Redesigning or refurbishing a kitchen often feels like the most significant enhancement for a house. It tends to become the central gathering spot, regardless of preferences, making it crucial to have a refreshed, tidy, effective, and practical area. This explains why updates to this core part of the home usually rank highest on renovation lists. My spouse is involved in construction; specifically, he’s a civil engineer with a penchant for DIY projects and considerable handiness. With more than two decades of expertise in the sector, Kyle Nicholson has demonstrated his mastery in home remodeling and refurbishment by consistently surpassing my design aspirations across several properties.
We’re currently constructing our 4,000-square-foot ideal home in the mountainous region near Asheville, North Carolina, with Kyle serving as the general contractor. We have substantial experience with tasks ranging from demolition to complete builds from scratch. Kitchen renovations aren’t daunting for us, yet they can be terrifying for those who haven’t tackled such projects before. To help ease some anxiety, here’s a list of ten top strategies we’ve gathered to keep costs down during your kitchen makeover, aiming to potentially lessen the stress involved.
Read more:
The Refrigerator Hack You’d Never Expect for Organizing Your Kitchen (Yet It Totally Works)
Reuse And Refinish Cabinetry
Sometimes, installing new cabinets becomes essential. If your current cabinets are constructed from low-quality materials like particleboard or plastic, or if they’re showing signs of wear such as peeling or breaking down, then shopping for replacements might be necessary. On the other hand, if you live in an old house with sturdy wooden cabinets — regardless of their appearance — think twice before discarding them; instead, consider refurbishing them. As noted by Kyle Nicholson, “Typically, standard prefabricated Shaker-style solid-wood cabinets will cost roughly between $1500 and $3000.” Saving money here can free up funds for other expenses in your renovation plan.
There are numerous choices when it comes to repurposing and
refinishing your already-existing cabinets
. If you’re too intimidated to tackle the job on your own, numerous contractors would be willing to handle it for you, though their services will come at a notably higher cost compared to DIY. Nonetheless, it should remain less costly than purchasing new cabinets. After completion, you’ll have the opportunity to utilize this.
basic organizational strategy to maintain tidy cabinets
.
Use Ready-To-Assemble Cabinets
If you absolutely must avoid reusing your cabinets, there are still methods to reduce costs. Start by avoiding custom cabinets as they tend to cost between $400 and $1500 per linear foot, making up a substantial part of most kitchen remodeling budgets. Additionally, installing custom cabinets can be extremely expensive; we have heard about a pair who received quotes that were astronomically high.
$75,000 for bespoke cabinetry and installation
(Including both labor and administrative fees) for their medium-sized kitchen? Ouch.
“Should you have even basic skills, ready-to-assemble cabinets can be quite simple to construct and offer the appearance of semi-custom cabinets at a reduced cost,” explains Kyle Nicholson. Our plan was initially to get pre-assembled cabinets for our new house construction; however, because this option would’ve delayed us by about four weeks, both Kyle and I decided on going with the ready-to-assemble type instead. He managed to assemble them within just an extra three hours, allowing us to save considerable time overall. Now all that remains is following these instructions:
advice for preventing damage to your cabinets during cleanup
.
Choose Granite Over Quartz or Marble
If you, similar to me, dedicate a significant part of your Sunday afternoons to binge-watching reruns of HGTV favorites Joanna and Chip Gaines or the Property Brothers, you might consider yourself well-versed in these shows.
top and bottom kitchen countertop options
. Be they
quartz, marble, granite,
Whether you choose concrete, butcher block, or stainless steel, the possibilities for your countertops are endless. Each option comes with its own advantages and disadvantages, and they differ in cost as well. We have always opted for granite whenever remodeling or building a new kitchen due to its reasonable pricing and resilience.
According to Kyle Nicholson, quartz tends to be more costly than granite and can even match the price of marble per square foot. Unlike granite, quartz is manufactured and cannot withstand as much heat without damage, making it unsuitable for placing hot items directly on its surface. However, quartz excels at resisting stains due to its non-porous nature, unlike natural stones such as granite or marble. That being said, proper sealing can mitigate many concerns related to porosity and staining in materials like granite and marble. In his opinion, granite remains superior because it requires minimal upkeep, serves well for thawing frozen goods, and resists cracking—unlike quartz. Additionally, he notes that marble should primarily be considered an aesthetic choice rather than functional one, considering its susceptibility to staining and poor performance under intense temperatures.
Try Doing It On Your Own, If Possible
The main point here is encapsulated by the phrase “if you can.” Many individuals might observe a few episodes of a do-it-yourself project featuring a handy couple and believe, “If they can manage it, then surely I can too.” However, these shows often omit several challenges such as delayed supplies from material vendors, contractors juggling numerous other jobs simultaneously, hardware stores like Lowe’s or Home Depot running out of specific items or making errors with orders, and unforeseen circumstances — take our situation where Hurricane Helene disrupted construction efforts in Western North Carolina. These factors frequently throw significant obstacles into even the best-laid plans.
Managing such tasks alone—or even as part of a small team—can be overwhelming. For Kyle and myself, constructing our home means he spends his weekends working tirelessly, along with fitting in visits during lunch breaks and once the children are asleep—from around 7:30 PM until approximately 10 PM nightly. Should you opt for a less daunting project, like remodeling your kitchen, approach it bit by bit. Each evening, accomplish just a little more—a single cabinet removed and replaced; an appliance swapped out—one step at a time. Prioritize each aspect when dealing with minor renovations.
“If I were doing this, I would focus first on updating the appliances,” advises Kyle Nicholson. “Cabinets can easily be repainted, and numerous options exist for revamping outdated countertops. However, appliances typically come with a fixed service life.”
