Kitchen Renovation Tips

What is the cheapest way to renovate a kitchen?

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    If you've been daydreaming about a brand new kitchen but can't bring yourself to face the idea of remodelling it, you have good reason to be concerned about the cost of doing so. When done properly, a kitchen remodel is a major project that can quickly become expensive.

    Cost estimates like that make it easy to put off replacing your outdated kitchen in favour of trying to make do with what you have. Years, or even decades, of saving may be required to afford a major kitchen renovation. If you borrow the money to remodel your kitchen, you can get a low-interest credit card loan, but you'll still have to pay interest on the borrowed amount.

    But what if there were a better strategy?

    If you're a homeowner with grand ideas for your kitchen but a small budget, you might feel discouraged right about now. But don't dismiss the prospect entirely just yet. You can cut the cost of a kitchen remodel in many different ways. With time, creativity, and perseverance, you can make a noticeable difference in your kitchen's aesthetic for just a few thousand dollars.

    Check out our range of kitchen renovation at Hitch Property Constructions.

    Why Renovate Your Kitchen?

    There are three good reasons to renovate your kitchen:

    1. Your kitchen is falling apart
    2. You've outgrown your kitchen
    3. You want a more beautiful kitchen

    If your kitchen is quite old, it's possible that it's starting to fall apart. If that is the case, then your cabinets will most likely need to be replaced. Does this mean that you have no choice but to hire a kitchen remodelling company to handle the job for you? If you really need a kitchen but can't afford it, you could always buy a flat-pack model and put it together on your own.

    Even if you end up requiring the assistance of a professional at some point, the purchase of a flat-pack kitchen can still save you thousands of dollars.

    Kitchen Renovation Tips

    Have you outgrown your kitchen, or has it become disorganised as a result of your expansion? Because we are at a loss as to where to store our ever-increasing number of kitchen appliances and other items, they have a tendency to become crammed into the various cabinets and cupboards in our kitchen. That is not a sufficient justification to completely redo the kitchen. There are less expensive options available for organising your kitchen space.

    You are no longer interested in spending time in your kitchen. You want a kitchen that is lighter and more contemporary, or you simply want to change the colour. Why get rid of perfectly good cabinets when there are other, more cost-effective ways to make the space look better?

    How to Do a Budget Kitchen Renovation

    General Tips

    Many tips for saving money when decorating can also be applied to remodelling, allowing you to complete both projects without breaking the bank. More than that, though, there are additional strategies that can be applied to any sort of renovation job, not just kitchens. These recommendations for broad savings can be categorised into three broad subcategories: preparation, resources, and personnel.

    Plan Your Project

    To begin, don't rush through the kitchen renovation process. Give yourself a few weeks or months to think about what you want before beginning a major renovation. Find local contractors and experts to discuss design, costs, and advice. Costly design changes in the middle of a project can be avoided with careful planning.

    Plan with priorities in mind. It's easy to get carried away at the beginning of a project, saying things like "While we're at it..." and piling on extra work. Time and money spent on the project quickly doubled in size.

    Take a hard look at your cooking space. Describe your likes, dislikes, and the things you can accept. It's possible that new cupboards are required but that new flooring and counters are unnecessary. When it comes to kitchens, less is more in terms of remodelling.

    Especially true for kitchen design. Switching the gas or electricity and re-plumbing the sink are necessary steps when relocating a range. According to the research conducted by Consumer Reports, hiring a plumber, electrician, or both will cost between $45 and $145 per hour and take up to a full day.

    Don't make major changes to the kitchen, even if it means rearranging some appliances. Kitchens that are too large are both difficult to work in and costly to construct. Each leg of the "work triangle" in your kitchen shouldn't be more than 9 feet long, and the whole thing shouldn't be more than 26 feet long.

    Hitch Property Constructions has an extensive range of kitchen renovation Melbourne to take the hassle out of deciding the right furniture that matches.

    Save on Materials

    The most efficient method for saving money on materials is to keep what you already have. A fresh coat of paint can do wonders for the appearance of walls, cabinets, and even countertops that have seen better days.

    Consider also looking through the pieces of furniture in your other rooms for hidden gems that could serve multiple purposes. The old, beat-up bench in your foyer might be the ideal piece of furniture for your brand-new breakfast nook, if you're willing to give it a little TLC.

    In order to cut costs while still having a beautiful new kitchen, consider these options.

