Kitchen and bathroom remodels can completely transform your home, but major renovations often come with major price tags. However, there are plenty of budget-friendly ways to update your kitchen or bath without breaking the bank. Here are the top 10 budget kitchen and bathroom remodels to consider for an affordable but impactful upgrade.
Refresh Cabinets with New Hardware and Paint
One of the easiest and most affordable kitchen upgrades is updating your existing cabinetry. Simply swapping out the old hardware for new knobs and pulls can give cabinets a fresh, modern look. For less than $20 per cabinet, you can install new hardware in a trendy finish like brass, black nickel or oil-rubbed bronze.
If your cabinets are scratched or dated, painting them is a budget-friendly option. With proper prep and primer, you can paint cabinets yourself for less than $100 in supplies. Opt for a crisp white for a clean, bright look or go bold with a deep color. Painting cabinets can make a huge visual impact without the cost of full cabinet replacement.
Update Countertops with New Materials or Resurfacing
Replacing countertops with natural stone or quartz can cost thousands, but alternative materials like laminate or Tile can offer the look for less. High-quality laminate with modern patterns now start around $40 per square foot installed. While not as durable as stone, laminate comes in many colors and styles.
Another option is resurfacing existing countertops. Kits like Giani Granite let you overlay new patterns and textures over your current countertops. At around $300 on average, resurfacing saves thousands compared to replacing the countertops entirely. It allows you to switch up the look while keeping your current counters intact underneath.
Upgrade Fixtures with New Faucets, Sinks and Lighting
Swapping out hardware is one of the simplest kitchen upgrades. A new faucet and sink can modernize the whole look of your kitchen. Faucets start around $100-$200 for basic styles and $500+ for high-end finishes. Undermount sinks run $200-$600 on average depending on material and size.
For the bathroom, new fixtures like faucets, sinks, mirrors and lighting can make a big impact. Wall-mounted faucets and floating vanities create a clean, sleek look for $500 or less. Pendant lights, sconces and under-cabinet lighting in trendy finishes liven up kitchens and baths for $100-$300.
Refresh Floors with Luxury Vinyl Tile
Ripping out and replacing kitchen or bathroom floors can rack up a big bill. Luxury vinyl tile (LVT) provides the elegant look of wood or stone floors for a fraction of the price. Quality LVT runs $2-$6 per square foot installed. It comes in stone, wood and concrete designs that mimic pricier counterparts.
LVT floors are waterproof and durable, making them ideal for kitchens and bathrooms. They can install right over your existing floors, saving you from total demolition. LVT is comfortable underfoot, affordable and easy to maintain.
Update Showers and Tubs with New Surrounds and Kits
Replacing an old tub or tile surround helps modernize the bathroom without remodeling the entire space. Kits like Surround kit start around $250 and include new tub walls, faucet trim, accessories and instructions for quick DIY upgrades.
New shower surrounds are also budget-friendly, starting around $150 for basic styles. Clear glass doors give showers an open, airy look for $250-$750 depending on size. Sliding barn doors add rustic flair for $300-$500. Tub-to-shower conversions open up small baths and run $1,500-$4,000 on average.
Add Simple Shelving and New Hardware
Inexpensive floating shelves make a surprisingly big impact in kitchens and baths. They instantly create display space for decor and essentials. Floating shelves start around $20-$50 apiece depending on size and material. Go modern with clean-lined steel and wood or try rustic looks like reclaimed barnwood.
Don’t underestimate the power of new cabinet hardware. Swapping out knobs and pulls for $20 or less per cabinet adds fresh style. Try unique shapes and finishes like black iron, copper and crystal for serious bang for buck. Changing up bathroom hardware like faucets, towel bars and mirrors also goes a long way.
Update Kitchen Appliances One at a Time
A full kitchen appliance overhaul can run tens of thousands, but you don’t have to do it all at once. Focus first on appliances you use the most. For example, swapping in a new gas range can run $500-$1500 and makes a huge impact. Over-the-range microwaves start around $150.
Small upgrades like a new garbage disposal ($100+ installed) or instant hot water dispenser ($200-$500) also improve convenience. Take it step-by-step to spread costs over time. Check for utility or rebate programs that offer discounts on kitchen appliance upgrades.
Add Architectural Interest with Open Shelving
Open shelving instantly livens up kitchens and bathrooms. The airy, open look suits any style from modern farmhouse to industrial. Floating shelves start around $20 per foot and can be installed in just about any space. Try a full wall of shelves in the kitchen for dishes and decor or a few smaller shelves in the bath for rolled towels and toiletries.
