
• Define specific areas with your backsplash. Rather than having a backsplash carry throughout your kitchen, pick spots, such as behind the stove, for a flare of a backsplash design. This will save you considerable money, while adding a dramatic look to the kitchen.
• Keep the kitchen well lit. Spot lighting and under cabinet lighting is both cost effective and practical. Well-designed pendants for style and light make sure overhead lighting is bright and concentrated in areas where the cook will be working. Don’t forget the details: adding under-cabinet lighting won’t bust your budget but will make a big impact.
• Keep your plumbing in place. It costs about $5,000 each time you move appliances like a dishwasher, sink or a gas stove.
• Look for remnants. Go to granite supply yards and check out their remnants. Especially if you don’t have huge swaths of countertop to cover. Also, you can create high-end features like cutting boards from granite pieces or rollout inserts in cabinets from leftover lumber from cabinets, moldings and countertops.
• You can add flare with minimal cost. You can get a high-end look with impact details small and large: try adding bun feet to free-standing cabinetry to give it a furniture-feel, or add some breadboard paneling to spruce up an island. Or you can get really creative with a focal point that is less expensive than mosaic tile but packs a big punch, like stacked stone on the back of your kitchen island.
• Budget carefully for the floors. If you have wood floors currently, just refinish them; even if you’re knocking down a wall, you can simply place boards in where the wall was, then sand the existing and new pieces down and stain them together. If replacing tile or vinyl floors, less-expensive options like sealed cork can be a good choice not only for price, but because they are easier on the feet and back than hard tiles and woods.

And always remember to recognize that if you have limited experience in home repair, to hire a professional. It is always less expensive to do it right the first time!

Categorised in: Kitchens