Kitchen renovations can be challenging, not only because of the amount of work they entail but also due to their extremely high costs. However, that doesn’t mean that you shy away from kitchen remodeling. Despite the work and finances they demand, kitchen renovations can help increase your home’s value and give you the joy of cooking in a space you love.
That said, here are a few kitchen remodel ideas on a budget that can turn your effort into a favorable gain without having to sacrifice quality.
Start With Your Design
The first and most important step to get started on a budget-friendly kitchen renovation is to figure out and clearly define the layout you want. A minimalist and sleek design, one of the top kitchen remodel ideas 2021, can be very appealing and helps keep your costs low.
Another critical aspect of a budget-friendly kitchen renovation is to keep your existing layout. Remodeling your kitchen from A to Z, which includes moving your sink and stove to a different location, can be very expensive. This is because relocating gas lines and moving your plumbing requires a lot of permits, time, and money.
Make sure to pick an overall theme for the kitchen during the early remodeling process. That way, you will have a better idea about the materials to choose and decide on every other aspect that will follow.
Read Also: 6 Kitchen Remodel Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Determine the Extent of Work
Once you have a clear idea about how you want your kitchen to be, jot down a detailed list of tasks that you will have to accomplish. These tasks don’t have to be listed in technical terms; instead, you simply need to state all things you want your contractor to do. For instance, install new flooring, get new cabinets and countertops, paint, and install new light fixtures.
Prepare yourself for a list of additional tasks that may ensue once you start discussing your ideas with designers and contracts. However, this should not worry you. Update your list of tasks and consult other contractors so that they can line their bids, allowing you to compare costs and redesign your plan.
Read Also: 9 Ways to Add Color to Your Kitchen
Select and Buy the Materials Yourself
Asking your contractor to supply items, such as cabinets, floorings, and countertops can end up being quite heavy on your pockets. This is mainly because you’ll have to pay the contractor additional money on top of the supply costs. A better, more budget-friendly idea is to shop around for the big items yourself. That way, you’ll be better equipped to compare prices to see what suits your budget well.
Choose the Countertop Wisely
Your countertop is one of the first things guests notice in your kitchen, so it is imperative that you make the right choice. Fortunately, there is a wide range of countertop materials available, making it easier for you to find one to suit your budget.
Formica or laminated countertops, although cheap, can have a significantly negative impact on the aesthetics and practicality of your kitchen. Granite is a top choice when it comes to searching for aesthetically pleasing and inexpensive countertop material.
When looking for a countertop, visit one of the small local suppliers. Shopping from these shops can save you thousands of dollars in comparison to what you’ll pay at big home improvement stores. Moreover, small shops are also more likely to deliver your countertop on time than big retailers.
Read Also: A Guide to Kitchen Cabinet Materials
Avoid Shopping for ‘Branded Cabinets’
Since storage is a top concern for the kitchen, cabinets play a major role in your kitchen remodel. Revamping cabinets can be a huge expense, and there can easily be a difference of thousands of dollars between various designs and manufacturers.
The ideal way to navigate through this expensive is to steer clear of branded cabinets. Sure, it might seem fancy to have branded cabinets, but no one is ever going to ask you the brand name of your cabinets.
Furniture-grade plywood cabinets are a durable and budget-friendly choice that you can easily get from a local manufacturer. The doors and drawer fronts can also be made from a solid wood frame surrounding a panel. Wood types and designs can also significantly impact the price. So, you can often get the desired look while saving money by opting for a simpler design and different wood.
Opt for Low-Priced Flooring
Flooring is one of the most costly components of a kitchen renovation. You can easily expect to spend $20 to $40 per square foot on luxury kitchen flooring, but if you shop around and handle the installation yourself, your kitchen flooring will cost you well under $1 per square foot.
When it comes to choosing kitchen flooring, the material of the floor must be suitable for the kitchen environment. Besides aesthetics, two main conditions for a good kitchen floor include durability and ease of cleaning.
Considering this, the ideal, budget-friendly kitchen flooring options are vinyl, ceramic types, laminate, and cork. However, this is an extremely broad list because all these flooring materials are available in a wide range of styles. Take your time to shop around and evaluate all the possible flooring choices you can avail within your budget.
Read Also: Kitchen Remodel – How To Choose the Right Countertop Material?
Find the Right Contractor
Once you’ve finalized everything, include your layout, desired materials, and the scope of work, it’s time to start getting bids. Finding the right contractor can be a daunting task, but there are many resources that can help set a standard for what you should be looking for in a contractor.
You should get at least four to five bids before narrowing down your choices. Also, be wary of any bid that is too expensive or too cheap. Moreover, getting the best price on labor doesn’t just rely on finding the right contractor; instead, it’s about finding the right contractor at the right time. So, once you do find a contractor, make sure to actively and clearly communicate your kitchen remodel ideas to them.
The Bottom Line
Executing your kitchen remodel ideas on a budget isn’t an impossible task; it just requires some extra effort and mindful decision-making. We hope that our tips listed above can help you conduct a successful kitchen remodeling project without breaking the bank.