Keep Appliances and Plumbing in the Same Positions
Moving the refrigerator from the far-left wall to the right side might appear insignificant since it would bring it nearer to your pantry and make opening the doors easier without needing to push or shove. However, shifting the oven could require relocating a gas line, and adjusting the position of the fridge might necessitate changing waterlines, which can lead to considerable expenses. Tasks related to mechanics, electricity, and plumbing typically demand professional assistance unless you have extensive expertise in these areas.
Kyle Nicholson emphasizes the importance of updating appliances, yet stresses the necessity of considering the underlying systems—particularly in older houses. He advises examining the mechanicals, electricals, and plumbing linked to the kitchen area to ensure they haven’t degraded or aren’t using outdated materials like old aluminum wiring. Should you find yourself needing to replace all these elements regardless, rearranging them could lead to a better-organized space; however, always bear in mind both your financial constraints and additional costs likely to arise as soon as you begin shifting major fixtures.
Give Priority to Needs Over Wants for Appliances
I once met a lady who was adamant about installing a Viking gas range in her newly renovated kitchen. If you’re unfamiliar with these appliances, they typically cost between $6000 and $12,000 and are favored by top-tier professional chefs. Think of them as the Ferrari of kitchens for culinary enthusiasts—akin to owning a Patek Philippe watch. While someone like Gordon Ramsay might justify such an investment, this particular woman I’m referring to struggled even with something simple like preparing macaroni and cheese. So, investing in high-end gear seemed rather out of place for her.
Kyle Nicholson mentions, “Plenty of reliable mid-range ovens and other kitchen gadgets perform well, have appealing designs, and won’t break your budget.” It’s crucial to familiarize oneself with various types of cooktops and ovens as well. For instance, if you haven’t tried cooking on a gas stove or using induction technology, do some research prior to purchasing a premium version. Furthermore, expensive appliances and luxurious features often don’t offer significantly more value compared to simpler models. A fridge equipped with cameras that communicate might be cool, yet ultimately, both this pricey option and a far cheaper alternative will keep food fresh.
Shop Appliance Sales
Certain periods throughout the year tend to be more advantageous when purchasing appliances. You’re likely aware of the flood of promotional materials like emails, flyers, and advertisements during holidays such as Labor Day, Memorial Day, and Presidents’ Day, all touting significant discounts on items like refrigerators, washer-dryer combos, and dishwashers. Offers of zero percent financing and no initial payments—come check us out! You know how these promotions go.
When revamping your kitchen and looking to cut costs, browsing through sales can prove beneficial. In our experience, we have managed to save significant amounts by accepting credit card offers from stores during appliance promotions and purchasing all items at discounted rates upfront before gradually settling the debt without accruing interest charges. Additionally, grouping together multiple appliances often leads to savings because retailers typically offer larger deals along with slight reductions. It’s likely that you will find better-quality products within your budget or even opt for more premium options at reduced prices simply by timing your purchases right as these special discounts become available.
Get Multiple Quotes
If you discover that tackling the kitchen renovation solo feels overwhelming, pause — it’s perfectly fine. Professionals in the construction field often rely on experts for intricate tasks such as plumbing and wiring. According to Kyle Nicholson, kitchens present unique challenges due to how crucial an efficient layout is for practicality. Additionally, they involve numerous building regulations which should not be overlooked. So, if you decide to hire pros, make sure to obtain several estimates from reliable and properly insured companies.
Some individuals might believe that a single estimate or hiring one company is enough, yet it’s crucial to explore various options and hear out differing viewpoints from multiple experts. When looking for professional assistance, think of selecting a contractor as similar to purchasing a car—investigate extensively. Scrutinize every detail; avoid accepting anything superficially. Carefully review your agreement with the contractor—it should specify that tasks will align exactly with the initial quotation without hidden clauses permitting price changes except through explicit approval from the homeowner,” advises Nicholson. As an illustration, relocating a gas line could appear straightforward, however distinct contractors can propose varying methods. There’s nothing wrong with comparing prices among two to three firms before committing to a project.
Obtain Detailed Receipts from All Professional Services You Engage
After selecting a professional, scrutinize the quotations and contracts thoroughly. Ensure you examine the costs associated with materials and contrast these rates against those at local outlets such as Lowe’s and Home Depot. Additionally, clarify the differences between allowances, estimates, and per diem charges. It’s advisable to request a comprehensive timeline and talk about potential liquidated damages should you require relocation or temporary accommodation during the remodeling process. As Kyle Nicholson explains, “Liquidated damages essentially represent a daily penalty paid by the contractor to compensate you for your inability to reside in your property.”
It’s crucial as well to review the charges for materials, labor, and additional fees. Don’t hesitate to ask numerous questions and get clarity on precisely what you’re paying for. Just like with any transaction, approach invoices and estimates seriously — even when you aren’t entirely familiar with all aspects of the work being performed.
Don’t Make Changes Mid-Design
This project is quite substantial. It’s really challenging not to alter your decisions or doubt yourself halfway through a renovation. During my initial kitchen makeover, I found myself strongly considering switching from white to black cabinets, which would have been drastic. Fortunately, Kyle convinced me otherwise: “Create a budget, select your materials, and stay committed to those choices. Changing plans midway could cost you twice as much or even more. Avoid getting sidetracked partway through design just because you spotted an appealing idea on Pinterest,” remarks Nicholson, giving me a pointed glance. Quite rude indeed.
However, he has a point (alas). It’s crucial to take some time and pick a design that won’t go out of style and will remain appealing for at least five or even ten years from now. While opting for a dark green kitchen adorned with gold handles might appear ideal currently, this trend could fade over time—especially if you’re considering selling the property later on. Jot down your decisions, purchase the supplies upfront to avoid last-minute changes of heart, and trust your original instinctive selection.
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original article on newsinpo.space
.
