Upgrading the kitchen is an excellent way for homeowners to boost their resale value and their enjoyment. No one wants to go broke doing it, though. There’s a difference between skimping and saving, and you will want to invest in the best quality you can. Here’s how to save money while building the kitchen of your dreams.
Flooring
A lot of people like to go with hardwood or tile for kitchen flooring, but this can boost the price of your kitchen renovation by thousands of dollars. These days, luxury vinyl is all the rage for its durability and affordability. Luxury vinyl plank and luxury vinyl tile are built to look very similar to wood or natural stone tile at a fraction of the price. Some can even be grouted to feel like regular tile, as well. This is a task you might be able to do on your own, helping you save big money on labor.
Average Price: $1-$3 per square foot
Where to Get It: Home Depot, Lowe’s or other home improvement stores
Paint
Adding a fresh coat of paint to your kitchen could dramatically change its appearance for very little expense. Keep it simple and understated with white or gray, or go bold with red, blue, or green. The average gallon of paint can cover up to 350 square feet. As such, you might only need one or two cans, unless you are also painting the cabinets. Painting is another job you may feel confident in doing yourself.
Average Price:$15-$40 per gallon
Where to Get It: Home improvement stores
Cabinets
If your cabinets are generally in good shape, you might just want to replace the doors and hardware. Otherwise, you can save thousands by buying stock cabinets in a selection of sizes. This is an ideal approach if you are completely rebuilding your kitchen. Having the cabinets built for you adds costs in labor. If you have the right tools, they can be fairly simple to assemble.
Average Price:$60-$200 per linear foot
Where to Get It: IKEA, Home Depot or Lowe’s
Countertops
The price of kitchen countertops varies greatly, depending on the material. If you go for stone, you’ll pay $50-$100 per linear foot, not including installation. Instead, you might consider a laminate countertop. It can be painted to resemble the trendy granite or marble at a much lower cost. That helps you set aside money for installation, which you may need for this job.
Average Price: $55 per linear foot, including labor
Where to Get It: Home improvement companies or professional countertop installers
Appliances
Saving on kitchen appliances is all about timing. Buy them in February, which is generally the best month for sales. Otherwise, look for big discounts on clearance or floor models. Black stainless is the new black (and the new stainless). You can expect models with this finish to cost the most, generally. If you plan to stay in the home for the next five to ten years, you could probably go for white or stainless without making your home look too dated when you want to sell.
Average Price:$2,000-$5,000 for refrigerator, dishwasher, and range
Where to Get It: Department stores or home improvement shops
Completing a great kitchen reno could shave years off the age of your home. Cutting down on the costs makes the time and the effort even more worth it. By taking advantage of these money-saving options, you’ll have style without breaking the bank.
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