We have all started spending more time at home after the covid pandemic. The problem areas of the house are more obvious than ever. But, inflation has hit high and our wallets are feeling the pressure. What should we do if we’re in need of a renovation project?
Especially when it comes to the kitchen, we cannot compromise on quality appliances and safety measures. So there are really just a few areas in which we can reduce our budget. That doesn’t mean we need to postpone our kitchen renovation plans.
There are several small measures that we can take to save some money and still get the kitchen of our dreams. It might mean compromising a little on your ideal vision, but you don’t have to live with your old kitchen even though you’re unhappy with it.
10 Money-Saving Tips for Renovating Your Kitchen
We have some great ideas for kitchen renovation on a budget. Depending on the size and requirements of your home kitchen, you can apply these tips and save some money.
1. Reuse, Don’t Replace
Not all objects inside your kitchen need to be replaced. When planning a renovation, make a list of items that can be reused in any capacity. These might be cabinets, containers, tiles, or anything that catches your eye.
You can also choose to mix it up with old materials. For instance, use some floor tiles from corners to cover the backsplash zone behind the sink. This way, the new-looking tiles don’t have to be thrown away and you get a new look for your sink.
2. Have a Realistic Budget and Stick to It
Fixing a budget is crucial. But if you fix a very low and idealistic budget, you will end up overshooting it significantly. Instead, chalk out a budget that covers all your must-haves and leaves something extra for emergency repairs.
Make sure you don’t exceed this budget. Look around for workers who fit the bill and choose cheaper materials like refurbished wood to reduce some of the costs.
3. Watch Out for Sales and Discounts
Time your kitchen renovation around sales and discounts, if it’s not too urgent. You might think that sale prices are a sham, but it is a quick way to reduce the costs of some high-priced materials like flooring and appliances.
Look out for seasonal sales and discount offers. Even if you save a little, it will go a long way in reducing the budget for your kitchen remodelling.
4. Indulge in DIY
You don’t need to be an expert handyman to do some DIY projects for your kitchen renovation. If you’re able to do tasks like laying tiles and assembling cabinets, consider doing them yourself instead of employing contractors.
You can save a lot of money on labour. But if you’re not at all familiar with domestic tasks, at least prepare the renovation space before workers arrive. This way, you can optimize their work time and spend less if you’re paying by the hour.
5. Pick a High-Budget Area
Money-saving tips for kitchen should not include compromising on quality and safety. Your kitchen needs quality appliances and fixtures. If you do a lot of spicy cooking, invest in a good chimney. If your oven use is high, get a standard oven to do the trick.
Depending on your choices and requirements, pick an area in the kitchen that will be high-budget. Focus a large percentage of your budget on this area for the best quality materials. You can cut costs on items that you would rarely use or that need frequent upcycling.
6. Opt for Sustainable Materials
Some materials are more effective and sustainable than their expensive counterparts. For instance, a granite or quartzite kitchen counter makes more sense from a durability and price perspective than a marble counter.
Choose such alternatives to get high-quality products at a lower price. Opt for engineered wood and stone, terrazzo slabs, and other such materials with a lower fabrication cost. You can save a huge margin by making these sustainable decisions.
7. Refurbish the Appliances You Can
You can choose alternatives for expensive counters and cabinets, but appliances need to be top-grade to last long and save power. If your old appliances are still working fine, don’t just throw them away because you need a new look.
Try upcycling them with vinyl wrappers, wood panels, and new designs and patterns to match the rest of the kitchen scheme. Trashing a good appliance is the biggest mistake you can make, and it takes a huge chunk out of your budget.
If you have to buy a new appliance, consider choosing mid-range reliable brands instead of the most top-of-the-scale model. Ask for discounted or refurbished items at the store. Buying refurbished appliances is great for saving money and also reduces electronic waste for the environment.
8. Try Not to Change the Kitchen Layout
You might be bored with your kitchen layout, but unless it needs a change for utilitarian purposes, do NOT change where things are. Doing the whole thing from scratch again is a big no-no if you’re looking to save money.
There are many other ways to make your kitchen look different. Change colour schemes, use funky wallpapers and wooden panels, and add elements that add personalization. But don’t think about changing your counter position just for the sake of it.
9. Open Shelves Save Money
Open shelving saves money that goes into cabinet doors and extra support. They also make your kitchen look bigger and open up space for more elements. You can make open shelves look interesting through painted planks and a quirky design arrangement.
It also makes the kitchen look elegant and minimalistic. Just ensure you dust your shelf-tops regularly to keep the area clean and hygienic.
10. Renovate in Stages
If you’re tight on budget, you don’t have to change up the whole space at once. Plan your renovation project in stages. Start with the areas that need immediate attention. Replace risky appliances and shabby fittings.
The activities that can be postponed should be. Wait for a better time and budget to undertake bigger tasks. Control your impulses and make smart choices to save more money.
Home renovation projects are interesting and fun, but can be taxing in terms of labour and money. That’s why you need efficient tips to save money without compromising on the final look of your kitchen.
To get better ideas and money-saving tactics for your kitchen renovation, consult the experts at HomeLane.
