It’s officially home improvement season. You’ve already gotten your tax return (or will soon) and want to put it to good use. So you think about what can be done around the house. It doesn’t take long to realize that your kitchen would benefit from some serious work. But is a kitchen remodel really worth the time and money? In short, yes. Believe it or not, such a project often returns more than 100 percent of the cost. As Steve Straughan recently told HGTV, a kitchen is an area in the home “where you can tell if money has been well spent or not. They’re the most expensive areas of the home in terms of construction. And they’re where people spend time in their homes.”
Maybe you’re thinking, “I’d love to do something different with my kitchen but I just don’t know how we can swing it financially.” Well, there are some ways you can save on the project. Here are 10 tips from HGTV:
- Come up with a plan – Your first thought here may be DIY. However, even the smallest of mistakes could lead to that hard-earned money going down the drain. That’s why we recommend getting in touch with some local kitchen remodeling contractors. They will listen to your ideas and come up with a plan that aligns with your budget.
- Decide on everything you want ahead of time – You should have fun picking products for a kitchen remodel! That said, it’s imperative to determine what all you want prior to the renovation. If it makes things easier, have everything on-site before the installers get moving. The last thing you want is to backorder a bunch of items that lead to a spike in total cost.
- Doors conceal outdated cabinets – Your current kitchen cabinets are an eyesore. They’re by far your least favorite aspect of the kitchen. So what’s the solution? You could enhance the look with some new doors. Hear us out. As long as the structure is in good shape, you don’t necessarily have to ditch the entire cabinet. We advise getting good measurements and finding a style of door you find appealing. This can be a significant money saver in the grand scheme of things.
- Cut corners – No, we’re not talking about doing a rush job. Keep in mind that the backsplash can drive up the costs of a kitchen renovation project. That doesn’t have to be the case, though. If you’re on a tight budget, you might want to consider finishing the tile where the walls meet. While it’s a bit unconventional, it allows you to have tile that’s visually and functionally important.
- Add plenty of light – Better lighting instantly enhances the look and feel of any room. It’s especially true in the kitchen because of how much time your family spends in it. Think about hanging well-designed pendants for style and light. Not only that, but make sure that overhead lighting is bright and concentrated in spots where someone will be cooking. Details such as under-cabinet lighting make a difference as well.
- Don’t mess with the plumbing – This is where some homeowners get into trouble. They get carried away rearranging the existing piping and utility layout. Even if you have advanced handyman skills, expect to shell out about $5,000 each time you move major appliances such as the dishwasher, sink, or stove. This is yet another reason to work with a designer.
- Use the project leftovers – Nobody likes to waste pricey renovation materials. And yet, the average remodel wastes up to 15 percent of its materials. Those who are particularly creative and resourceful can usually create high-end features such as cutting boards from granite or rollout inserts from leftover lumber. Again, why throw it away if you paid for it?
- Look for overstock items – Shopping for kitchen appliances can be a punch to the gut. As much as you need an oven or refrigerator, all you see is the price tag. Don’t hesitate to ask around about other reusable pieces from contractors and builders. Sure, there might be a few scratches and dents. But those overstock items typically shave thousands of dollars off the total remodel.
- Get creative – Have you been searching for ways to spruce up the kitchen island? Some beadboard paneling will certainly do the trick. Would you prefer a focal point that’s more cost-effective than mosaic tile? Then stacked stone could be the answer. Feel free to work with your designer in adding architectural interest that fits your style.
- Refinish the floors – New flooring is another thing that drives up the price of a kitchen renovation. If you have tile or vinyl floors, you may want to opt for more affordable options such as sealed cork.
Cabinet Refacing and More
At St. Croix Cabinet Solutions, we do everything from kitchen cabinet refacing and replacement cabinet doors to cabinet refinishing and complete kitchen makeovers. So why choose us? For one thing, we have options for every budget. Simply put, we want to make your home stand out with beautiful, functional spaces.
The team at St. Croix Cabinet Solutions is all about customer service. While some competitors subject customers to high-pressure sales tactics, we take a more relaxed, transparent approach. See what our experienced cabinet refacing team can do for you and your family.
Contact the pros at St. Croix Cabinet Solutions in Hudson to schedule a free initial consultation.