    • Get your money's worth by looking around. If you find a particularly attractive floor tile or an ideal light fixture, you might be tempted to buy it immediately, regardless of the cost. Finding less expensive options is work worth doing. Perhaps you can find that same fabulous tile on sale at a different tile store, or a more cost-effective and aesthetically pleasing light fixture. Finding a good bargain requires patience and determination.
    • Go Antiquing! Materials for kitchen renovations can be found at thrift stores like Habitat for Humanity's ReStore. Everything from tile to countertops to cabinets to hardware to lighting to sinks and appliances is very inexpensive. There are many places to find used items, including online marketplaces like Craigslist, eBay, and Freecycle. Many of your renovation needs, if you're lucky, can be met with secondhand finds at a fraction of the retail price.
    • Get rid of your old stuff and put the money in your pocket. You can sell your used items in the same shops and on the same websites where you buy them. In many cases, kitchen remodel countertops, appliances, and lighting can be reused after the remodel is complete. You should try to sell it first before discarding it. Your old yellow stove can be sold for enough to put towards a new stainless steel one.
    • Basically, you should just throw everything together. Kitchens of today often have a variety of different types of finishes. Upper and lower cabinets, as well as the kitchen island and countertops, can be finished in contrasting colours or materials. It is possible to use a more expensive material sparingly as an accent. Put fancy glass in the upper cabinets while going with a more basic style for the lower ones.
    • It's all in the Specifics. If your kitchen is serviceable but lacklustre, you may be able to spruce it up with some low-cost cosmetic adjustments. For a dramatic change that doesn't require a lot of time or money, try switching out the room's lighting, cabinet hardware, and faucets. Small investments in accessories like potted plants, wall art, and even a few carefully placed pieces of pottery can have a surprisingly large effect.

    Save on Labor

    Remodeling professionals (plumbers, electricians, carpenters, etc.) take one-fourth of the budget for a kitchen. You can cut costs by doing as much of the work as possible yourself. Make your own when you can.

    The best course of action for any major renovation project is to employ experts. If you make costly mistakes or get hurt while using a power tool you're not used to, saving money by taking on a job that's beyond your skill set won't be worth it.

    Do your homework before deciding to do-it-yourself or hire a professional. Think about your level of competence in home improvement and decide if you want to save money by taking on the project yourself. You can proceed if you are experienced with the task at hand or if your inexperience won't have a major impact. When in doubt, get help from experts.

    You can probably demolish the house on your own. There is no need for a permit or certification to use a sledgehammer when tearing out cabinets or flooring. When you handle the demolition on your own, you provide your contractors with a clean slate.

    If you need help with a task that calls for an expert, look for a reliable contractor who charges a reasonable rate. Obtain several estimates for all of the work that needs to be done (plumbing, wiring, etc.) and read over the details carefully. If the work is only partially completed, the cheapest option is not the best value. In order to evaluate the contractors' abilities, it is best to view examples of their recent work in person.

    Hire a contractor only after a formal agreement has been drawn up. The process and its outcomes should be detailed. Verify that the contractors you hire have the necessary permits, insurance, and worker's compensation.

    Looking for kitchen renovation Melbourne? Look no further? Hitch Property Constructions has you covered.

    Save on Specific Items

    As a result of their high levels of use and wear, kitchen components like cabinets, countertops, appliances, and flooring are often prioritised during renovations. Still, even modest adjustments, like a new backsplash or rearranged lighting, can have a significant effect. Both of those are viable options. In any case, whether the renovation is big or small, there are a variety of ways to reduce the overall cost.

    Cabinets

    The price of new cabinets is typically a significant portion of a kitchen remodel budget. According to Consumer Reports, purchasing new cabinets can consume up to 40 percent of your kitchen remodel budget. A standard kitchen remodel costs over $8,600.

    Thankfully, there are numerous options available for minimising this expense. Some suggestions:

