A kitchen remodeling can get expensive quickly. From appliances, cabinetry, and flooring, many aspects tend to add up the cost.
When investing in a kitchen remodeling project, you need to make sure that the results satisfy you and add value to your home and save you money.
As a homeowner, it is ultimately up to you to keep costs down for your kitchen redo.
Here are four tips on saving on a kitchen remodel to keep your project within the budget.
Keep the Same Kitchen Layout
Changing the kitchen layout is one sure way to drive up kitchen remodel costs. Moving the mechanics and electrical for appliances can be expensive. Walls may need to be cut to expose the mechanicals. Or drilling holes in the walls to run new pipes will add to the cost of materials besides labor.
Keeping the appliances where they are will save you thousands of dollars. More often than not, moving machines 1-foot costs as much as moving them 5 feet, depending on the mechanical placement. Many homeowners don’t consider these details when budgeting a kitchen redo.
In contrast, keeping your kitchen layout unchanged while updating the elements within that framework is a great way to save thousands of dollars on a kitchen remodel.
If you wish to change the layout, you will have to deal with gaps on the floor since flooring often doesn’t run under cabinets.
Opt for Ready to Assemble Cabinets
The most expensive part of a kitchen remodel is the cabinetry.
Ready to assemble cabinets are an excellent option. Depending on the installation’s style, material, and price, they can sometimes be half the cost.
If you are a DIY enthusiast, you can assemble these yourself. If not, you will need to hire a contractor. You can also select semi-custom cabinets. These are prefabricated off-site in standard sizes, with limited options in terms of sizing, materials, finishes, and styles.
The most expensive option is going custom cabinets.
Furthermore, exotic woods and embellishments will add cost and delivery time.
Custom cabinets generally cost around $10,000 to $50,000 as cabinets range between $250 to $1,500 per linear foot.
DIY Your Countertops
The most affordable option is to install your new laminate countertop.
All you need to do is purchase a trim router with a flush-trim bit and a laminate roller, glue, and dowels, and you can have a new laminate countertop on the weekend.
Some new types of laminate even allow you to apply the new layer to an existing laminate.
Granite and Quartz are the most popular options right now, but they are not cheap.
However, you can check if you can score a granite or quartz remnant to save money, but it can be challenging to find enough remnants to cover up all your surfaces.
Depending on your level of experience and knowledge, you can save a lot of money by opting for cement, although it will take some serious work.
Opt for a Cutout Instead of Removing a Wall
You may want to open the space between the kitchen and your family room to create an open concept kitchen.
An affordable option is to consider a cutout. Besides opening a room, a cutout also provides extra countertop space and an area for additional seating. You will still need to check for mechanics and plumbing, but the floor and ceiling won’t need any repairing, which will save you money.
However, if you want a fully open concept, you will have to remove the wall. Some things to consider before removing any wall are:
Is it load-bearing?
Does it have water pipes or electrical running through it that you need to reroute?
If so, the ceiling, other walls, and floor may need to be cut into and repaired after removing the barrier.
