5 Ways to Save on Your Kitchen Makeover

 

H.L. Staples

Refacingcabinet.com Columnist

 

You probably already know that kitchen remodels make sound economic sense. After all, you can recoup more than 100% of your expenses for a minor kitchen remodel, according to the Remodeling Magazine's 19th annual Cost vs. Value report. Here are five makeover options for your kitchen that can help you overhaul the space on a budget.

 

1. Remodel for Minimalism: Rather than opting for a cabinet-packed kitchen, create an airier and more casual look with open-shelving at eye-level. Install an attractive pot-rack. You can save thousands on materials and labor.

 

2. Put on a New Face: If you already have cabinets and don't like the idea of open-shelving, you can realize savings by refacing rather than replacing your kitchen cabinets. With refacing, you can completely overhaul the look of your cabinets--from wood color to hardware and the only limitation is the existing layout.

 

3. Big Improvements, Little Touches:  The eye rests first on the faucets and work-surfaces. Even if you have low-cost cabinetry, you can create a high-end feel to a relatively inexpensive kitchen by splashing out on these items.  

 

4. Gone Surfing:  Source carefully. Don't just walk into your local hardware depot and buy up whatever they've got. Do a bit of digging online for your appliances and work surfaces. You can find deals on better quality items and pay what you would for some of the much less attractive kitchen gear in your local shop.

 

5. White, White, Baby:  Stainless steel and black appliances are particularly popular at the moment. They're also generally a few hundred dollars more expensive than the classic white. You can save in your remodel by having white appliances installed. The all-white look does make for a fresh and clean improvement.

 

No matter what the future pay-off, you may not have much money for home improvements right now. But as these ideas suggest, that doesn't have to mean you can't remodel your kitchen.

 

Sources

Channel 4 Homes, "Make Your Home More Valuable"

Remodeling Magazine, Cost vs Value Report, 2006

 

About the Author
H.L. Staples has renovated three older homes and has just purchased her fourth. Her articles have appeared in The Boston Review, Denver Quarterly, The Georgia Review, and elsewhere.