Tips for Saving Money During a Kitchen Remodel

One of the most expensive rooms in the house to remodel is undoubtedly the kitchen. Between countertops and appliances, the costs tend to add up much more quickly than in other rooms. For this reason, finding tips for saving money during a kitchen remodel can help you finish the job without breaking the bank.

Balance DIY With Professional Work

Hiring a professional for a kitchen remodel can cost thousands of dollars. If you need work done that you can’t do yourself, this is a good investment. After all, it costs significantly more time and money to do a job yourself twice than to pay someone to do it once. But you can still save money by identifying parts of the task that you can do yourself, such as refinishing cabinetry or installing open shelving.

Another way to reduce the cost of labor is by reaching out to friends or family members who have experience or industry connections in these areas. Although you will likely still have to pay them for their time and supplies, you’ll have a higher chance of getting a discount on the cost of labor. Plus, they may know of quality wholesale suppliers where you can save on your supply costs.

Buy Refurbished

Part of the reason most homeowners want to remodel their kitchens is to enhance their culinary experience. But that doesn’t have to mean buying brand new appliances and furniture. You can often purchase appliances with light cosmetic damage that work just as well as a new appliance at a fraction of the cost. The same is true of buying other design elements, such as lighting or decorative accessories.

For the kitchen table, island stools, or other furniture, don’t be afraid to look at secondhand options. Thrift shops often have sturdy furniture with more character than you might find in a retail store. And if the furniture doesn’t exactly match the room’s color scheme, you can always refinish, repaint, or reupholster it.

Price Match

Don’t assume that the first price you see online is the price you have to pay. Many brick-and-mortar stores have a price-matching policy for everything from light fixtures to kitchen appliances. Typically, if you find the same product at a lower price online or at a different store, they will match this price. Other stores may offer rebates on slightly older models, which can save you hundreds of dollars for big-ticket items.

Simplify Your Remodel

One of the reasons remodeling the kitchen is often so expensive is because it’s so complicated. So one of the simplest ways to save money on a kitchen remodel is to cut back on the complexity. Instead of gutting a kitchen—a task that can take months—try doing a simple weekend kitchen remodel. You can refinish the cabinets instead of replacing them or use contact paper countertops instead of installing new ones.

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