In terms of adding home value and functionality, nothing beats a kitchen renovation. However, kitchen remodeling can be quite expensive, costing you well over USD$100,000 depending on the size of your kitchen, the scope of work, and the materials, finishes, and fixtures you choose.
That said, you probably have a set budget in mind. Even if you have the cash to pay for your kitchen remodel initiatives, you don’t want to thrift on something you need and spend too much on something insignificant. There are some fundamental areas of your kitchen remodeling where it makes sense to hold back or invest more in certain pieces.
To help you create a balanced budget, here are things you can splurge on and those that you can save on during your kitchen remodeling project.
Splurge On:
- Countertops
Kitchen countertops are probably the most commonly updated feature in most kitchen remodeling projects. After all, counters work the hardest in your kitchen area, taking a daily beating during food prepping. Plus, your countertop can single-handedly boost the glamour quotient of your kitchen space.
As such, countertops are worth splurging on during a kitchen remodel. You don’t want to make any compromises in terms of countertop materials. Make sure to pick a material that’s both sturdy and appealing. The most popular countertop material you can choose from include:
- Engineered quartz
- Marble
- Granite
- Quartzite
- Soapstone
- Appliances
In general, you’ll probably use your appliances as much as your countertops, especially if you love to cook and spend a lot of time in your kitchen. So, if you’ve dreamed about that high-end six-burner range, then go for it.
Splurging on high-end appliances is never a bad idea. They can add value to your kitchen and help make your meal prepping more enjoyable and efficient. That said, make sure to look for well-known brands with energy-efficient models and good warranties. Some appliances you want to splurge on include your fridge, burners, range, and hood.
- Cabinetry
Cabinets are a significant element of any kitchen, taking up to 75% of the kitchen space and creating a focal point in your design. As such, you should never skimp on cabinetry during your kitchen renovation.
While there are some low-cost cabinet options out there, most homeowners decided to splurge on cabinetry. For one, some kitchen layouts come with unique measurements that demand semi-custom or custom cabinets to work. And even if it’s just that one odd-sized cabinet at the corner, once you’ve invested in a custom cabinet, you’d want to match it throughout.
In addition, appliances and counters, cabinets, and drawers do a lot of work in your kitchen. They also take up the most visual space that ties the entire room together. Thus, you want your cabinetry to perform well while looking great too.
Save On:
- Hardware
Pull handles and knobs can refresh the look of your kitchen even with the simplest design. You can find kitchen cabinet hardware for as low as USD$1.25 a piece or spend over USD$50 for custom designs.
If you want to save money, you can choose the same type of pull you already have but in different finishes. After all, every time you make a hole in wood, it doesn’t grow back. Speaking of finishes, you can update the look of your kitchen using cheap hardware by using bronze, pewter, or vintage-looking materials.
You don’t have to worry if your faucet and drawer pulls don’t match. Some variety can make your kitchen more interesting.
- Faucets And Sinks
Here’s a little secret for you; if you’ve splurged on a classy, elegant countertop, you can easily pair it with a budget sink and faucet fixture, and no one will notice.
As standard fittings for kitchens, sinks, and faucets have charted a shelf life and come at affordable prices, you don’t have to strain your budget. Plus, they’re also easy to replace.
- Green Flooring
Kitchen flooring is another area where you can save but still maintain a luxurious look. Materials such as reclaimed wood, bamboo, cork, or porcelain are affordable and look beautiful in your kitchen.
And if you want to reduce your environmental impact, cork and bamboo can be the best choices for you. These materials are eco-friendly and renewable while also boasting durability and affordability.
Meanwhile, porcelain tiles come in a wide variety of styles that mimic the look of natural stone or hardwood. Plus, they are super easy to install and cheap.
Takeaway
As mentioned in this article, the key to a balanced kitchen remodeling value is knowing where to invest more and where to skimp on. However, when thinking about your remodeling project, the perception of expense and quality is different from one person to another.
That said, a general rule is to always invest in things that you plan to use and keep for a long time while saving on those that have a minimal role in your kitchen.
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