9 Helpful Tips on How to Renovate Your Kitchen Without Hurting Your Wallet
Due to material and labour expenses, kitchens are one of the most expensive parts of the home to redesign. The good news is that low-cost kitchen remodelling is achievable.
You can always start your kitchen renovation for as low as $100, proving that a limited budget can expand your dreams of a stylish and functional kitchen.
We’ve been renovating kitchens for more than two decades now, and trust me, the journey to an affordable yet stunning kitchen is not just about cutting costs – it’s about smart choices and innovative solutions.
Read further as we gladly share with you our expert advice on how you can finish your kitchen renovation project with a happy heart and pocket.
Chadi
Table of Contents
Renovate vs Remodel - What is the difference?
While ‘remodel’ and ‘renovate’ are frequently used interchangeably, they do not relate to the same thing. Well, our clients would often need clarification by asking about this. They would tell us we would love a kitchen remodelling where, in fact, they need a renovation.
A renovation, according to Wikipedia is a ‘glow up’ for a building. It is the process of revitalising a building or property by repairing, enhancing, or adding to what is already there.
Renovations are often less expensive because the foundation and structure are kept, or only minor alterations are made.
A kitchen stays a kitchen during a renovation, although repairs and modifications are undertaken. This typically includes painting, installing new flooring, and replacing accessories such as cabinet knobs and faucets. The renovation also includes structural reconstruction.
Suppose rotten wood members are detected, for example. In that case, they will be removed, and the region (wall, subfloor, or roof) will be replaced with new timber.
Remodelling, however, is modifying an area’s efficiency and design. It could take down a wall to extend a bathroom and rearrange a kitchen plan so that the cupboards, refrigerator, sink, and range are in various places.
Building an extension to your home is also considered a remodel. Remodelling only sometimes involves significant structural changes; it can be as easy as converting a guest bedroom into a home office. If the area’s purpose has changed, it has been remodelled.
How To Renovate a Kitchen on a Budget
Tip #1: Avoid putting in a new kitchen layout.
Keeping things in the same order can make a big difference if you’re trying to save money on your kitchen makeover. Changing how your kitchen is set up usually means moving pipes and wires around, which can increase costs.
Instead, think about making smart changes without rearranging everything. By keeping important things like sinks and appliances where they are, you save money on the people doing the work and the materials used. It also makes the whole renovation process smoother and easier.
Tip #2: Buy pre-assembled kitchen cabinets.
A kitchen cabinet cost is one of the most expensive aspects of any kitchen renovation. You should pick pre-assembled kitchen cabinets rather than modular kitchens if changing your cabinets.
We do sometimes suggest pre-assembled cabinets. These cabinets are significantly superior to plywood sheets in quality and cost. Still, they are far less expensive than custom-made cabinets. Furthermore, purchasing pre-assembled kitchen cabinets minimises the need to hire someone else to assemble or install the cabinets, helping you save money on installation fees.
Tip #3: Rather than replacing the cabinets, consider refreshing them.
In general, tear-out-and-replace projects cost more than projects that reuse most materials. Cabinetry in the kitchen is a perfect illustration of this. New kitchen cabinets can be costly, especially if you require custom-made parts to match your area. Fortunately, there are eco-friendly (because the old cabinets won’t wind up in a landfill) and cost-effective options to renew your existing cabinets.
Tip #4: Try Doing it yourself.
Do-it-yourself home remodelling projects enable you to pay for materials while saving money on labour. Some DIY remodelling projects that need beginner to intermediate skill levels include:
- Painting an interior
- Tiling
- Installation of flooring
- Changing light switches and outlets
- Putting up drywall
- Putting up baseboards and other trim
How-to workshops and demonstrations for essential home improvements are frequently held at local hardware stores and community colleges. Furthermore, hardware shop workers are often accessible to provide product and project guidance. Even better, these instructional tools are frequently accessible.
Remember: If you’re not sure you can do it, DON’T DO IT! It will be better to ask for help from expert builders rather than trying to do things you are not sure of.
Tip #5: Leave the plumbing as it is.
Moving your plumbing is a guaranteed way to overspend your kitchen makeover budget. Even if your plumbing fittings need to be updated, avoid changing the outlets at anyway cost. If you do, you could end up spending thousands of dollars to replace the plumbing and add new outlets.
Plan your renovation such that your plumbing fixtures remain in their existing location.
Tip # 6: Make an effort to choose the materials yourself.
When you ask a contractor to provide major items like flooring, cabinets, counters, and appliances, you give them a wide range to work with. There’s a risk you’ll end up paying the contractor an additional fee on top of the rates they provided.
Shopping for ample supplies might save you a lot of money on a kitchen remodel.
Tip #7: Do your research to select the best contractor.
