Worried about the cost of kitchen remodeling? It may not be as expensive as you think! By strategically investing in the right areas of your kitchen, you can get the look you want without breaking the bank. Here are some tips for low-cost kitchen renovations, courtesy of O’Hanlon Kitchens.
Cheap vs. “Within Budget”
Before we discuss ways to save on kitchen renovation, it’s important to distinguish the difference between cheap and “‘within budget.” You can still get high-quality kitchen upgrades on a small budget, and they don’t have to be cheap. Cheap implies a compromise in the integrity of the materials. The money you save upfront will be vastly outweighed by the headaches you experience later on. Instead of looking for the cheapest way to renovate a kitchen, find the best places to invest your money. You’ll be much happier with solid craftsmanship and durable materials than you will be with a truly “cheap” kitchen.
Where You Should Invest the Most Money for Kitchen Renovation
If you’re working with a tight budget, prioritize where you spend your money. We highly recommend investing in good-quality cabinets and countertops. This provides the foundation for your kitchen, and it’s something you can build from over time. Maybe your floor isn’t in the best shape, but that can be upgraded as your budget allows. Perhaps you have dated appliances, but if they still function well, keep them! You don’t have to renovate the entire kitchen at once.
At O’Hanlon Kitchens, we offer a direct replacement program specifically designed for situations like this. Get new cabinets and countertops in less than 10 days, and you’ll feel like you have an entirely new kitchen. If you want to invest in new appliances, a new backsplash, or new flooring later on, that is still a possibility. Direct replacement provides a great starting point for your kitchen transformation.
How to Plan a Budget-Friendly Kitchen Renovation
If you’re looking for the cheapest way to renovate a kitchen, check out these tips to stay on budget:
- Know exactly what you have to spend, including contingency funds. Before you make any decisions about kitchen renovation, you need to know what your budget is. Set aside 10% of your total budget as a contingency fund. This money should be reserved for emergencies and unexpected expenses, not the initial remodeling plan.
- Figure out what you can maintain from your existing kitchen. Can you wait a few years to get new appliances? Are your cabinets in good enough shape to refinish? Determine what needs to be replaced first so you can plan your renovation in stages.
- Look for deals and discounts when possible. Are you tax exempt? Could you buy refurbished appliances instead of new ones? Is there a holiday sale coming up for materials? You can save a lot on remodeling by aligning your project with available discounts.
- Get/use cash back on your credit card. Use your cash back card to earn cash back for big kitchen purchases. If you already have cash back on your card, use it to fund a portion of your project. This is a great time to take advantage of credit card rewards and earn even more for the future.
- Don’t overspend on unnecessary luxuries. Do you really need a fridge with a built-in coffee maker? Could that money be better spent on new countertops or upgraded flooring? Before you splurge on one area of the kitchen, consider how that money could be used elsewhere.
- Stick with a neutral kitchen theme. Avoid the trends because they will inevitably go out of style. If you use neutral colors and finishes, your kitchen will remain in style no matter how much the trends change.
If you’re interested in kitchen renovation in Maryland or Pennsylvania, contact O’Hanlon Kitchens for a no-obligation consultation. You may reach us at 443-285-0558.
