Kitchen renovation on a budget: Here’s how to achieve the desired look without breaking the bank
If your kitchen is outdated and uninspiring, you’ve likely been considering a renovation. However, this is the most expensive project you can tackle in your home, so it’s natural to be hesitant about whether you should start it or not. After all, the last thing you want is to end up facing a financial strain because you’ve decided to change a few things in your kitchen to make it more functional.
The good news is that a kitchen renovation doesn’t need to break the bank, and if you know how to approach the process, you will not only make your home better suit your needs but also increase its value. Below you will find some practical tips to help you tackle a budget-friendly kitchen renovation, so read on!
Decide how much you’re willing to spend first
No kitchen renovation should begin without setting a budget. It’s easy to overspend when tackling such a project but having a budget in place will help you prioritize your expenses effectively. It’s also a good idea to allocate a contingency fund from that budget (about 15-20%), as this will help ensure that you won’t have to stop the project altogether due to an unforeseen issue. Keep in mind that managing your budget will be a continuous process, so you should monitor all your expenses by including every appliance and material you’re considering, as well as lighting, heating, and plumbing costs, and any finishing touches, such as handles. Additionally, be sure to consider labour expenses and any building control application costs, if applicable.
Separate must-haves from like-to-haves
When considering a kitchen renovation, it’s essential to define your priorities, which means differentiating between needs and wants. Needs are essential elements that are absolutely fundamental to your renovation, as they contribute to the safety and comfort of your kitchen. Wants, on the other hand, are elements that enhance the luxury and aesthetics of the space but aren’t necessary to ensure functionality. For instance, high-end finishes like marble countertops or custom cabinetry are elements you can definitely do without, but if you can afford them, they can be an outstanding addition to your kitchen. Make sure to write down this list of must-haves and like-to-haves so you can then see how much the former will cost, and how far your budget will stretch for the latter.
Think twice before adopting a trend
When you see a kitchen trend, you may be tempted to adopt it immediately. But that’s not the best thing to do, as you may end up regretting it. If you’re concerned that a trend won’t stand the test of time, make sure to only incorporate elements that are easy to change, such as window treatments or soft furnishings. For elements that are the foundation of the kitchen, such as worktops and cabinets, stick to trends that you are certain you will still love in five years’ time. In the end, the kitchen should reflect your personal style, so don’t fill it with only trendy elements without considering what resonates with your taste.
Embrace open shelving
If you’re debating whether to choose open shelving or wall cabinets, the most obvious option for saving money is indeed the former. Open shelving is a fraction of the price, and at the same time, it comes with the added benefit of making the kitchen feel bigger and more inviting. Furthermore, it allows you to create a personalized design due to its versatility. You may be concerned that all the stuff in the kitchen isn’t pretty enough to be displayed on the shelves, but that’s really not something you should worry about that much, because the idea of this design is to make things more accessible and less cluttered, and is not necessarily about achieving an Instagram-worthy look. But of course, if you want to incorporate open shelving mainly for the looks, then you should definitely consider your budget to buy new items if that’s the case.
Work with what you have
When remodeling your kitchen, cupboards and cabinets will be the most costly items, so you want to consider thoroughly whether you need to replace them entirely, or you could adopt a budget-friendly approach instead. Working with what you have is a good idea, as it allows you to save money while still achieving the look you want. For instance, you can change the doors or handles of the cabinets. If you’re on an even tighter budget, a fresh coat of paint will also make a huge difference in the kitchen. These ideas obviously work if your cabinets aren’t too damaged. The good news, however, is that it is also possible to find affordable kitchen units, as long as you know where to look. For example, kitchenwarehouseltd.com offers a collection of stunning kitchens, allowing you to find your favourite style and bring your dream kitchen to life.
DIY where possible
Tackling some projects on your own can go a long way in reducing costs when renovating your kitchen. This may include building new cabinets, removing the old kitchen, installing flooring, and so on. If you aren’t familiar with DIY and don’t feel confident in doing things on your own, even taking on decorations towards the end will still be helpful and save you some money down the road. Here’s another helpful tip: consider sourcing your kitchen fitter instead of buying it from your kitchen provider, as this could also translate into significant savings. Ask your kitchen supplier the price for installation before you commit, as this will give you enough time to compare different quotes. As a general rule, you should aim for at least three quotes. If one of these quotes seems too good to be true, then it probably is.
The bottom line
A kitchen renovation doesn’t have to come with a hefty price tag. If you plan your budget carefully and make smart choices regarding the design, you will transform the kitchen into a stylish and functional space that suits your lifestyle and reflects your personality, without overspending.