You can start receiving bids once you have a general layout, chosen materials, and a scope of work.
Dealing with contractors can be difficult. Check out your local council’s website for helpful hints on researching your contractor and the items that must be included in a construction contract.
Choosing the best labour pricing isn’t always as simple as finding the appropriate contractor. It all comes down to selecting the proper contractor at the right moment. If a contractor is busy, he will probably still give you a price, but it will most likely not be the most excellent price. As a result, always obtain multiple quotations from reliable contractors.
Tip # 8: Try not to change your mind along with the project.
Do your best to smooth out your objectives before bidding, and secure as much quoted and priced out as possible before signing a building contract.
Because a contractor knows you’re unlikely to bid out a change request, he’s unlikely to give you the best price. Typically, the contractor will have obtained permission for the job, making it difficult or impossible to bring in another contractor to cover a gap.
Tip #9: Plan ahead of time and stick to it.
Setting a realistic budget before looking at sample materials is the simplest way to renovate your kitchen without spending too much money. Make a strategy before you begin a project. Remember to account for labour costs if you do not intend to do the work yourself.
Don’t only look at the bottom line. Instead, provide a bottom line and specific expenses for everything you intend to change. When considering options, don’t go over budget in any way. If you keep to a budget, you may make the best choices within your price range without quitting a project in the middle because you ran out of money.
What Renovations Can You Do Based on Your Budget Capacity?
If you have a specific budget and a strong desire to make some changes, here’s our breakdown of what renovations you can consider within your financial means.
Low Budget ($100 - $500):
- Painting: A fresh coat of paint can breathe new life into any room.
- Upgraded Lighting Fixtures: Swap out old fixtures for more modern or stylish options.
- New Cabinet Hardware: Change cabinet handles and knobs for a quick, cost-effective upgrade.
Moderate Budget ($500 - $1,000):
- Vinyl Flooring: Affordable and durable options are available for a moderate budget.
- Backsplash Installation: Enhance your kitchen’s look with a stylish backsplash.
- DIY Projects: Invest in materials for do-it-yourself projects like open shelving or a kitchen island.
Medium Budget ($1,000 - $5,000):
- Appliance Upgrades: Consider replacing old appliances with more energy-efficient models.
- Countertop Replacement: Upgrade to a new material for a modern appearance.
- Professional Painting: Hire a professional for a more polished and refined paint job.
High Budget ($5,000 - $20,000):
- Cabinet Replacement: Install new cabinets for a complete transformation.
- New Flooring Installation: Invest in high-quality flooring materials like hardwood or tile.
- Customised Storage Solutions: Opt for built-in storage solutions tailored to your needs.
Luxury Budget ($20,000 and above):
Complete Kitchen Overhaul includes a full remodel with new layouts, appliances, and finishes.
- High-End Materials: Choose premium materials for countertops, cabinets, and flooring.
- Professional Design Services: Hire professionals for a customised design plan and expert execution.
Remember, regardless of your budget, careful planning and prioritising key elements can help you achieve a satisfying kitchen renovation that aligns with your financial capacity.
When Do You Need A Kitchen Renovation?
Kitchens are the most popular section of a home to renovate since they are a regularly used area that can add substantial value to your property if updated. Most homeowners will remodel their kitchen at least once. Still, due to the high utilisation of this space, especially in multi-occupancy homes, building experts recommend upgrading your kitchen every 10-15 years.
Frequently, we advise our clients to plan on having a kitchen renovation when they encounter some of the lists we have below:
- The kitchen is showing signs of intolerable damage.
- The functionality of your kitchen is no longer suitable for your lifestyle.
- You have an outdated kitchen design.
- Your kitchen needs new appliances.
Frequently Asked Questions
The timeline for a kitchen renovation depends on the complexity of the project. Simple renovations might take a few weeks, while more extensive remodels can stretch into several months.
The need for permits depends on the scope of your project and local building codes. Check with your local authorities to determine whether permits are required for your specific renovation.
Consider alternatives such as laminate or butcher block countertops instead of granite, luxury vinyl or laminate flooring instead of hardwood, and pre-assembled cabinets instead of custom-made. These alternatives can provide a stylish look without breaking the bank.
Conclusion
So, fixing up your kitchen without spending a ton of money is totally doable and pretty exciting. It’s not just about cash; it’s about turning your kitchen into something cool and useful.
Remember, you don’t have to change everything. Keeping your kitchen layout as it is can save you a bunch of money. No need to mess with pipes and wires if you don’t have to, right?
Whether doing it all yourself or getting help, making good choices is the key. Think about what matters most to you in your kitchen, and focus on that. And its always the best idea to work with your trusted kitchen renovators. We will definitely save you from a lot of stress with working on your budget.