Built-in shelving also adds architectural interest on any budget. Even basic lumber and brackets can create designer-look shelves and ledges for towel storage, soap dishes and more. Add molding, trim and other details to take the look up a notch.
Paint Bathroom Tile and Kitchen Backsplashes
Painting ceramic bathroom tile or kitchen backsplashes lets you switch up the color scheme with zero demolition required. Kits like Tile Transformations include everything needed to paint existing tile and grout. At around $50 per 100 square feet, it saves thousands over ripping out and replacing tile.
Paint opens up limitless color options beyond standard tiles – fresh white, bold colors, even creative patters and murals. Antique kits can give tile or laminate a charming worn look. Just prep, paint and seal for an affordable new backdrop that looks like custom designer tile.
Lighten and Brighten with New Paint and Texture
A fresh coat of paint works wonders in dull and dated kitchens and bathrooms. Painting cabinets, walls and trim costs a fraction of major remodels but makes a noticeable difference. Whites, grays and light neutrals open up small spaces. Deep, dramatic colors make a statement.
Along with paint, consider new finishes and textures. Add board and batten paneling, shiplap or beadboard wainscoting with trim for an instant facelift. Faux treatments like ragging, sponging and glazing add dimension for $100 or less. Peel-and-stick tiles, decorative moldings and wall decals also jazz up kitchen and bath walls affordably.
FAQs About Budget Kitchen and Bathroom Remodels
Kitchen and bathroom remodels are a popular home project, but many homeowners wonder how to complete renovations on a budget. Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about affordable kitchen and bath updates.
What are the most cost-effective kitchen and bath remodels?
Some of the most budget-friendly kitchen and bathroom upgrades include painting cabinets, installing new faucets and fixtures, replacing hardware like knobs and pulls, installing floating shelves, painting existing tile and surfaces instead of replacing them, refacing cabinets and countertops, replacing flooring with vinyl alternatives, and updating appliances over time.
How much does a minor kitchen remodel cost?
According to the National Kitchen and Bath Association, a minor kitchen remodel including cabinet refacing, new appliances, countertops and sink averages $21,000. Focusing on very simple upgrades like paint, hardware, fixtures and lighting can likely be done for under $5,000.
How can I cut costs on my kitchen or bathroom remodel?
Tips for cutting costs include doing prep work like demo yourself, purchasing materials from discount retailers, installing DIY-friendly products like peel-and-stick tile and floating shelves, refacing or refinishing existing cabinets and surfaces instead of replacing them, and completing projects in phases instead of all at once.
What upgrades should I make first in my kitchen or bath?
Focus first on upgrades that will make the biggest visual difference or improve usability. Items like painting cabinets, adding new faucets and fixtures, installing upgraded task lighting, replacing old floors with budget-friendly vinyl plank, and adding shelving tend to give you the most bang for your buck.
Should I remodel my kitchen or bathroom first?
Bathrooms tend to provide a better return on investment than kitchens. The average bathroom remodel recoups about 70% of costs at resale, while kitchens recoup about 60%. However, the kitchen is often considered the heart of the home. If your kitchen is outdated or dysfunctional, it may make sense to start there.
Can I remodel my kitchen or bath for under $5,000?
With strategic upgrades, it’s possible. Focus on high-impact changes like painting cabinets, adding new hardware and light fixtures, installing budget-friendly new vinyl plank flooring, and adding floating shelves and other architectural details. Completing work yourself also cuts down costs significantly.
What are the most popular kitchen and bath trends right now?
Some top kitchen and bathroom trends include bright, light color schemes, two-tone and painted cabinets, gold and black hardware, natural materials like wood and stone, smart home technology, custom storage solutions, zero-threshold showers, and clean, minimalist styles.
How do I choose a color scheme for a kitchen or bath remodel?
Consider colors and finishes that will stand the test of time rather than trendy options. Opt for light, neutral shades on big surfaces like walls, then infuse personality with darker, bolder colors in finishes, fixtures, accessories and decor items that can easily be changed out later.
Should I DIY or hire a contractor for my remodel?
Simple projects like painting, installing floating shelves and updating fixtures can easily be DIYed. But extensive structural changes like moving walls or plumbing should be left to the pros. Look for the middle ground – updates like cabinet refacing and flooring may work with a handyman rather than a full contractor.
Conclusion
Updating your kitchen or bathroom doesn’t have to drain your bank account with strategic upgrades and smart budgeting. Focus on high-impact changes that can refresh the space for minimal investment. Simple fixes like new cabinet hardware, paint, budget-friendly flooring or updated lighting make a surprisingly big difference. Completing projects in phases also helps control costs. With some creativity, elbow grease and smart planning, you can enjoy a beautiful new kitchen or bath without the designer price tag.