Remodeling a kitchen could be quite an expensive project. Even cosmetic enhancements such as painting already existing walls and cabinets, replacing the hardware, sink, and faucet, upgrading the wiring, and adding different lighting can cost as much as $5000. Then you can imagine what it would take to knock down the walls, purchase new appliances, countertops, and cabinets, and rearrange the kitchen layout.
Well, before you think about tackling the job or hiring a professional, let’s give you our smart spending tips for easy upgrades and complete gut renovation to get your desired kitchen within a budget. You could also visit to see some modern kitchen remodeling designs.
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1. Revamp Your Cabinets
Getting new cabinetry could account for around 30% to 40% of the kitchen remodeling cost. So, if you still like their functionality and location, but the finishing is dull or dark, you may consider changing the paint color instead of getting a replacement.
It may require some intensive labor, but it is a do it yourself project. Also, it is a great way to save some money because hiring a professional painter will cost half the amount you need to purchase new, customized cabinets.
2. Get a Top-Quality Faucet
Your faucet works harder than most appliances in your kitchen. Hence, getting a top-quality product is essential. You can opt for a brand that has one handle operation from a premium company (so you can be sure that you are getting value for your money).
Additionally, if there is a window behind the sink, make sure you check the handle and faucet clearances for fitting. It won’t be funny bashing your knuckles against the windowsill every time you turn on the faucet.
Now, when you want to choose a sink that will match the faucet, you could choose something simple. You could get the single basin style; it could be big but not deeper than ten inches to avoid stooping when you want to do your dishes.
3. Prep the Walls Before Painting
Whether you are hiring a painter or prefer the DIY method, the following tips will be useful when painting your kitchen:
The shininess or sheen of your finish will determine whether it would be easy to clean or not. you could consider using semi-gloss when painting trims, eggshell for the walls, and satin for the painted cabinets.
Ensure to prep the walls before picking up your paintbrush, No quantity of primer or paint can cover up nail holes or cracked walls. Use sanding paper to sand out all uneven spots, caulk the seams, and fill up nail holes. If you hired a contractor to handle the project, ensure that they are experienced and know what to do.
A good period to paint the kitchen may come faster than you may have imagined. You have to paint before the backsplash and cabinets are installed. This will help to reduce the cost of labor, prevent paint from dripping on the tiles and cabinets, and ensure that there is perfection where the tiles and cabinets meet the walls.
4. Choose a Backsplash with Functionality and Character in Mind
Imagine the space between the cabinets and the countertop as your canvas; a place where you want to express your style and personality. Generally, subway tiles give a traditional appearance. But if they’re oversized, you could lay them using the herringbone pattern or a vertical pattern.
Also, a tiny mosaic pattern appears pretty but cleaning its grout lines could be quite difficult. However, there are other options like embossed ceramic, mosaic, stone, metal, glass, tiles, as well as non-tile alternatives like a metal ceiling or beadboard paneling.
Choose an option that will reflect your taste and should also be widely appealing. It should also not be difficult to maintain to prevent buyers from being turned off when you decide to put your house up for sale.
5. Consider Using Quartz
Quartz is an artificial material that has a resemblance to stone. It is used in designing countertops and has surpassed granite to become the most sought-after countertop choice. Well, this is not without good reasons.
Quartz is stain-proof, chip-proof, and scratch-proof; it does not require sealing. It has a wide range of looks and you may mistake most of them for a mixture of limestone and marble.
6. Do Not Scrimp when It Comes to Lighting
There’re 3 types of lighting fixtures to install in your kitchen and you just might need all 3 of them. They are recessed ceiling, under-cabinet, and ceiling or pendant lighting fixtures.
First, you can install the recessed ceiling lights on the open floor to supply ambient light around places where you will stand to work.
Second, the under-cabinet lights provide task lights for countertops. It could be useful for highlighting the cabinetry, countertop, and backsplash when other lights are turned off.
Finally, you could use the ceiling or pendant lights to brighten your work zones such as the islands, sinks, and peninsulas. The light will diffuse without casting shadows. You can also click here to see more lighting ideas for your kitchen.
7. Consider Wood Flooring Alternatives
When you choose wooden flooring, it could give you that traditional and natural wooden beauty. However, it will wear, scratch, and dent easily because of the kitchen conditions.
Furthermore, porcelain tile is not hard to clean and it has various designs including those that mimic the appearance of wood and stone. But most items break when they drop on it. Therefore, you may want to consider other softer alternatives like laminate and luxury vinyl flooring.
Conclusion
Remodeling a kitchen doesn’t have to cost a fortune. With the tips shared here, you can give your space a beautiful look while sticking to your budget.
