When considering adding interest to the house and changing the atmosphere, the kitchen is the right space for some changes, which will also be reflected throughout the entire vibe and aesthetic of the house.
When you invest in a home improvement project, you want to make sure the results not only satisfy you but also add value to your home and save you money. There is nothing more real than a kitchen remodel. In a kitchen remodel, the cost can add up so quickly that your budget suddenly seems like a penny in a jar. To avoid this and keep costs consistent, while still getting the kitchen of your dreams, here are some of our favorite ways to get the most out of a tight budget.
Use cabinets that are ready to be assembled.
The biggest cost of a kitchen renovation is new cabinets. The most expensive option is customization, for which you design, build, and install cabinets specifically to suit your space. Exotic wood, gorgeous details, and retro style will increase cost and delivery time but will bring a unique kitchen. The cost of a custom cabinet can range from US$10,000 to US$60,000, as the price per linear foot of the cabinet ranges from US$250 to US$1,500.
If your budget does not allow you to customize, but you need a new cabinet, Ready to Assemble (RTA) is a good choice. Off-the-shelf or semi-custom cabinets can sometimes cost half the cost, ranging from $125 to $900 per linear foot, depending on the material, style, and installation cost. If you like to do things yourself, you can assemble them yourself; otherwise, you will need to hire a contractor. Semi-custom cabinets are selected from existing designs and prefabricated off-site according to standard sizes, with limited options in terms of size, style, materials, and finishes.
The Instock cabinet is for customers who want to get the cabinet right away and start using it. These lockers come in standard sizes, shapes, and colors. Since the size of the cabinet is not based on your kitchen, you may need space-wasting fillers for the cabinets to fit. These cabinets are very affordable for remodelers on a budget. Cabinet prices range from $ 75 to $ 400 per linear foot. But keep in mind that fees vary by location.
If possible, keep the existing cabinet.
If your cabinets are of high quality and you like this style, updating them is a good option. Amazingly, color can change the kitchen and a few coats of paint can bring a once drab space to life. Resurfacing and painting are the most cost-effective options, but be sure to take the necessary steps to achieve a beautiful finish.
A simple paint job may cost hundreds of dollars. But for more extensive repair work, if a new coat is added to the surface of the cabinet, it may cost between US$5,000 and US$15,000.
Choose open shelves whenever possible.
Open shelves create interest in space and save money. Using reclaimed wood or painted wooden planks from a local hardware store as a shelf is a cost-effective and practical option for displaying everyday dishes (items that don’t spend enough time on the shelf to collect dust).
Open shelves can save you thousands of dollars, but while it may be tempting to remove cabinets entirely, they are still valuable and efficient for storage, especially if you have a small kitchen and lots of things to fit in.
Consider alternative materials for countertops.
There are a variety of countertops to choose from: solid surfaces, recyclables, concrete, tiles, stone, etc. Granite is still a popular choice for countertops, but for $ 50-100 or more per install per square foot, you can boost any budget. Consider using two different surfaces, such as making peripheral sacrificial blocks and island granite. This can cut costs in half.
If granite is not in your budget, but you like the look of stone, consider laminate, which is an inexpensive alternative. Costs range from $ 8 to $ 20 per square foot, including installation. Laminates have made great progress with their high-definition options and new cutting contours. The new laminate looks very much like stone, and you can easily be fooled.
Put the appliance in its place.
If your plan is to buy new cabinets, please consider leaving your appliances where they are. The mechanical and electrical components of mobile appliances can be expensive, not to mention the ceiling on the floor below, and the walls may need to be cut to expose the mechanical components. These are costs that many homeowners do not consider when planning a kitchen remodel.
Leaving your appliances in place can save you thousands of dollars. In most cases, the cost of moving a device 1 foot is the same as the cost of moving 6 feet, depending on the location of the mechanical equipment.
See different options for islands.
A 6-foot island with new cabinets can cost more than $ 800. Instead of using cabinets on the kitchen island, consider repurposing a piece of furniture. An old table or dresser is a great option to bring a unique personality to space. Depending on the resources you have, you can save hundreds of dollars.
Choose cuts instead of removing walls.
Many homeowners want to open up the space between the kitchen and the family room to create an open floor plan. There are many things to consider when removing walls. Does it support the weight? Do you have ventilation, plumbing, or electricity that needs to be transferred? After the walls are removed, the ceiling, other walls, and floors may need to be cut and repaired.
A cheaper option that can be considered is pruning. Not only does it open up a room, but it can also provide additional counter space and an additional seating area. You still need to check the machinery and plumbing, but you do not need to repair the floor and ceiling, which saves you money.
Try track lighting instead of recessed lighting.
Adding recessed lighting can turn out to be a bigger project than planned. It is necessary to open the roof and add wires. There may be hidden costs in roof repair. The total cost for a single recessed light is $ 100-150, including the cost of materials and electricians. This can add up quickly.
To cut costs, consider track lighting. There are many styles, shapes, and finishes. They provide plenty of light for kitchen tasks, and when placed on a dimmer, they emit beautiful ambient light.
Consider upgrading in phases.
If your budget is low, do a few projects later. This will spread the cost of the renovation, saving you money for your next project. The backsplashes can be installed at any time after the countertops and cabinets are installed. If you can’t bear to see Sheetrock, think about wallpaper, a simple item that can easily be tucked into your wallet.
Adding glass to your cabinet doors is a project that can be completed anytime, simply, and inexpensively.
Replacing hardware is a project that costs hundreds of dollars. If the new hardware is adequate for the current holes in the cabinet doors and drawers, you can postpone the replacement.
UNICA Concept will be happy to help you
UNICA Concept is always here to help you with the confusion you might have while designing your new kitchen cabinets. For almost two decades operating in this field on Canada’s market, we have been more than happy to help every customer and build every dream. we’re not only specialized in kitchen cabinet making, but also in closets, bathroom vanities, reception desks, wall panels, store fixtures, or libraries. Our team is very professional, talented, and well trained. We appreciate every client’s idea and assure you that our job will meet your expectations. Contact us via email at [email protected] or via phone at 416-746-2226 to give you a step-by-step guide on designing the best kitchen you can dream of.
