There are lots of reasons that someone may want to remodel their kitchen. Perhaps they just bought the house as a fixer-upper. Or maybe it is a project that has been in the works after years of living with an outdated, non-functional kitchen. Maybe you are trying to do some last minute renovations in order to get the best price in the sale of the home. Whatever your reason, there is almost always a budget to work with. Staying on track with that budget can be tricky without a plan and some creativity.
Use Your Resources
One of the first things that you will need to do when planning a remodel is to get advice and do research. Even if you feel comfortable with most of the project, talk with friends or family that have tackled a project like this before. They may be able to provide insight or tips that will make your project go as smoothly as possible. For example, if you are going to refinish your cabinets (a great way to save money as opposed to buying new custom cabinets), talk to someone about what tools they use and whether they used a paint sprayer or painted by hand. If you are hiring contractors to do the work, make sure that you get quotes and timetables from more than one professional. This will help you to be realistic about your expectations and your budget.
Take Your Time
In order to make sure that your project is done correctly and on budget, you may have to live with a less than ideal kitchen situation for a while. William & Son Remodeling explained, “Having estimates done, researching and deciding on material and contractors, and setting up a plan for getting all of this accomplished will take time. Be patient and realize that the end result will be worth it in the long run.”
Don’t Mess With the Big Stuff
As mentioned above, leaving in the current cabinets can help save you money on your remodel project. Sanding, painting, sealing, and new hardware can spruce up older cabinets that are still in pretty good shape. This does take some time but helps to cushion your budget. Another way to save is to leave the plumbing and electrical as- is. Whenever you decide to install or move outlets or pipes, it will cost you. If you can work around the existing layout, you can use the money saved for something else.
Find Inspiration
If you have a realistic idea about what you want the finished product to look like, you are more likely to be satisfied with the outcome. Perhaps you love the country kitchen look. Start pricing out material that would look best in that style of kitchen like butcher block counters or a big apron style sink. Look for pictures online or in magazines so that you can show your contractor what you are going for. Being on the same page takes the guesswork out of the endeavor.
Flexibility
You may have the urge to just start gutting your kitchen to make your project happen immediately. This is probably not the best idea. Neither is going out to buy big ticket items like appliances before the kitchen layout is planned and measured out. You may have to be flexible with some of your wants because what you thought you wanted may not work after all is said and done. You may have to make some substitutions or exclusions after the final plans are implemented.
It is important to really love your remodel, so you may want to wait until you have the right budget to make your project into the kitchen of your dreams. If you are creative, flexible and resourceful, you should have no problem planning and remodeling your existing kitchen into a beautiful, functional space to cook and enjoy time with family and friends.
