Whether you’re remodeling your kitchen to make it more comfortable for your imminent retirement, or to sell your home and downsize, upgrading your kitchen can be expensive.
Instead of spending tens of thousands of dollars, finding ways to save on your kitchen remodel as you update your home means you’ll keep more cash in your pocket. Besides looking for sales on your remodel supplies, here are some sneaky ways to cut costs as you tackle the kitchen remodeling projects.
Create a Budget before Getting Estimates
It’s easy to get swept up in the excitement of a remodel, but little extras can sink an otherwise sound budget. To avoid overspending, create a strict set of figures before you arrange to meet with a contractor for project estimates.
If you are doing the project yourself and need to determine how much you can afford to spend, remember to factor in a percentage to cover unexpected costs, like removing dry rot and patching holes, rewiring an old electrical system or tearing down a wall. It’s a safe bet to estimate an additional 20% for unforeseen costs.
Research the cost of materials to save on your kitchen remodel
Materials can be an area where contractors pad costs, so research material prices to know whether you’re getting a fair deal. In fact, we suggest keeping materials and labor costs separate. Suggest going with your Countertops Fabricator to buy the materials. You could also get the list of materials and buy them yourself at a home-improvement store.
Just do the math and make sure you’re truly getting a deal that will allow you to save on your kitchen remodel. Some Veteran Contractors with good relationships in the community may be able to get better deals for you.
Work with what you have to save money on your remodel
Your biggest savings could be located right in your own home. Get in the revamp mindset and give your current kitchen a face lift instead of an entire remodel. It may be tempting to double the size of your kitchen space or opt for a brand-new addition, but you don’t have to go bigger to make it better.
Install high cabinets to increase your storage space, pots on the walls and rearrange your kitchen for maximum functionality. You’d be surprised what a little bit of creativity can do. A room can transform with the right lighting, color, décor or storage space— be open to the affordable alternatives of buying Block Tops Kitchen Countertops and reinvent what you already have.
Try to Do It Yourself a little bit
If you are going to do it yourself to save on your kitchen remodel, rather than pay a contractor, make sure you do research. Ask your fabricator for advice and use your family and friends’ skills to help you with your remodel. Make sure you do plenty of research before you begin a project.
For plumbing, if it is newer and has no damage, don’t replace it. Don’t bother with replacing your tiles— they could crack and cause more expenses than it’s worth. Instead, seek out the services of a trusted contractor.
One of the best, yet least expensive renovations you can do to your home is to bring in more natural light without adding more windows. Paint the walls white and add decorative mirrors to the wall. Instead of purchasing newer or brighter cabinets for your kitchen, paint them white and just buy new handles.
There will be hidden costs in any remodel project. But, if you take your time and plan it, you can easily avoid some of the headaches associated with unforeseen expenses. Besides the many tips above, the best piece of advice to anyone planning for a kitchen remodel project is, “expect the unexpected.”
Block Tops Inc. is the premier supplier and fabricator of high quality countertops in California. Visit us today to see the largest collection of natural and engineered countertops, in different colors and designs. All our prices are factory direct, giving you a better chance to save on your kitchen remodel.