The kitchen is the center point of the household. It is where the family gathers daily to socialize and create delicious meals. Without a doubt, kitchens are among the most important rooms to remodel to increase the value of your home. According to realtor.com studies, a home that has undergone a kitchen remodel sells 8% faster.
Top Ways to Save in Your Kitchen Remodel
The average cost of a kitchen remodel in the U.S. is $8,500 up to $25,000+. The figure might seem a bit wide-ranging, but if you are looking for ways to conserve your budget, frugal decisions can make all the difference.
Choose mid-range efficient appliances
Choose practical, energy-efficient appliances that provide acceptable warranties and look great. Another factor to consider when picking appliances is longevity.
Refrigerators usually last only 15 years or less, but a cooktop and range function last considerably longer. If you have a large family or do a lot of cooking at home, then you are regularly washing dishes, so a large, efficient dishwasher becomes a mandatory investment.
Whichever appliances you choose, try to stick with one brand and appearance.
Opt for affordable yet durable countertop materials
When you walk into a kitchen, you might believe your focal point is the cabinets, but most people zero in on the countertops first. A showpiece countertop dictates the cabinetry, room furnishings, and color scheme.
When picking countertop materials, remember you can pick granite with a rating of a level 2 grade (mid-grade) versus a level 3 (premium grade). Choosing a lovely, mid-grade granite countertop offers a higher return-on-investment. The cost of granite countertops runs from $35 to $500/sq. ft.
Laminate countertops are another option. They mimic the appearance of granite without the high cost. Laminate hovers at an affordable $5 to $30/sq. ft.
Quartz (engineered stone) and concrete countertops are other cost-saving options. The average cost of quartz is $55 to $200/sq. ft. and concrete runs $75 to $200/sq. ft.
Go for a cosmetic upgrade instead of a whole cabinet replacement
It’s tempting yet expensive to purchase all new kitchen cabinets with 30 linear feet of average cabinets costing from $6,500 to $11,500 for installation. However, resurfacing the existing cabinets is a great way to provide an instant facelift to the kitchen. Making the cabinet refinishing a DIY project can save even more.
You can also replace kitchen cabinets with veneer models instead of real wood. Handles, knobs, and pull are the crowning glory on your kitchen cabinets. However, that does not mean that you must spend a fortune on them.
Install a backsplash with attractive, long-lasting materials
Backsplashes look good and showcase the kitchen cabinets and the countertops. There are many different backsplash materials you can choose to fit the style of your kitchen.
Ceramic tile is trendy, but it’s also costly, with the average price hovering at $5 to $100/sq. ft. However, you can pick a porcelain tile for $5 to $20/sq. ft.
Plan ahead by shopping around and doing some work yourself
Find out your contractor’s schedule and book them at a slower time of year. Typically the middle of summer and the middle of winter are somewhat slower times and could potentially get you a better rate.
Next, check your local tile, stone, flooring, and kitchen showrooms for odd lots (leftover or returned items). The quality is just as good but goes for rock bottom prices. This also goes for sinks and faucets – it pays to check around.
If you need a small piece of stone for a vanity top, bar top, or table, also be sure to ask about remnants at the stone yard.
Final thoughts
You can create the kitchen of your dreams on a tight budget with just a few of the ideas above. These kitchen remodeling tips can help you create an upscale remodel without spending tons of money. You can enjoy your beautiful kitchen while feeling good about the fact that you have potentially increased your home’s value.