How To Save Money On The Cost Of Kitchen Remodeling

7 Ways You Can Save Money On Kitchen Remodeling

Your kitchen is the heart of your home; we've all heard it before. However, that doesn't mean that your home's heart is healthy! Constant traffic and daily use mean that your outdated features are always visible. Unfortunately, kitchen remodeling costs can be toweringly expensive.

Many homeowners never move beyond their fear of being able to afford extensive remodeling. That being said, there are ways you can refresh your kitchen, update features and appliances, and breathe new functionality in your home's heart for a much lower cost than you'd expect. 

Here are some simple ways to update your kitchen that will not only add value to your home but will thrill you and your family for years to come!

Getting The Most Out of a Tight Budget

While we all dream of having the perfect custom kitchen complete with professional chef's appliances, exotic stone countertops, and designer lighting, the fact is, most of us will be working with a tight budget. However, with some planning, research, and smart choices, you can get the kitchen of your dreams for a price you can afford! Here are some money-saving tips that don't skimp on style or functionality.

1. Choose Ready To Assemble Cabinetry

By far, one of the highest kitchen remodeling costs is new cabinetry. The most expensive option is going custom, meaning that your cabinetry is designed and built specifically to fit your space. Features like exotic woods, ornate details, and period styles add to the cost and increase delivery time, but the result is a one-of-a-kind kitchen. Custom cabinetry can cost $10,000 to $60,000 or more or approximately $250 to $1500 per linear foot. 

If you need new cabinetry but are on a tight budget, ready-to-assemble cabinetry (RTA) is a good, affordable option. These semi-custom cabinets can cut the costs in half compared to custom cabinetry, depending on the material, style, and installation cost. Semi-custom cabinetry is selected from existing designs and pre-fabricated offsite in standard sizes with limited sizing, style, materials, and finish options.

high quality cabinets can be repainted rather than replaced.

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In-stock cabinets can cut your cabinet costs by another fifty percent or so, coming in at $75 to $400 per linear foot. These cabinets come in standard sizes, shapes, and colors. Since these cabinets are not based on your kitchen, you may need to include filler panels that reduce storage space. These are the most affordable cabinets if you’re remodeling on a tight budget.

2. Keep Your Existing Cabinets

If your cabinets are of good quality and you like them, resurfacing is an excellent option. This will save you even over replacement with stock cabinets and is a great way to bring your kitchen back to life! Resurfacing is by far the most cost-effective option, but make sure you take the steps needed for a beautiful finish.

3. Consider Open Shelving to Cut Your Kitchen Remodeling Costs

Removing some upper cabinets and replacing them with open shelving can create visual interest and save some money. Using salvaged wood or painted planks is a cost-effective approach. Open shelving can save you literally a few thousand dollars, but if you need the storage space or don't have items worth displaying, it might not be the best choice.

4. Save on Your Countertops

Today homeowners have a wide range of materials to choose from, including solid surfaces, recycled products, concrete, tile, stone, butcher block, and more. Granite and quartz are both popular choices, but they are similarly priced at $50 to $100 or more per square foot installed; they are not appropriate for projects with a tight budget. Consider using two different materials, such as using butcher block for the perimeter cabinets and granite for the island. This can cut your costs in half.

5. Keep Appliances Where They Are

this high-end kitchen remodeling was able to be accomplished on a more modest budget because all the appliances stayed in their original location.

If you're planning a gut to the studs remodeling, or just getting new cabinets, consider keeping your appliances where they are. Move electric, gas, and water lines can be expensive, not to mention that you may need to open additional walls or floors. These costs can quickly add up! Keeping your appliances where they are (provided they work with the flow of your space) can save you thousands of dollars! Moving an appliance 1-foot costs as much as moving it 6 feet, depending on where the mechanicals are located.

6. Reconsider Open Floor Plan Renovations

With the big trend in the “open floor plan” living today, many homeowners want to open up the kitchen space to the rest of the living space. If you're removing a wall, many considerations can drastically affect the cost. For example, if the wall is load-bearing, you'll need to install a header beam. Does the wall have venting, water pipes, or electrical lines that will need to be moved?

These can make it extremely costly. A much less expensive option is using a cutout or making a cased opening. A cutout can not only open up sightlines but can also provide extra space for a countertop and additional seating. Creating a large cased opening can also open sightlines and give you an “open” feel without installing a costly beam. 

7. Skip the Cans, Try Track Lighting Instead

no new can lights were added to this kitchen remodel. a central large pendant light over the island prevents dark shadows.

Recessed lighting can become a bigger project than planned. You'll need to cut holes in the ceiling, run electrical lighting, and there may be additional costs in repairing the ceiling. The cost for a single recessed light can range from $100 to $150, including materials and installation. Costs can add up quickly. To keep down costs, consider using track lighting instead. Track lighting comes in many different styles, shapes, and finishes. They provide plenty of light for tasks in the kitchen, and when placed on a dimmer, can create a beautiful ambiance.

A kitchen remodeling is an exciting project that can update a tired space, improve its functionality, and add value to your home. Kitchen remodeling costs don't have to keep you from updating your home. With a little creativity, some planning, and making smart choices, you can achieve a new look without breaking the bank!

If you live in the greater Madison, Wisconsin area and are considering a kitchen remodeling project, give the award-winning design team at Degnan Design-Build-Remodel a call at (608) 846-5963. We can help you make the right choices to meet your needs and fit any budget. Call today for a free no-obligation consultation to discuss your project.

This article was updated by Abe Degnan on 9/13/2022.