subject: Kitchen Remodeling On A Budget [print this page] Most of us would like to remodel our kitchens, but the expense holds us back. Luckily, it is possible to remodel on a budget. Keep these tips in mind, and you'll shave off a huge chunk of the prices.
The first thing you need to do is plan, plan, plan. Chances are you'll be stuck with this kitchen for quite awhile, so make sure your designs are functional and attractive. Look through magazines for inspiration. If you can think through the process thoroughly, you'll be able to find solutions to problems that would have come up later and so obviate the extra costs and headaches.
You may find it helpful to work with a contractor on the planning stage. Before you choose one, get several bids on the work that needs to be done (on the kitchen as a whole, on just the cabinets, etc.) from at least five different contractors. Not only will you be able to pinpoint the best price, you'll also get a good idea of the general cost. From there you'll need to decide what you can do yourself and what you'll have to live without. Make sure you use a contractor that is willing to let you do some of it yourself and who is willing to approach the project with the necessary creativity. Don't be afraid to tell your contractor what you want--in the planning and in the execution. If something doesn't look right, speak up!
Do as much of the prep work yourself as you can. Sand, paint, prime--do whatever you need to to get things ready. Remember, you're saving money if you aren't paying your contractor to do it. Another way to save money: work with what you have. If you don't have to move any electrical or plumbing, you'll be that much better off. You might even want to use the cabinet bases you have and just paint them and add new doors. They'll look fantastic, and you won't have spent a fortune on custom or even just new cabinetry.
If you want an economical way to spice up your kitchen, try using multiple styles of hardware on your cabinets and drawers. Obviously, you want to use some that have a similar theme so that your kitchen doesn't look hodge podge. For example, you could use black iron handles and knobs but in different styles for the cabinets, drawers, and pantries.
Plan well, select a contractor carefully, do some of the work yourself, use existing features, find cheap ways to make the kitchen look custom-made, and voila, you'll have a new kitchen for an affordable price!
