Renovating A Kitchen On A Budget

Renovating a kitchen on a budget is easier than you may think.

In terms of adding value to your home for resale, updating or replacing the kitchen is one of the top renovations for profit. The kitchen is the heart of the home and can make or break a sale. So, this area is where you should invest your money to ensure a high return. However, it’s important not to over capitalise as this will diminish the return on your investment. You want to have maximum impact for minimal outlay.

A full kitchen remodel and renovation is not always necessary. But if your cabinetry is outdated and not functional then this is one upgrade that is essential. It will totally transform your kitchen space.

To avoid breaking the bank, you can purchase less expensive but durable materials rather than buying more expensive items such as stone bench tops or custom cabinetry. Sturdy flat packs and laminate bench tops are great money saving options. They will still give a great finish and will have longevity.

In your new design be sure to maximise storage options above and below bench tops. Also include some nice deep drawers for cutlery and pots and pans.

Another way to keep on track with your budget is to keep all of your plumbing in the same place. Moving them to different spots is time consuming and costly.

Of course, if budget allows then by all means invest in a custom built kitchen with a cabinet maker. They will give you the best design for your space, install your kitchen and offer a warranty on their works.

No Need For A Full Reno

If the bones of your kitchen are strong and don’t need ripping out then here are a few things you can do to improve your kitchen on limited costs.

You can keep the cupboards and drawers in-situ and replace all of the doors with more modern ones. This can save quite a chunk of money.

If you didn’t want to replace all of the doors you could just paint them. There are many products available on the market for a DIY job that will look great. Or you may prefer to call in the professionals for this one.

If a full fit-out is necessary, ready-to-assemble cabinetry will be friendlier on your hip pocket than custom-made ones.

Changing Small Details Can Make A Big Impact

It’s a good idea to replace the old and dated handles on all of the doors and drawers with new modern ones. This will help to update the look of your kitchen. Find inspiration on styles and finishes in magazines and online.

A new sink with shiny new fittings will have your kitchen looking clean and modern straight away. If the existing sink is in good condition you could consider just replacing the tap ware. The cost involved in this is fairly low but will make a big difference.

New bench tops – There are a few ways you can go about this, budget depending. Firstly, you could take off the existing bench and replace it with a whole new natural stone or granite. This is obviously the most costly option but will ultimately give the best finish. Reconstituted stone is the next best bench replacement option. Aesthetically pleasing, provides longevity and won’t break the bank. Then there’s laminate benchtops, they’ve come a long way in recent years. They provide a more cost-effective way to fully replace your benchtops and will also give a refresh to your kitchen.

Alternatively, if your budget doesn’t allow a complete replacement, you could have a new granite bench top placed straight over the top of the existing one. Or have laminate sheets attached. Probably best to get the professionals in for these ones. They will look so much better and are be far cheaper than a full replacement.

Tired, out-dated kitchen splashbacks can easily updated by using special paints over glass or tiles. Obviously, completely replacing the splashback will provide the best outcome but if budget doesn’t permit then this option is a great money saver. Make sure you get professional advice for which paint system to use, or consider getting the professionals in to do the job.

Replacing tired old electricals with new modern appliances will make a big impact. An old and outdated hob and oven in a fresh new kitchen will stand out and bring down its value. Choose budget friendly option that will blend in with your new kitchen, over costly top of the range appliances. This goes for all large kitchen appliances such as the fridge, dishwasher and microwave etc. Stainless Steel always looks timeless and expensive but doesn’t necessarily have to break the bank.

Save Money By Doing What You Can Yourself

Renovating a kitchen can be a time consuming and costly investment which can make it easy to over capitalise. You can save money by doing as much as you can yourself.

Consider doing your own demolition and removal work if you can. However, always remember that no work is better than bad DIY work. So if it’s not in your capabilities then leave it to the professionals.

Collecting purchased items rather than paying for deliveries will save you money.

Look out for small things that can be easily fixed. Leaking taps or pipes, broken or chipped tiles and poor grouting are all examples. Issues like these can highlight as red flags to potential buyers. It can make them think about what else is wrong with the home that they are unable to see.

As mentioned before, be conscious of the materials and appliances you select to make sure you stay within budget. And choose items that won’t date quickly.

How Much Time Should I Plan For A Kitchen Renovation?

The answer to this obviously depends on the size of the kitchen and the scale of work required. And whether or not plumbing or electrical points need to be relocated.

A general guideline for most kitchen renovations is between six to eight weeks. But many factors can change during the renovation, such as delays with material supply and availability of tradespeople.

It’s best to incorporate more time than you expect into your planning to help things run smoothly and create less stress.

A Few Last Things…

Of course, a small kitchen will cost less to redesign and refit than a big one.

When renovating for resale make sure that you opt for neutral and modern styles that will appeal to the majority of buyers. Having a design full of colour and texture might be fun and exciting to create, but will scare off a lot of people.

Most buyers are looking for a home to invest in that they are able to comfortably move into without having to change anything. They don’t want to be bogged down with stress and costs of renovations and repairs. So, replacing anything that’s looking tired and in poor condition will allow potential buyers to focus on the positives of your home, rather than the negatives.

Do your research and homework on everything before beginning your project. The more informed you are with everything, the better decisions you’ll make.

Always obtain at least three quotes from potential tradespeople before engaging in one. And reviews and feedback, if possible, from previous customers. There can be huge differences between quotes, and cheapest might not always be the best way to go.

Remember, kitchens don’t always require a full remodel. By updating the things we have mentioned here will usually provide you with a fresh new, functional and updated kitchen without too much demo work or all of the big costs.

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