When you’re investing in a home remodeling project, you want to make sure that you save money on kitchen remodel, and at the same time, get the results not only please you but add value to your home. Never is that more true than in a kitchen remodel, where costs can add up so quickly that your budget can all of a sudden seem like pennies in a jar. To avoid that and keep costs in line, and yet still get the kitchen of your dreams, here are a few of my favorite ways to save money on kitchen remodel.
Start with your design to save money on kitchen remodel
save money on kitchen remodel
Figure out the layout you want for your kitchen. A simple and sleek design will appeal to most buyers and help you save money on kitchen remodel. Keeping your existing layout is always cheaper. Avoid moving plumbing and electrical items if possible — at least try to keep your stove (especially gas stoves) and sink in the same location. Moving a gas stove will require relocating gas lines and moving your sink plumbing can create additional problems. They also require additional permits and time.
To save money on kitchen remodel, determine the scope of work
Once you have a very good idea of what you want, sit down and write up a good detailed list of tasks that you want completed. You don’t have to be technical and you don’t have to use construction terms but just state all the things you want a contractor to do and bid. It can be as simple as: remove all existing countertops and cabinets; install new flooring, cabinets, countertops, sink and appliances per the plan; paint; hook up sink plumbing; and install new light fixtures.
When you start talking to contractors and designers you may find additional work is required. That’s okay. It’s easy to update your list and resend to all the bidding contractors. Otherwise, the various contractors will list the items they believe you want and it will be difficult to save money on kitchen remodel. A basic scope of work also eliminates some guess work by the contractor.
Opt for open shelves to save money on kitchen remodel
If your cabinets are too far gone to reface, open shelving will help you save money on kitchen remodel, and reduce the cost of upper cabinetry. That way you are only paying for the piece of wood to make the shelf and the bracket to hold it up — not an entire cabinet box, which is a lot more in material and labor. It also eliminates the need for hardware, which can add up.
To save money on kitchen remodel, do things in the right order
A very common mistake I see is when people are looking to save money on kitchen remodel, is that they do it in piecemeal. This is fine…as long as you do it in the right order and plan ahead. Too many times I’ve seen homeowners do the cabinets and countertops first…and then the flooring two years later when they can afford it. The problem with this is that often there is not enough room for hardwood floors (which are 3/4″ thick) or tile for that matter (which comes out to a similar height when you factor is a mud job or backer board.
You see this makes the cabinets too low. So the new flooring creates a weird height difference and makes the cabinets feel and look too low. Worse than this, the dishwasher won’t fit (or will get locked in). And the stove becomes higher than the countertop. Plan ahead. If you’re going to do this, add 3/4″ plywood underneath the cabinets so that everything will be properly aligned when you add the flooring. It is also important to consult with an Atlanta Granite Countertop Fabricator at this point.
DIY your countertops if you want to save money on kitchen remodel
Depending on your level of DIY savviness, you can save money on kitchen remodel by doing the countertops yourself. Granite is the most popular option for Atlanta countertops, and you can check to see if you can score a granite remnant, although for kitchens, it can be difficult to find enough remnants to cover all of your kitchen’s surfaces. However, if you do choose to install your granite countertop, don’t forget to factor in the cost of a plumber to put a new sink in or replumb your sink.
save money on kitchen remodel
Know Your Limits when trying to save money on kitchen remodel
To save money on kitchen remodel, don’t make any structural changes. That includes adding on to the kitchen or turning an adjoining room into part of the kitchen. You should also put aside thoughts of moving a door, the sink, or the range. You’ll avoid costly additional plumbing and electrical work. Also be on the lookout for Atlanta Countertop sales & discounts.
