First Comes Budget: Know Your Limits when Shopping for a Kitchen Reno
We know that money is an important part of the equation when it comes to your renovation. We also know that it’s easy to get ahead of yourself when you first start looking at ideas for your new space. You might see great pictures online or in a magazine, or maybe your neighbor’s newly-redone kitchen has all your favorite fixtures. It’s hard not to get caught up in the visual aspects of your ideal space before really sitting down to find out if you can afford it.
Here, we’ll discuss some of the unexpected costs that might come up during your renovation, as well as how to plan and prioritize during your project so that you stay on budget without sacrificing your must-haves.
What Goes into Your Renovation?
Your home renovation likely goes beyond new surface-level fixtures and finishes. Before you break ground, make sure you’re aware of all the different costs you might encounter during your project. Some of these expenses might be on your radar — and some might not — so be sure to take all of them into account when budgeting for your renovation.
1. Plumbing and Electrical Repairs
Don’t forget that your renovation might have unseen costs in addition to the price of new finishes. A renovation provides a great opportunity to assess the plumbing and wiring in the room. Before you begin your project, assume in advance that some sort of plumbing or electrical cost will come up along the way. Always leave room for this expense in your budget.
2. Flooring and Baseboards
Even if you’re not planning to replace your floor as part of your renovation, you should have the flooring around your appliance slots inspected during the project. This is a chance to find damage that you might not otherwise be aware of. Plus, you don’t want to miss something during your renovation, only to have it get much worse later on.
3. Appliances
If you’re planning to purchase new appliances, they need to be the bread and butter of your renovation. They’re expensive, and they dictate where everything else in your kitchen goes: the layout of cabinets and countertops is completely dependent on your appliances. Plan the cost and the placement of your appliances before you decide on anything else for your project.
Be Selective About Materials
Using high-end materials for every aspect of your renovation will quickly rack up costs that might make your head spin. Most homeowners don’t have the budget to include fine finishes everywhere. Instead, choose some priority items that you’d like to stand out in your space. Are you passionate about getting custom cabinetry? Maybe choose a base-model appliance to compensate for your budget. Do you want to splurge on luxurious natural stone countertops? Consider choosing a low-price option for your cabinet hardware.
Every renovation budget is about give-and-take. Decide what’s most important to you, and make an effort to cut costs elsewhere in the project. Here are some of our favorite budgeting strategies for kitchen and bath.
1. Substitute Marble for Quartz
Marble and quartz both have their advantages, but if you have a busy household and you want a lower-cost, lower-maintenance option, consider choosing quartz for your countertop. Quartz can be tailored to resemble marble in many ways, but it holds up a bit better over time and is easier to care for.
2. Use Remnants to Save Money
When we install a new kitchen countertop, we often end up having some of the stone slab leftover, which we call a remnant. Many homeowners end up saving money by renovating their kitchen and bath at the same time, and using their kitchen countertop remnant for a new bathroom vanity.
Alternatively, if you’re only updating a bathroom, you can shop our remnant yard for affordable, beautiful surfaces that are the perfect size for a vanity.
3. Buy Hardware in Bulk
Need to purchase all-new hardware for your renovation? Make sure to look for a bulk-buy option for the style of your choice. This will save you tons of money, as hardware can start to get expensive if you have to replace multiple pieces.
4. Look at Options for Cabinet Materials
Before you break the bank on expensive cabinets, think about how you’d like to finish them. If you’re planning to paint your cabinets, it might be more efficient to look into composite materials. This includes plywood, particleboard, MDF, and others. These materials are less expensive than hardwood, but they hold up just as well over time.
Advocate for Yourself
When you’re working with a contractor, it’s important to advocate for yourself when it comes to pricing. Is your contractor transparent with their prices? Do they make sure to outline different material options for your project? Do they try to convince you to spend more money on certain features?
Every good contractor should work to help you stay within your budget. You should never feel pressured to expand or go over your price limit unless it’s your idea to do so. If a contractor isn’t listening to your vision and respecting your budget, they probably aren’t the right partner for your project.
Keep Your Expectations Reasonable
A renovation can be both an exciting and budget-friendly process. Sticking to your price limit doesn’t mean that you have to exclude features that you really love. Prioritizing your favorite additions and limiting costs elsewhere will help you pull off a beautiful and budget-friendly renovation.
In addition, homeowners can get in over their heads even with a countertop they can afford. See some of the common remodel mistakes we see new countertop owners make.
Need more guidance on budgeting or choosing the perfect countertop material for your renovation? Schedule a countertop design meeting with us to talk about countertops that fit your style and budget.