A kitchen remodel can be a costly endeavor, but you don’t have to go beyond your budget to create the kitchen of your dreams. By following a few smart budgeting tips, you can make your kitchen remodel less financially strenuous and might be able to save money for other important projects.
1. Get Prices for Everything in Advance
You’ll have an easier time staying within your budget if you know the total expected costs of tools and supplies in advance. By getting the price details, you’ll also know what you can splurge on and what you might have to cut back on to stay within your budget.
2. Set Money Aside for Unexpected Costs
As thorough as you might be with planning your project, certain unexpected costs could drain your finances if you haven’t set enough money aside in advance. Consider planning 20 percent of your budget for extra costs that may arise if you need more materials or if something goes wrong with the work. If you don’t end up spending any of the funds that you’ve set aside, you can apply this money toward other kitchen upgrades or other home projects.
3. Consider Painting Cabinets Instead of Replacing Them
New cabinets can be an expensive investment, and you may save money and stay within your budget more easily by simply painting them instead. You should definitely consider this option if you like the current layout of your kitchen cabinets. Popular paint colors for kitchen cabinets include classic white, powder blue, and mustard yellow.
4. Look for Alternatives to Hardwood Flooring
Many kitchens have beautiful hardwood floors, but this flooring material is often more expensive than other types. Luxury vinyl planks, porcelain tiles, and laminate are among the best economical alternatives to hardwood flooring and can still make your kitchen look elegant.
5. Invest More in Countertops
Kitchen countertops often endure a lot of use when meals are prepared or other kitchen-oriented tasks are performed, so it’s a good idea to invest more of your money into getting quality countertops and trim your spending in other areas. Quartz is one of the most durable countertop materials and requires little maintenance, and a reputable kitchen material supplier can show you options that feature different colors and patterns.
6. Save Receipts
Saving receipts that you get from spending on your kitchen remodel can help you keep track of your budget so that you don’t overspend. You should also save receipts on the smallest purchases that are related to your kitchen remodel, as even the smallest expenses can add up and cost you more money than expected.
7. Think About Getting Used Appliances
If you’re on a really tight budget, buying used appliances instead of new ones can save you a lot of money. Some of the best ovens, refrigerators, and other kitchen appliances have been refurbished to look and function like new ones and can greatly enhance your kitchen.
8. Consider Hiring Professionals
You might think that a DIY kitchen remodel will lower your costs, but hiring professional kitchen remodel contractors might save you money if you don’t have the tools and skills to do the job correctly. Before the kitchen remodeling work begins, you should weigh the costs of each option to determine which one will fit best into your budget.
Whether you have a lot or little to spend on a kitchen remodel, you never want to go beyond your budget. If you stay mindful of your budget throughout each process of the project, you’ll likely have an easier time remodeling your kitchen without breaking the bank.