When considering a kitchen remodel, there are so many details to consider. What size cabinets do you want? What type of appliances will work best? What color scheme should you use? Then there’s the money factor. A kitchen remodel is one of the most expensive home improvement projects you can do, but it doesn’t have to break the bank. If you’re planning a kitchen or bathroom remodel, you can save thousands of dollars simply by researching and comparison shopping for better deals.
Know Where You’re Starting From
When you’re ready to start planning your kitchen remodel, the first thing you’ll want to do is establish a budget. Without a budget, you won’t have a clear idea of how much you can afford to spend. With extensive kitchen renovations costing as much as $40,000, budgeting should be the priority. Otherwise, you may get sucked into unnecessary expenses that will break the bank. Remodeling a kitchen is a big investment, so don’t go into it blind and drain your bank account. The costs of a remodel add up quickly. Have you ever noticed how things always cost more than you think? Know how much you can afford to spend ahead of time, and don’t deviate from it.
Keep It Simple
One costly mistake people make when remodeling a kitchen is trying to do too much. For example, adding lots of unnecessary extras. Decide which features are worth the money and which you can live without. You’ll be confronted with a bewildering array of drawer styles, backsplashes, appliances, and countertops. Some of these features can cost hundreds or thousands of extra dollars without adding a lot to the value of your kitchen. Don’t be so seduced by the possibilities that you overspend.
Stick with basic designs. If you have an idea of what you want, talk it over with a designer. They can show you different options that fit your budget and help you decide what’s worth spending on and what isn’t.
Research Contractors Online
Are you a do-it-yourself type? You might feel comfortable doing some of the work yourself. If so, that can be a money saver, but if you lack the expertise, you need competent and trustworthy contractors who show up and won’t overcharge you. If you’ve worked with a reliable contractor in the past, that’s usually the safest bet, and they may be willing to give you a discount since they’ve worked with you before. Otherwise, research and compare prices before making your final selection.
Get as much feedback and information as possible. Solicit recommendations from friends and acquaintances about who they’ve used in the past. Read online reviews and check for recommendations on neighborhood apps like Next Door where you can ask the opinions of people in your area. They can be an invaluable source of information.
Collect at least three estimates from contractors or handymen with proven track records before hiring someone to do any work on your kitchen. Get everything in writing before starting any work, and use a company that offers warranties on their work. Being upfront about what the project will cost is a good way to avoid additional expenses down the road.
Don’t Buy Everything at Once
Don’t feel compelled to purchase everything at once, even if you’re replacing all your appliances, cabinets, and countertops. You may get a better deal on these items if you buy them during a sale. Start planning as early as possible, so you have enough time to shop and get the best price. Haste makes bad decisions and leads to overspending. Make sure the appliances you choose are energy efficient, or they’ll cost you more in the long run.
Takeaway
When it comes to remodeling your kitchen, you don’t have to drain your bank account. If you’re smart, you can save hundreds of dollars and still have a beautiful new kitchen that’s a pleasure to use every day. In the end, it all comes down to this: Your new kitchen should bring joy to you and your family. The process of planning out your kitchen, choosing the right materials for the job, and seeing it all come together is a lot of work, but in the end, the time you put in will be worth it.
