Kitchen Remodeling on a Budget
So your kitchen is starting to look bland or show signs of wear, and you think it’s time to change things up. Chances are you’re taking out the catalogs or checking the Web for kitchen design ideas. But what if you don’t have the time or money to build the kitchen you want? Don’t worry—a lot of people face the same problem, and the good news is that there’s a way around it. Thanks to advances in the kitchen industry, there are now solutions for any homeowner’s budget, no matter how small.
The first thing you have to do, as with any home project, is determine what needs to be done and how best to do it. Take the time to plan it out and consult a professional if necessary. At this point, you may also want to decide how much time, work, and money you’re willing to put into the whole thing. If you start the project with realistic expectations, you’ll find it easier to stay within your budget. This guide offers a few suggestions to help you make the most of your money when remodeling your kitchen.
Get help early on.
Let’s face it, not everyone is cut out for kitchen work, especially when it comes to kitchen installation. While you can save money up front by doing it yourself, you might end up making costly mistakes that will cancel out any savings you’ve made. So if you don’t have prior experience, it pays to spend a bit more on professional assistance. Not only does it ensure good clean work, it also helps you learn the basics so you’ll be more informed for future maintenance.
Needless to say, it’s important to weigh your options when choosing a contractor. You’ll want someone who has worked on kitchens similar to yours in size, style and budget. Preferably, he or she will be based in your area so you can consult him any time for repairs or additional information. Probably the most important factor is the company’s reputation—don’t be afraid to ask for references and call up previous clients to ask for feedback.
Consider downsizing.
When people think of a kitchen upgrade, they usually imagine a bigger space than what they started out with. But more and more people are getting into small kitchen remodeling. In many ways, a smaller kitchen can be just as much of an upgrade as a bigger one. For one thing, it’s going to be more manageable, easier to clean, and much cheaper to decorate. It also leaves you more space for other living areas.
When downsizing your kitchen, one thing to keep in mind is that function always comes first. Start by placing your main work areas (usually the sink, fridge and stove) in the "work triangle" and making sure all are within easy reach. Don’t forget to allot room for traffic and movement as well. The key is to emphasize quality over quantity—even if you spend just as much as for a large kitchen, you’ll be getting better use out of each item.
Invest in quality cookware.
Homeowners often end up restocking their kitchen along with the remodeling itself. After all, it’s nice to have a brand-new cutlery set to go with your new kitchen. The problem is that most of them forgo quality and just get the cheapest gear on the shelf, figuring they’ve spent enough on remodeling anyway. But quality is just as important in cookware as it is in kitchen fittings. Before buying, try reading some kitchen product reviews to make sure you’re choosing the right piece.
It may be tempting to get one of those "starter" kitchen kits, since they give you practically everything you need in one go. But often, they’ll include two or three items that you’ll never end up using, and you’ll be missing a few key pieces as well. Besides, they’re usually inferior quality-wise. It’s more practical to buy things off the bat and get only what you need, when you need them.
Think in themes.
Visual appeal is just as important in a kitchen as function. You may not notice it, but your color choices affect the way you work, eat and go about everyday activities in strong yet subtle ways. Choose colors that you personally like, but also work well with your current color palette. Focus your colors on the cabinets, tiles, and counters, as these are usually the most visible parts of the room.
If you’re out of ideas for color schemes, you can get some from a kitchen photo gallery. Just look up some pictures online or browse through a design magazine. Look for kitchens that have the colors you want and see how they make it work through patterns and combinations. Be as creative as you want—the more unique it is, the more your kitchen will stand out.
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