    • Finish. Cabinets that are still in good shape but need to be painted or refinished can save you a lot of money. Take off the fronts of the cabinets and drawers, then degrease and wash them thoroughly. If you want to paint your cabinets, you should sand them down slightly and then use primer and paint. Cabinets can be refinished by first sanding off the old finish, then being stained and varnished. It is possible to purchase new-looking cabinets for only a few hundred dollars. Lead paint or finish may be present on cabinets that were installed before 1978. Having a professional refinish your doors will set you back $50 each, but it will be money well spent.
    • Cabinet resurfacing. In order to modernise outdated cupboards, try having them refaced. This involves veneering cabinet boxes and swapping out doors and drawer fronts. As a general rule of thumb, you can expect to spend about $150 more than you would on painting each cabinet door opening, but you will have more flexibility.
    • Fixing broken hardware. While you're at it, replace the cabinet hardware as well. Changing the knobs and pulls on your cabinets is a cheap and easy way to give your cabinets a whole new look. It is reported by HouseLogic that the price of knobs and pulls ranges from $2 to $20 individually. The price range is $80 - $800 for 30 linear feet of cabinetry in a standard kitchen. New cabinets are more expensive than upgrading to high-end hardware.
    • Regularly Produced Cupboards. Prices and quality of cabinets can vary greatly. At $500 per linear foot, a standard kitchen's worth of custom cabinets will set you back $15,000. Stock cabinets, available in a few sizes and styles, can be purchased for as little as $70 per linear foot. Instead of plywood, stock cabinets are constructed from particle board with a veneer. According to Consumer Reports, low-priced alternatives can perform just as well as more expensive ones. In terms of cabinetry, you shouldn't go cheap, but you also shouldn't pay over the odds.
    • Freed up storage space. Open shelving has replaced upper cabinets in many contemporary kitchens. This brightens and opens up a cramped or dark kitchen. It features an array of visually appealing dishes. The cost of cabinets can be halved by using inexpensive open shelving instead. Items on display require more frequent cleaning and organisation.
    • Self-install. The primary expenditures in installing brand-new cupboards are the raw materials and the labour involved. The average cost to replace outdated cabinets is $2,100, as reported by Improvement. If you're handy, installing cabinets yourself can save you a lot of money. This is a lengthy endeavour. Base and wall cabinet assembly should take at least an hour, according to Consumer Reports. If you want open shelving above your sink, installing lower cabinets is a do-it-yourself project you can handle.

    Counters

    HomeAdvisor estimates that a moderate kitchen renovation, including new countertops, will cost around $3,100. The cost, however, can range widely depending on the substance selected.

    Typical materials used for countertops include:

    • Laminate. This common material consists of a thin layer of hard plastic over a core of particleboard or compressed paper. It's easy to assemble and is available in many different hues and designs. However, it nicks and scratches easily if you use sharp objects on it. You may have heard of Formica or Wilsonart. Pricing per square foot starts at $5 and goes up to $25.
    • Solid, unmoving surface. Solid-surface countertops, like Corian, are fabricated from acrylic, polyester, or a blend of the two. Many different hues of this stain-proof material are on offer. It's possible to sand out minor dings and scratches, but it scratches easily. Prices per square foot start at $15 and go up to $50.
    • An area where meat is prepared for butchering is called a butcher block. A butcher block is a type of countertop constructed from a single slab of wood that has had thin wood strips adhered to its surface. It's easy to assemble and has a pleasant look that's liked by many homeowners, but it stains and scratches easily. Per square foot costs anywhere from $20 to $60.
    • Granite. Natural granite countertops scored highly in Consumer Reports' durability tests, withstanding heat, cuts, and scratches. Their unique, patterned design is another big selling point. On the other hand, granite requires regular sealing to prevent stains and corner chipping. The cost per square foot is between $20 and $60.
    • Quartz. Quartz composite, also known as engineered stone, is made from quartz chips bonded together with acrylic or epoxy and designed to look and feel like natural stone. Consumer Reports deemed it the most long-lasting material for kitchen countertops due to its resistance to scratches, stains, and heat. The product's only major flaw is that its sharp edges are easily broken. Per square foot costs anywhere from $20 to $60.
    • Alternative Rock. Many homeowners prefer to decorate with natural stone such as marble, limestone, or soapstone. The cost of these stones is higher than that of granite or quartz, and they don't last nearly as long. The heat can damage marble, but it scratches and stains just as easily as the other two. Prices per square foot start at $20 and go up to $75.

    Costs fluctuate significantly depending on the material used. Price per square foot for 60 square feet of countertop ranges from $300 for inexpensive laminate to $4,500 for luxurious stone. An additional $1,000 may be necessary to include a waterfall edge.

    It is possible to achieve a granite look with a laminate price tag. Granite tile, rather than a granite slab, can be installed over plywood and tile backer board. Grout lines in granite can be hidden by using a dark colour of grout. Laminate countertops can be installed by a homeowner for the same price as those installed by a professional.

    Additionally, you can mix. Granite or quartz can be used on an island while laminate can be used elsewhere.

    Appliances

    Purchasing brand-new appliances is responsible for about 15% of the total price of a kitchen remodel. Consumer Reports estimates that a full set of new, mass-market appliance brands will set you back around $5,000. The price tag can easily be multiplied by three or four when high-end commercial appliances like those from Viking and Wolf are included.

