Ways to Keep Your Kitchen Remodeling Project in Budget
One of the biggest challenges to overcome when doing a kitchen remodel is cost. Even with a clear budget in mind, the cost of making the necessary – and desired – changes to the kitchen can quickly get out of hand. It is not uncommon for a simple remodeling project to turn into an extensive one at two or three times the intended cost.
Fortunately, there are ways to keep your remodeling project within budget. You don’t have to sacrifice that new appliance you have always wanted or the countertop material you think will look good with the new cabinets. Simply follow these smart tips and get started with your own project.
Keep a Kitchen Remodeling Checklist
It is always best to start the remodeling project with a budget in mind. You need to know how much you can afford to spend on the project so that you can plan accordingly. Here’s the one secret to remember: you don’t have to do everything in one go.
Instead of forcing yourself to do a big remodel and put an unnecessary strain on your personal finances, you can achieve better results by pacing yourself and making a long-term plan. Start with a kitchen remodeling checklist detailing everything you want to do with the kitchen. Continue by choosing items in the checklist you can afford with your current budget.
The rest of the project can be scheduled for later when you have more money to invest in the kitchen. You still get the perfect kitchen of your dream, but without stretching your budget or sacrificing quality in the process.
Invest More Time
You can actually save a lot of money by investing your time instead. There are plenty of DIY projects you can do on weekends to help keep the renovation project moving smoothly. Doing your own backsplash from repurposed tiles or spending a day polishing the new granite countertop will not only save you money but also give you that extra satisfaction.
If you have the skills and tools, you can also take on bigger parts of the project. I know a couple of friends who chose to make their own concealed cabinets for their kitchen. Being handy with woodworking tools can be very rewarding indeed.
Design Around the Structure
Structural changes are the most expensive to deal with in a kitchen remodeling project. Changing the piping and utility layout can increase the cost of the project substantially.
To keep the project costs in check, try to plan the remodeling project around the existing structure and layout. Avoid making unnecessary big changes to plumbing and utilities. You can allocate the money you save on other, more valuable things, such as a new set of white cabinets that look gorgeous with the gray countertop you want to get for the new kitchen.
These tips are very easy to follow, but they can save you so much and will help keep your remodeling project affordable. Be smart, plan ahead, and use the tips we discussed in this article to help you stay in budget.