There’s no question that a kitchen renovation is a big undertaking. There are many moving parts to this kind of project and depending on the scale of the renovation, costs can run anywhere from 10 to 30K. That said, with a little ingenuity and some careful planning, you can save money on your renovation without sacrificing on quality or workmanship!
If you’re looking to renovate your kitchen, but want to keep costs low, here are five ways to do just that:
1. Repurpose your Existing Cabinets
New cabinets are traditionally the most expensive part of a renovation. They can account for as much as 30-40% of a renovation budget. Custom cabinets can cost upwards of $10,000. Consider repurposing your existing cabinets instead. With a little sanding, paint and some shiny new hardware, your old kitchen cabinets will look as good as new. This alone can save you thousands of dollars.
2. Don’t Do Granite Countertops
Though aesthetically pleasing, granite is far from your only option for a countertop material. Granite typically costs around $100 a square foot, so choosing this material isn’t the best budget decision. Opt for a cost-effective alternative like quartz, butcher’s block or laminate, all of which come in stylish options and run around $50 a square foot. This will cut your countertop expenses in half!
3. Maintain your Kitchen’s Layout
Another big expense when it comes to kitchen renos is deciding to move appliances around. Moving an appliance can incur major costs as it involves cutting into walls to re-wire and hook up plumbing. It can cost hundreds of dollars just to move an appliance a couple feet. Unless absolutely necessary, consider maintaining the same kitchen layout when you renovate. Keeping that layout will save you money that you can re-invest in other upgrades — perhaps even new appliances!
4. Choose a Budget-Friendly Backsplash
Backsplash is typically done in tile, but like granite countertops, this is an expensive option. There are lots of attractive alternatives to tile that are much more budget-friendly. Consider using venetian plaster instead. This option is inexpensive, environmentally-friendly, easy to apply, durable and easy to clean! Shiplap is also a popular option these days and is highly affordable.
5. Get Creative for your Island
Kitchen islands are another big-ticket item that can cost over $1000. For a custom island, the price doubles. Instead, consider repurposing a piece of furniture to function as an island in your kitchen. With a little paint and some refinishing, an antique dresser, table or sideboard can work perfectly as an island. This will add a ton of character to your space as well. If you don’t have a piece of furniture that works, hit up thrift stores or browse Craigslist to find something unique.
Renovating your kitchen will cost money, but by keeping an open-mind and getting a little creative, you can drastically reduce those costs!
At NeighborBuild, we understand how important it is for you to stick to your budget which is why we proactively recommend ways to save to our clients. We would be happy to consult obligation-free on your next project. Just give us a call at 613-692-7052 or email info@neighborbuild.ca.
