Kitchen remodels can be expensive undertakings, with the average cost coming in around $25,000. However, there are ways to get the updated kitchen of your dreams while keeping costs down. With some savvy planning and strategic decision-making, you can complete your kitchen remodel on a budget. Here are 6 effective ways to save on your kitchen remodeling costs.
Carefully Evaluate Your Needs and Goals
Before beginning a kitchen remodel, take the time to carefully evaluate what you hope to achieve. Make a list of your needs, wants, and top priorities. This will help guide your decisions and prevent “scope creep” that can unnecessarily inflate costs. Consider elements like:
- Functionality – How does your current layout fall short in workflow and storage? Focus on fixes that will maximize utility.
- Aesthetics – What about the look do you most want to change? Focus visual updates in key areas like cabinets, countertops, and backsplash.
- Lifestyle – Do you regularly cook for crowds or need accommodations for aging family members? Design for how you actually use the space.
- Longevity – Do you plan to stay in the home long-term or resell soon? Balance current desires with wise investments for the future.
By drilling down on your goals for the remodel, you can more easily prioritize and determine where to allocate your budget. Resist succumbing to trends or comparisons with other kitchens. Stick close to the functions and aesthetic you value most.
Consider Your Timeline and Schedule Smartly
The timeline of your remodel can significantly impact the costs. If you have flexibility, aim to schedule the remodel during the off-season when contractor demand is lower. Avoid spring and summer when their schedules fill up quickly. By planning the remodel during a slower season like late fall or winter, you’re more likely to get discounted bids and quicker turnaround times.
It’s also advisable to schedule the work during a time that won’t disrupt key activities. For instance, if the kitchen is the main gathering place for entertaining during the holidays, wait until after the season to start the remodel. Working around existing activities reduces costs associated with temporary cooking arrangements and takeout meals.
Finally, build enough wiggle room into your timeline. Remodeling almost always uncovers some surprises and hiccups. Ensure the timeline can accommodate unexpected delays without forcing a rushed approach that could drive up costs.
Shop Sales and Discount Outlets
One of the biggest cost savers is sourcing materials at a discount. Take the time to research options and wait for sales on big ticket items like appliances and cabinets. Here are some top places to find deals:
- Home improvement store sales: Stores like Home Depot and Lowe’s regularly run 10-15% sales on appliances, especially around holiday weekends. Create alerts for items you want and pounce during sales.
- Online retailers: Online appliance retailers like AJ Madison and Appliances Connection offer competitive pricing and free shipping. They also don’t have the huge overhead of brick-and-mortar stores.
- Discount home outlets: Check out discount home outlets like Habitat for Humanity’s ReStore and scratch-and-dent appliance shops. You can often find high-end materials in great condition at 50-75% off retail pricing.
- Used materials: Consider sourcing some materials like cabinets, sinks, and lighting fixtures from used building supply stores, antique shops, or even garage and estate sales. These can add charm while slashing costs.
Put in the legwork to find bargains. Getting top quality materials at a fraction of retail pricing can greatly reduce your total remodel spend.
Opt for Stock Cabinets Over Custom
One of the biggest cost sinks in a kitchen remodel is custom cabinetry. While offering seemingly endless options for sizes, finishes, and details, custom cabinets come at a steep premium. Stock cabinets are a budget-friendly alternative. Home improvement stores now offer a wide array of styles, materials, and configurations.
Here are some tips for choosing affordable stock cabinets:
- Stick with standard cabinet widths like 30” & 36” to maximize your layout options
- Consider shaker or slab door styles for a clean, timeless look
- Opt for stock cabinets in a neutral color like white, gray, or wood tone for broadest appeal
- Add designer details like glass fronts, decorative hardware, or accent end panels
Taking time to work within the stock offering allows major cost savings. Complementary fittings like knobs, pulls, and lighting provide opportunities to inject personality. The result can look custom for a fraction of the price.
Install Countertops Yourself
Countertops also represent a major remodel investment. Material costs quickly escalate for natural stone and high-end surfaces like quartz. Budget-friendly options like laminate have improved dramatically but lack the resale value of stone.
Installing countertops yourself can yield huge cost savings. Materials like butcher block, tile, and some quartz patterns can be DIYed. Use online calculators to determine the materials needed. Have countertop slabs cut to size at the retailer. Then lay a plywood sub-base, roll on adhesive, and set the counters. YouTube tutorials provide step-by-step guidance.