    Here are a few cost-cutting measures to consider:

    • As of now, there are no substitutes. Let's start with the dated kitchenware in your home. Don't throw them away if they can still be used. Painting the stove and refrigerator could save you money if you only need to replace one appliance, like the dishwasher. There is paint that can make your appliances look like stainless steel. Refrigerators painted with chalkboard paint have become hip new message boards.
    • Get yourself a set. There is a cost savings to be had when purchasing a complete set of appliances. Models with optimal performance come from a combination of different brands.
    • An optimal set has a wide dynamic range, as recommended by experts. In contrast to an uneven oven, flaws in a refrigerator or microwave are more easily overlooked.
    • Quality, not style. Not every appliance is worth the money. Consumer Reports' testing reveals that professional-grade appliances don't measure up to those designed for the general public. Nothing suggests they increase resale value any more than other brand-new home appliances. When comparing quality, third-party evaluations always fare better than brand names.
    • All-In-One Set. A range is less expensive than a stove and wall oven combined. The best electric range, according to Consumer Reports, will set you back $650, while a similar stove and wall oven will run you $1,650. When compared to range ovens, wall ovens are less effective.
    • A section for damaged goods. Dented and scratched appliances can be purchased at Home Depot, Lowe's, Sears, and Best Buy. As a rule, the defects in such devices are imperceptible to the naked eye. If the scratch isn't noticeable after installation, you may be able to get it fixed for half price.
    • Tag for Energy Efficiency. The retail price of a home appliance is only part of the picture. Think about how much money you will spend on the appliance over its lifetime. Energy Star appliances, while more expensive initially, end up saving consumers money in the long run. To find out how much money an appliance will save you each year, look at the "Energy Guide" label on the front. The cost of the appliance over a decade can be calculated by multiplying the listed price by 10. This is the figure you should use to evaluate different home appliances.

    Flooring

    According to HomeAdvisor's estimate, the price of new flooring installation in a kitchen on a moderate budget will be between $1,800 and $2,800. Yet again, the material used in production is the primary factor in establishing the final price. The cost of vinyl sheet flooring can be as low as $1,000, while the cost of hardwood flooring, a popular choice for modern kitchens, is around $4,000.

    Alternative flooring options that are less expensive if your budget doesn't allow for this:

    • Wash it down. Old tile floors can be revitalised with just a thorough cleaning. If the floor is so dirty that a simple mopping won't do the trick, you can have it professionally cleaned for about $450.
    • Try to see past the obvious. If your kitchen has unsightly old vinyl flooring, you may want to consider removing it to reveal the floor below.
    • Hardwood floors that have been buried under years of cheap vinyl may be found and refinished if you know where to look. You can hire someone to do that for you for about $600.
    • You can't go wrong with peel-and-stick tile. DIY projects using peel-and-stick vinyl tiles are recommended due to the material's convenience compared to working with sheet vinyl. You can simply lay the new tiles on top of the old ones if the floors are in good enough condition. In home improvement stores, you can find peel-and-stick tiles for around $1 per square foot.
    • Floor painting is required. Believe it or not, you can paint over worn vinyl flooring. Sand the floor lightly and then clean it to remove any dirt or grime. You should then paint the surface with a primer and a coat of durable "porch and floor" paint. A couple of coats of water-based polyurethane will keep it safe. Colors and patterns like stripes, checks, and stencils can be altered to your liking. An entire floor can be updated in this way for under $100.

    While it's easy to fantasise about a renovated kitchen, the reality of saving for one is much more difficult. While it could be worth it to invest in a major remodel to get the kitchen of your dreams, it is possible to achieve the same results with fewer resources by making a few simple changes.

    After all, spending $50,000 or more on a new kitchen might mean working in the same field for longer than you had planned, skipping out on vacations, or having less money saved for retirement.

    Conclusion

    A kitchen remodel, especially if done right, is a sizable project that can add up quickly in cost. If you put in the effort, think outside the box, and get creative, you can completely transform the look of your kitchen. Remodeling your kitchen is a smart idea for three main reasons: You either need to replace your outdated or broken kitchen or you want to upgrade to a more stylish one. Don't rush through a kitchen remodel without setting some goals. It can take up to an entire day and cost between $45 and $145 per hour to hire a plumber, electrician, or both.

    Keep the kitchen as is, even if it means rearranging the appliances. Rather than shell out full price for brand new appliances, consider shopping for used ones to use in your kitchen remodel. The ReStore, a thrift shop run by Habitat for Humanity, is a great place to look for materials for kitchen renovations on a budget. On websites like Craigslist, eBay, and Freecycle, among others, you can buy or sell used goods. The labour costs associated with hiring remodelers (plumbers, electricians, carpenters, etc.) account for about a quarter of the total cost to renovate a kitchen.

