Secrets of budget kitchen renovations
Years of experience has taught me it’s not money that’s the big ace in a renovator’s pack – it’s knowing how to stretch every dollar as far as possible.
USE THE POWER OF PAINT
There’s no better way to get an instant transformation than with a perfectly applied coat of paint – and I’m not just talking about traditional paint on plaster walls and timber trims.
LAYING DOWN THE FLOOR
Today’s flooring designs are often durable and cheap. Gerflor stick-on vinyl flooring is a simple and versatile solution that you can run straight over solid existing floors. It can also be used in wet areas, making it suitable for bathrooms
REMODEL
Kitchens can be terrifically expensive to renovate, or you can take some nifty shortcuts. If the cabinets are in good shape, just change the drawer and cupboard fronts for a fraction of the price of putting in a new kitchen.
UPDATE LIGHTS
Places like Ikea and Bunnings offer loads of creative and affordable lighting solutions, so there’s no excuse to settle for daggy or dated lighting.
Things I Wish I Knew Before Starting a Kitchen Remodel
I’m not going to lie… starting a kitchen remodel can be daunting. And the first kitchen renovation project I ever took on was a bit of a doozy. When it comes to kitchens, there are SO MANY factors and customizations to consider that it can be totally paralyzing to pick materials. And that’s the fun part of it! Don’t even get me started on the snags you can run into with plumbing, layout, and more. After working on hundreds of kitchens over the years, I’ve learned some serious pro tips I’m going to share with you to help you get your project off on the right foot.
Since my knowledge of kitchen reno projects knows no bounds, I had my Built Custom Homes team create a Q&A with me to help me organize my thoughts. I’m sharing all the Things I Wish I Knew (and kicking off a super informative new monthly series with you guys!) before starting a kitchen remodel. So hopefully you can get your project headed in the right direction! Whether you’re just painting your cabinets a new color or ripping everything out and starting over, I’m hoping these tips will help you make the best decisions for your project. Let’s get to work!
How important is it to start with your WHY for remodeling the kitchen? Tha is, before you make any purchases or demo anything? Why do you need to answer questions with yourself and your contractor to figure out your space’s needs?
The first thing you should start with on any remodeling project is the “why.” For the kitchen, it’s why you’re redoing it and what you hope to accomplish. Do you need more space? New everything? Seating? Better lighting? Making a list of “why” you’re redoing your kitchen will help you stay focused when you actually start making decisions. We can get really sidetracked with crazy tile patterns, expensive appliances, etc., and end up losing vision of our original goal
What’s the first thing you need to consider when starting a kitchen remodel?
The first thing to consider when updating your kitchen is EVERYTHING. Ha! No, but really, you can’t just start picking things at random and expect everything to fall into place. The place I always start with is making a list of everything I need to decide on, from start to finish. This list could include: flooring, cabinets, countertops, backsplash, cabinet hardware, fixtures (faucet, etc.), sinks, appliances, lighting, wall and ceiling paint colors… the list gets long! However, if you think you might change the floor plan of your kitchen, that would be the best place to start.
What’s the most timeless or classic material you could use in a kitchen?
Easy answer: subway tile. Unpredictable answer: marble. Best of both worlds – use them together! If you want a really “safe” and timeless kitchen, don’t try to reinvent the wheel! Look no further than a beautiful white subway tile and marble (or marble look) countertops. OR, you can mix it up and do clean white quartz countertops and marble 3×6” tile for the backsplash.
Kitchen Renovation Ideas
Reinvent with New Kitchen Cabinets
Of all your kitchen renovation projects, changing your cabinets will guarantee the greatest impact. New cabinetry not only transforms your kitchen’s look and practical use; it increases the value of your home. For a simple, cost-effective solution, mix and match Nimble kitchen cabinet collections. Assembly is as easy as a simple click, suitable for all DIY levels. Find the latest styles and finishes available online and pick-up in-store
Look for Style & Substance in Your Countertops
Trying to decide between laminate or solid-surface kitchen countertops? While laminate seems more budget-friendly, take the leap to granite and quartz as a long-term investment. Made from natural stone, they’re more than a stunning addition to the heart of your home. These slabs can boost your resale value and serve as the ultimate cooking surface. Solid-surface countertops are low-maintenance and resistant to heat, water, bacteria, and stains.