While more labor intensive, finishing edges and sealing also comes in significantly cheaper than hiring a pro. Just ensure you have a helper and proper safety equipment. Installing your own counters can cut more than 50% from typical installation costs.
Install Cabinets Yourself
Ambitious DIYers can also tackle installing their own stock cabinets. The key steps include:
- Carefully measuring and marking stud locations
- Using a level to draw cabinet location lines on the walls
- Securing 2×4 mounting strips into the studs
- Using screws to mount wall cabinets to the strips
- Setting the base cabinets and securing together
- Making sure tops and fronts are level and plumb
Watch online videos to learn proper techniques. Allow plenty of time and get helpers for an extra set of hands. Keep safety top of mind. While demanding physical work, installing your own cabinets can reduce costs $2,000-$4,000 on the typical kitchen.
Negotiate Lower Project Costs
Never automatically accept the first quote from contractors. There is usually room to negotiate lower prices on both labor and materials. Take time to get 2-3 bids and approach the negotiations as open conversations.
Point out ways you are helping reduce costs like:
- Providing stock cabinet specifications rather than custom
- Sourcing some materials yourself at a discount
- Flexible on timeline and willing to work around other schedules
- Taking on some straightforward tasks like installing counters/cabinets
Many contractors will work with you, especially for big jobs. Let them know you are price shopping and a strong bid may win the job. Finding ways to shave even 10% off quotes can generate major savings, so take time to negotiate.
With some strategic planning and savvy decision making, you can successfully complete a beautiful kitchen remodel without breaking the bank. Focus on your key goals, take advantage of sales and discounts, limit custom work, and negotiate with trades to control costs. Using all these techniques together can potentially yield thousands in savings, allowing you to get the updated kitchen of your dreams on a budget.
Frequently Asked Questions About Saving on Kitchen Remodels
Kitchen remodels often top home improvement budgets. But there are ways to get an updated kitchen without overspending. Here are answers to some frequently asked questions on how to keep kitchen remodel costs down.
Should I remodel my kitchen?
The best candidates for a cost-effective kitchen remodel are ones that are fundamentally sound but outdated. Kitchens with good bones but dated finishes can be dramatically updated for a reasonable spend. Complete gut jobs or significant layout changes will drive up budgets quickly. Focus on surfaces like cabinets, countertops, lighting, and flooring for the biggest visual impact for your dollar.
What is the average cost to remodel a kitchen?
According to the National Kitchen and Bath Association, the average for a major kitchen overhaul runs between $25,000-35,000. Upscale remodels with high-end finishes can easily eclipse $50,000-75,000. But modest updates like new countertops, sink, faucet, and paint can start under $7,000. Determine your must-haves vs. nice-to-have to establish a realistic budget.
How can I remodel my kitchen cheaply?
To save big on your kitchen remodel: shop sales & discount outlets, opt for stock vs. custom cabinets, install components yourself, negotiate prices, repurpose/refinish existing items, set an overall budget cap, scale down appliances, and limit changes to one key surface like cabinets or countertops.
Should I remodel kitchen before selling?
In most cases, yes. An updated kitchen can drastically improve a home’s resale value. According to the Remodeling Magazine Cost vs. Value report, midrange kitchen updates recoup about 75% of costs at resale. Luxury kitchens return slightly less at around 70%. Even modest kitchen updates like new countertops and appliances can add thousands to your home’s value.
Does DIY kitchen remodeling save money?
Absolutely. Tackling parts of the remodel yourself like cabinet install, counter overlay, and painting can reduce costs by 25% or more. But make sure to hire trades for complex electrical, plumbing, or structural work. Poor workmanship can cost you on the back end. Balance DIY with expert help to maximize cost savings.
Should I remodel kitchen or buy new home?
If your current home meets your space needs, remodeling is generally more cost effective than buying a new home. You avoid fees like mortgage closing costs and realtor commissions. Remodeling also allows you to stay in a home and neighborhood you love while getting the updated kitchen you want. Unless your home no longer fits your lifestyle, remodeling is usually the more budget savvy option.
Conclusion
Updated kitchens offer invaluable enjoyment and functionality. But sky-high remodel costs can deter homeowners from taking the plunge. With careful planning and strategic decisions, your dream kitchen can absolutely become reality without breaking the bank. Focus on setting clear goals, taking advantage of cost-saving resources and discounts, minimizing custom work, and negotiating with trades. Little savings add up to big budget benefits. Approach your remodel with creativity and patience. By implementing even some of these impactful tips, you can achieve a gorgeous, functional kitchen tailored to your needs and lifestyle at a price you can afford.