Kitchens are high-traffic areas in homes, so they can quickly become outdated and in need of a refresh. And since they are such a critical space in your house, remodelling them can cost a fortune. But only if you choose to buy brand-new items for the project. Luckily, this isn’t the only way to give your kitchen a fresh look.
At first thought, it may seem that remodelling a kitchen on a budget means compromising functionality and style. However, that is not the case. It’s possible to transform your space and get an excellent result in terms of both aesthetics and practicality. With some imagination and the right tips, you can turn your kitchen into a lovely space where you can enjoy cooking and entertaining your loved ones.
Without further ado, here are our top 6 tips for remodelling a kitchen on a low budget.
Don’t start without a plan
If you want to save money on your kitchen remodel, it’s vital to give yourself enough time to figure out all the details of your project. Think about what you want to achieve and look at several design ideas. Price out multiple options and ask for professional advice if needed. A clear plan will help you avoid additional charges that can jack up the entire cost.
When planning, it’s vital to consider priorities, as this will help you differentiate between your needs and wants. There are likely features of your kitchen you can live with even if you don’t love them. Consider what bothers you most about your space and truly requires change and what you can leave untouched. You may discover that there are many elements in your kitchen you don’t have to change necessarily, which will save you a lot of money on your remodelling project.
Keep the same layout
If you change your kitchen layout dramatically, there’s no doubt you’ll end up spending a lot of money. Luckily, you don’t have to do this. You can keep your kitchen layout the same and only update specific elements within that framework. This can be incredibly cost-effective because you don’t have to add new electrical or plumbing.
Moreover, corridor kitchens and galley-style have limited space, and you can’t make footprint changes without spending a lot of money on significant alterations to your home’s structure. One-wall kitchen layouts provide more flexibility due to their open side. In this case, you can add a kitchen island to increase space and storage without costly layout changes.
Save on labour
A lot of the money you spend on your kitchen renovation is to pay electricians, plumbers, carpenters, etc. However, you can DIY whenever possible to save money. Make sure not to overdo it, though. Trying to do everything on your own is a huge mistake, and you won’t be able to save money if you have to hire an expert to fix what you did wrong.
If you want to DIY something, make sure to research in advance to figure out precisely what it involves. Be honest about whether you have the skills to do it or not. If you’ve done the job before, or there are only a few beginner mistakes that won’t do a lot of damage, you can likely tackle it. If not, it’s wise to leave it to experts instead.
Save on materials
Here’s a practical tip for remodelling your kitchen on a low budget: save on materials as much as possible. It’s not necessary to buy new materials for your kitchen – you can reuse your actual pieces or use paint to transform the look of old walls and cabinets. While it may be tempting to purchase the items on your list from the first store you visit, it’s not a good idea. Instead, you should check whether you can find that item at a lower price elsewhere.
Another way to save money on materials is to shop second-hand. There are several stores where you can find counters, hardware, sinks, and much more at a reasonable price. However, when buying second-hand materials, it’s crucial to ensure they are in good condition. While saving money is your primary goal, choosing quality materials is equally important. Mixing different materials is another low-cost way to remodel your kitchen. Nowadays, it’s trendy to combine various finishes in your space. You can have one colour for your upper cabinets and another colour for your lower kitchen units. Or, you can use one material for your kitchen island and a different one for the other counters. Focus on details, such as lighting fixtures and faucets, as this can go a long way in transforming your kitchen.
Choose cheap kitchen units
Kitchen cabinets are a critical part of your space, as they significantly impact the feel and look of your kitchen. Therefore, choosing kitchen cabinets that perfectly fit your space is essential.
Storage, aesthetics and quality are all critical factors to consider when choosing a kitchen cabinet. Luckily, having all these things is possible, and you don’t even have to spend a fortune. You can purchase cheap kitchen units that provide both functionality and style. It’s not difficult to figure out whether you need to replace your cabinets or not. If they show signs of damage, warping, or there are broken components, it’s likely time to get new ones.
Keep your current flooring
Flooring can be pretty costly, but there’s no need to replace it if your budget doesn’t allow it. Instead, you can make some changes that will make it look as if it were new. Never underestimate what a good cleaning can do to your old tile floors. Hopefully, your flooring isn’t so filthy that mopping can’t have an impact anymore.
Another thing you can do is paint your floor. Yes, you’ve read that right! Even if it may seem surprising, there’s nothing a fresh coat of paint cannot do. And it works even on old vinyl flooring. You can choose the colour you want and transform the entire floor at a reasonable price.
Last words
Everyone wants to make the most of their kitchen. However, not every homeowner can afford to spend much money on remodelling their space. Fortunately, achieving a remarkable result at a lower cost is possible. With adequate planning, reused materials, cheap kitchen cabinets and some DIY here and there, you can give your kitchen a brand-new look.