    Doing as much of the work as you can on your own will help you save money. Expert assistance should be sought out for any major renovation project. The national average cost to remodel a kitchen is over $8,600. Up to 40 percent of a kitchen remodel budget is typically allocated to the purchase of new cabinets. It will cost you around $15,000 for a set of custom cabinets suitable for a standard kitchen.

    Comparable functionality can often be achieved with less expensive options. Upper cabinets have often been dispensed with in modern kitchens and replaced by open shelving. Per-square-foot prices range from $5 to $25. A butcher block is a piece of wood that has been finished by adhering thin strips of wood all over it. To avoid discoloration and chipping at the granite's edges, it must be sealed regularly.

    It is possible to save money by installing laminate countertops yourself, compared to hiring a professional. The price can range from $300 for laminate to $4,500 for high-end stone. An entire new set of popular brand name appliances will run you about $5,000. If you only need to replace one appliance, you could save money by painting the stove and fridge. In comparison to consumer models, professional-grade appliances fall short.

    The primary factor in setting the final price is the material used in production. Vinyl sheet flooring can be purchased for as little as $1,000, while the cost of hardwood flooring averages $4,000 to $5,000. Though initially more costly, Energy Star appliances pay for themselves in reduced utility costs over time. The vinyl flooring in your kitchen may be outdated and unsightly, so you may want to have it replaced. The ease of use of peel-and-stick vinyl tiles makes them a great choice for Do It Yourself projects. This method of updating a floor can be done for less than $100.

    Content Summary

    • You can cut the cost of a kitchen remodel in many different ways.
    • Plan with priorities in mind.
    • Consider also looking through the pieces of furniture in your other rooms for hidden gems that could serve multiple purposes.
    • Get rid of your old stuff and put the money in your pocket.
    • You can sell your used items in the same shops and on the same websites where you buy them.
    • take one-fourth of the budget for a kitchen.
    • You can cut costs by doing as much of the work as possible yourself.
    • You can probably demolish the house on your own.
    • CabinetsThe price of new cabinets is typically a significant portion of a kitchen remodel budget.
    • While you're at it, replace the cabinet hardware as well.
    • Changing the knobs and pulls on your cabinets is a cheap and easy way to give your cabinets a whole new look.
    • The cost of cabinets can be halved by using inexpensive open shelving instead.
    • Self-install.
    • If you're handy, installing cabinets yourself can save you a lot of money.
    • If you want open shelving above your sink, installing lower cabinets is a do-it-yourself project you can handle.
    • An area where meat is prepared for butchering is called a butcher block.
    • Many homeowners prefer to decorate with natural stone such as marble, limestone, or soapstone.
    • Purchasing brand-new appliances is responsible for about 15% of the total price of a kitchen remodel.
    • Get yourself a set.
    • The retail price of a home appliance is only part of the picture.
    • Think about how much money you will spend on the appliance over its lifetime.
    • The cost of the appliance over a decade can be calculated by multiplying the listed price by 10.
    • If your kitchen has unsightly old vinyl flooring, you may want to consider removing it to reveal the floor below.
    • You can simply lay the new tiles on top of the old ones if the floors are in good enough condition.
    • Floor painting is required.
    • Believe it or not, you can paint over worn vinyl flooring.

    FAQs About kitchen renovation

    The most expensive element of any kitchen remodel is usually the cabinets, which on average cost upwards of $15,000. In second place are new appliances, costing on average around $8,200. The countertops are the next greatest expense, generally costing just under $6,000.

    Yup, they really are pretty significantly less expensive than other cabinet options, especially custom cabinets. But this will really depend on the size of your kitchen and the extra fixings you throw in.

    Refacing is about 30 to 50-percent less than replacement. Expect to pay about $13,000 to $30,000 for contractor-grade cabinets. Best when the cabinet boxes are in solid shape and cost is an issue. Best when doing a whole-kitchen remodel or when cabinet boxes are in poor shape.

    If you want to paint the kitchen cupboards yourself, then the cost will be even less – some 90% less than replacing the cupboard doors. However, the results will be far less convincing if you go down the DIY route.

    Price out replacing your kitchen cabinets and painting will look better and better. The cost to paint a kitchen is typically 1/3 to ½ the cost of replacing. The paints applied to cabinets are also very durable and will last just as long as new cabinets in most cases.
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