4 ways to save on kitchen remodeling

Is there a kitchen remodeling project you've been thinking about for a while, but keep putting off? You're not alone. Although there is usually no shortage of changes and upgrades homeowners want to make to their home, too often they let a lack of time or budget keep them from making them.

However, considering the amount of time you spend in your home, you should make it a priority to ensure it is a place you feel proud and excited about. And the good news is that there are plenty of ways you can achieve the home design of your dreams without breaking the bank – it just takes some careful and strategic planning and preparation.

The first step is gaining a clear picture of how much a particular project may cost and what kind of budget you're working with. As Remodeling Magazine recently explained, one option is to view the cost vs. value report for your region, keeping in mind that this projection won't be an exact number, but rather a rough estimate to use as a starting point. However, a kitchen remodel for example may run between 10-20% of the overall value of the home. Gathering this information will make you better positioned to identify opportunities to reduce costs.

Here are some additional simple yet effective ways to save on kitchen remodeling:

1. Go for the best quality you can afford
Don't get hung up on "all wood" or "custom." There are very well made stock cabinets and very cheaply made all wood products. Pay attention to the drawer boxes, as they get the most wear and tear. Don't sacrifice under mounted, full-extension, soft-close glides or your investment will cost you much more down the line to repair or replace.  Think about the look you are trying to achieve. There are many materials out there, you don't have to use the most expensive ones for the room to come together. Color is free!  The right ones can go a long way. 

There have also been great achievements in technology of some of the products we grew up with. For example, laminate counters are now formulated to look and feel like stone and marble, with decorative edge treatments (FormicaFX) and gorgeous, low maintenance luxury vinyl tile is now available instead of the old linoleum we are used to. These are great options to save lots of money vs. stone countertops or tile flooring.

Forego pricey accessories! Instead of rollouts in every cabinet, just put one at the bottom of the most used boxes. Cutlery drawers are often a couple of hundred dollars from the manufacturer, but you can get really nice inserts online or at home stores (that are removable AND washable) for a fraction of the cost. 

2. Be willing to keep an open mind
When it comes to space planning, try and keep an open mind. A professional can make the most of your storage and functionality most times by using creative design strategies. It isn't always necessary to tear down a wall to gain extra space, sometimes just moving a doorway can open a world of possibilities. Hiring a professional to help remodel your kitchen will save you money and avoid costly mistakes. They've done hundreds of kitchens and bathrooms, this may be your first one – there is a lot to learn. There are many things that can go wrong or surprise you during home improvements.

Consider both immediate costs and long-term value.

3. Cabinets are the most costly item in a kitchen remodel 
Make the most of manufacturers' rebates on kitchen cabinets. Certain times of year you can save thousands on your remodel because manufacturers offer incentives to keep business booming. Many times the rebate may cover the cost of an upgrade that you may not have been able to afford otherwise, or they may help you stay in budget overall without giving anything up. Unfortunately, the deadlines are enforced on these rebates because they typically come from National brands, so you must purchase by a certain date.

4. Finance big projects
There's no reason to let a tight budget keep you from the home renovation projects you've been dreaming about. By working with a home remodeling company that offers financing programs, you can have work done on your home. You have to consider both immediate costs and long-term value for your home. Remember, that instead of paying a large sum upfront for these renovations, you can break payments down into smaller increments to make throughout the year. We often don't think twice about financing a car, but cars depreciate.  Financing a home improvement project makes more sense because it will increase the value of the home and become a wise investment. 

To learn more about how to best go about a kitchen or bathroom renovation, download our guide: