Remodeling a Kitchen: How to Put Together an Affordable Kitchen Remodel

 Are you thinking about remodeling your kitchen?

While remodeling a kitchen can be a lot of fun, it can also be very expensive.

In fact, the average kitchen remodel costs between $12,800 and $21,200!

Luckily, there are things you can do to make your kitchen remodel more affordable.

Check out this guide to discover how to put together an affordable kitchen remodel.

 

Plan Ahead

Planning ahead is a key element to saving money on your kitchen remodel.

If you're planning a major renovation, you should spend at least a few weeks planning everything out.

By spending time planning everything out, you'll be able to find the best deals, figure out which materials fit your budget, and figure out which renovations are most important to you.

Additionally, having a clear plan from the get-go will help you avoid design changes mid-project.

As you're planning your remodel, think about your priorities.

It can be easy to get caught up in the excitement of your planning and think, "Well, I might as well add this on...", and tack on a whole list of extra side jobs that rack up the cost.

Instead, take a step back and look at your kitchen with a critical eye.

Figure out what bothers you most about your kitchen, what you like, and what you don't love but can deal with for the time being.

For example, you may need new granite countertops, but find that your flooring and cabinets are okay for the time being.

Find Ways to Save On Materials

When remodeling your kitchen, it's also very important that you try to find ways to save money on materials.

Here are a few things you can do to save money on new kitchen materials:

Shop Around

If you find something you really like, whether it be a beautiful floor tile or a unique cabinet fixture, it can be tempting to purchase it immediately so you can tick it off your list.

However, it's worth taking the extra time to see if you can find that item at a cheaper price.

Shop Secondhand

Another great way to save money on materials is to shop secondhand.

There are plenty of secondhand stores out there that carry all sorts of kitchen remodeling materials.

For example, Habitat for Humanity Restore has everything from sinks to lighting fixtures to cabinets to hardware.

You can also check out sites like Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, and eBay for secondhand items.

Of course, you'll need to inspect the items carefully to make sure they're in good condition, but this method can really help you save some money.

Sell Your Old Stuff

The same websites and stores you're visiting to buy secondhand stuff is also a great resource for selling your own stuff.

Oftentimes, the stuff you tear out when you remodel your kitchen- such as countertops, lighting fixtures, and appliances- are still perfectly usable when you reuse them.

So, instead of just throwing these items away, why not try to resell them to make a little extra cash?

Focus On the Details

Remodeling your kitchen doesn't have to mean installing all-new, state-of-the-art appliances.

Oftentimes, the best kitchen models are the ones that have only undergone a few, strategic changes.

Little details, such as lighting fixtures, faucets, and cabinet hardware can transform the whole look of your kitchen with little effort and money.

Even throwing in a few accessories like plants, artwork, and pottery can make a big difference in the look of your kitchen.

That being said, if you have the room and budget for a slightly bigger change, switching to fireclay sinks is a good move.

These are very durable, so you would save a lot of money in the long run.

Save on Labor

When remodeling your kitchen, most people end up hiring electricians, plumbers, and carpenters.

Paying for all of these contractors can quickly add up.

This is why it makes sense to DIY where you can.

However, trying to take on a big project like a kitchen remodel all on your own can be really tough.

Tackling a project that's outside the scope of your abilities won't save you any money if you end up having to pay a contractor to fix it.

Therefore, before you jump into things, research the job carefully to make sure it's within your capabilities.

One job most people can typically handle on their own is demolition.

Tearing down flooring and cabinets is a pretty easy job, and this allows you to create a blank slate for contractors to work with.

Save on Cabinets

Remodeling your cabinets can eat up a large chunk of your kitchen remodel budget.

In fact, according to Consumer Reports, new cabinet installation can take up 40% of your kitchen remodel budget.

Luckily, there's plenty that you can do to save money.

Here are a few ideas:

Change the Finish on Your Cabinets

If your old cabinets are in pretty good shape, you can save a lot of money by simply refinishing them or repainting them.

To refinish your cabinets, you'll first need to take off all the doors and clean them along with the cabinet faces.

Before painting, you'll also want to lightly sand the cabinets and apply a coat of primer.

Reface Your Cabinets

Another great way to save money is to reface your cabinets.

This involves replacing all of the drawer fronts and drawers and applying new veneers to the cabinet boxes.

While it's a bit costlier than repainting, it's a great way to spruce up your cabinets.

Replace the Hardware

Replacing your hardware is another great way to spruce up your cabinets without spending a fortune.

Swapping out drawer pulls and handles is an easy DIY project that can dramatically change the look of your cabinets.

Are You Ready for an Affordable Kitchen Remodel?

Now that you know how to put together an affordable kitchen remodel, it's time to get started.

Before you know it, you'll be looking at a brand new kitchen.

Be sure to check back in with our blog for more affordable home improvement tips.