Did you finally decide to give your kitchen a new lease of life? We bet that you want to achieve the best result, but a kitchen remodel is not always budget-friendly.
Changing your cabinets or buying out-of-the-box appliances can punch a big hole in your budget, but you don’t always have to worry about replacing everything. If some of the items in your kitchen are still functional, you can make a quick update and breathe new life into the heart of your home in no time.
The choices and decisions that must be made during a remodel project are anxiety-inducing and can overwhelm you. But that’s why we’re here – to remind you that you can keep the costs manageable and still have an eye-catching kitchen if you follow some simple steps.
Without further ado, here are some useful tips that will help you stay on budget during a kitchen redo:
Figure out your budget
Before starting a kitchen remodel, the first step is determining the costs involved. For this, it’s crucial to identify which items need to be updated and which must be replaced. It’s easier to change all the cabinetry, flooring, and old appliances when your finances allow, but saving is the key when you have to stick to a budget. Therefore, think carefully about your needs and only then consider the details. Also, it’s highly recommended to include all the extra expenses, like installation, tiling, and delivery. For things to go smoothly and not to have a bad surprise, we recommend setting a budget and sticking to it.
Paint your cabinets
Cabinets are the central piece in everyone’s kitchen, so it’s normal to want them to be eye-catching. However, with the passing of time, cabinets get damaged or go out of style. Still, the material they’re made from can be in good condition. In that case, all you need is to refresh rather than replace them. Painting is one of the most viable solutions to update your cabinets without much effort and cost. Consider adding a splash of color to your tired kitchen, and choose one (or more) that best suits your preferences and needs.
Colors can work miracles, mainly when appropriately chosen. To create a serene space, you can use lighter colors, like cream, olive green, and gray, or make colorful compromises with a yellow-beige undertone or a blue and brown combination. Whatever your choice, it’s crucial to ensure you use suitable paint because some materials, like wood, require specific types of paint. In this case, catalyzed paint and conversion varnish are preferable.
Still, if your cabinets are in a not-so-good condition and paint cannot save them, there are a wide range of kitchen units for sale, so it shouldn’t be difficult to choose cabinets to your taste. Careful though, it’s essential to make sure you buy from a trusted manufacturer not to waste money.
Install a backsplash
Some people name the backsplash the jewelry of any kitchen, and for a good reason. Not only is it extremely helpful, but it also gives your kitchen a brand-new look without a great deal. Its primary purpose is to protect the wall between the upper and lower cabinets from stains. And stains are pretty common in every kitchen. After all, cooking is inevitable, and so are spatters. Also, it can add a unique touch to your kitchen, especially if your cabinets don’t stand out too much.
You can choose from various materials, such as marble, tile, stone, or ceramic. Some are more expensive than others, but we guarantee that you won’t regret investing in a backsplash made from quality materials. Without a backsplash, your kitchen wall in the countertop area will look dirty. This expense will turn into an investment in time, and your walls will thank you for saving them from multiple paintings.
Update your appliances
You probably think about how you could do that with appliances. Cabinets are, of course, relatively easy to refresh, but appliances are not so approachable. Well, it’s more likely than you think. So, if your old electricals are still functional, maybe you should think twice before buying modern ones. Some appliances like refrigerators, dishwashers, and microwaves can be easily fixed or refurbished to look like new. One way to do that is by wrapping them in vinyl or, if your cabinets allow, covering them in panels. Incorporating them in the cabinets may exempt you from a not-so-necessary investment.
Stick to the existing kitchen layout
Here’s a tip to save a small fortune: keep your actual kitchen layout and forget about demolishing that exterior wall you’ve had in mind for so long. Plus, some expenses are worth considering, such as re-plumbing and re-wiring. Remember that you cannot change your kitchen layout in the blink of an eye. Maybe you can switch from an L-shape layout to a U-shaped one, mainly if your space allows, but turning a One-wall layout into a U-shape, you’ll probably need to tear down some walls to enlarge your space.
Think about rearranging your appliances instead of transforming your home into a construction site. Sometimes, a wrong arrangement gives the impression of a disorganized kitchen space, especially if the kitchen work triangle (refrigerator-stove-sink arranged in the shape of a triangle) is not respected.
Replace your countertop
The worktop is one of the essential items in a kitchen, given that it’s used for cooking. Therefore, its replacement would be welcome. Consider investing in a countertop made from quality materials, such as granite, marble, and even stainless steel if you’re an avid cooker. It’s not always necessary to replace all the cabinetry in your kitchen, but if you want to give your space a nice touch in no time, installing a new worktop might be the answer. Want to add some drama? Then waterfall counters are a perfect choice. They’re stylish and practical and give the impression that the island and the flooring are harmonious.
With this in mind, we hope our insights into a cheap kitchen remodel will help you create your dream space while staying on budget and making the renovation process go smoother.