Save Time & Energy with Powerful Appliances
It’s easy to take them for granted! Don’t wait until old appliances start to show their wear and tear before shopping for replacements. certified major appliances — such as refrigerators and dishwashers — offer annual savings for your electricity bill. Popular for eco-conscious consumers, they are also environmentally-friendly.
Make a Splash with Sink & Faucet Upgrades
Avoid common DIY installation mistakes for kitchen sink and faucet upgrades. Purchase your faucet first before you buy a kitchen sink to match the appropriate number of holes. Likewise, when shopping for your faucet, consider what kind of sink you need. For example, growing families may opt for a deep apron sink for bathing a baby. Hands-free faucets accommodate all physical abilities, while pull-down faucets offer control and flexibility for filling large pots.
Layer Lighting to Let Your Kitchen Shine
As a general rule in the kitchen, and any other room at home, design experts recommend layering different lighting types in the same space. There are four types of lighting that each serve a purpose. Track lighting or semi-flush ceiling lights are examples of ambient lighting; they provide a warm, pleasant glow and set the general mood or atmosphere.
Nearby Kitchen Remodeling in Your Area
How much will kitchen remodelers near me charge per hour?
The average fee per hour for custom kitchen contractors is $100 to $200. High-end kitchen designers and remodeling companies can charge up to $800 per hour. The cost of installing appliances cost $100 to $300 for each appliance that is installed. Electrical work averages from $50 to $100 per hour of work done.
Where does my budget go during the kitchen remodeling process?
It is estimated that 10% of the overall kitchen remodeling budget goes to pay for the labor. The cost may fluctuate upwards but a reasonable cost fits in that range. The percentage can also help you find the right contractor for you who is offering a reasonable cost.
How do I find the right kitchen remodeling company near me?
Use this page to quickly connect with three kitchen remodeling companies. Get estimates from each of them – it will allow you to gauge the local price points and averages. Some remodeling contractors offer kitchen remodeling packages from $5,000 to $60,000. These packages stipulate the kind of work to be done including change of countertops, flooring, new cabinets, wall painting or new appliances. However, these packages are not flexible. Homeowners are not able to change the things they do not like about the remodeling package they choose
What is a custom remodeler?
A custom remodeler is a contractor who works on the items you agree on during the kitchen remodeling project. This is much more convenient because you get to choose what you want to be changed and dictate the extent in which changes are made.
REMODELING YOUR KITCHEN
The kitchen is called the heart of the home for a reason; this room is the epicenter of family life. Not only will you cook and eat your daily meals in your kitchen, but you will also celebrate holidays, entertain guests, and spend quality time with family and friends. For all these reasons, the design and style of your kitchen is of the utmost importance. This is why most home owners place kitchen remodeling at the top of their home remodeling to do list.
The age old question of, ‘How much will a kitchen remodel cost?’ The cost of renovating your kitchen can vary greatly from 10,000 for low budget kitchen remodeling project to 100,000 for custom high end kitchen remodeling project. The overall cost of the kitchen renovation will depend on your style, remodeling plan, and personal tastes. However, there is good news! Remodeling your kitchen is one of the best ways to get a return on your investment, when you decide to sell your home. Kitchen renovations average the highest return on investment (ROI), more than any other room in the home. Most home owners can expect to recoup 70-90% of the money spent on the kitchen upon resale. Whether you are planning to live in your home for years to come or you are planning on selling your house as soon as possible, the added value of a newly renovated kitchen is not lost.
Demoing your Kitchen
Instead of simply smashing through your kitchen, try to compile a course of action:
Remove the cabinets from the wall by unscrewing them
Using a knife, remove all trims and moldings from the wall
Unplug and shut off all appliances and lighting fixtures and remove them
Cover any exposed wires
Place all debris and unwanted materials in a dumpster; recycle old appliances
Replacing your Outdated Plumbing
With the walls open and everything hanging out, now is the time to get your hands on the new plumbing you’ve been yearning for.
As you are dealing with older plumbing, be cautious and have buckets readily available to catch leaks
If you’re under the sink plumbing is galvanized, replace it all!
Be prepared to replacing your shut off valve (or anything else for that matter)
If you are switching from an electric to a gas stove; contemplate incorporating a new gas lin
All Things Electrical
The kitchen renovation is as much about the electrical work as it is about the cabinets. With appliances and lighting galore, you need to make ensure that your electrical work is up to code. You should also check with your contractor to see if you should upgrade your circuit breaker box to 200 amps