You’ve spent months scouring Pinterest boards and DIY blogs, and now you’ve got your dream kitchen all laid out in your head. But does your dream match your budget? There’s no getting around it — remodeling can be expensive! But, with a little planning and ingenuity, you can lower your remodeling costs without compromising your vision. Here are some key things to think about:
Get Real with Your Budget from the Beginning
Don’t wait until you’re in the middle of your project to realize you’ve gone over budget. The trick is to plan ahead and account for inevitable increases, especially for bigger projects such as full bathroom/kitchen remodels or any remodel that requires digging into unknown wall space. A good rule of thumb is to take your quote and then add 50%. If you’re comfortable with this number, you should be ready to get started!
Get Multiple Quotes
It’s worth taking your time here. Don’t just go with the first bid, even if it’s from a reputable contractor. Try to get at least three to compare, and don’t be afraid to ask friends or family for references.
Shop Around for Discounted Appliances
Make it a goal not to pay the full sticker price for your appliances. September and October tend to be the months you can snag the best deals! This is when manufacturers release their new models, which means last year’s models will be discounted. Also keep an eye out for holiday sales like Presidents’ Day, Memorial Day, or Labor Day.
Winter Work is Generally Cheaper
Summer tends to be the time when the project bug hits, but if you can push your remodel off to the colder winter months, you could save as much as 5% on the whole project.
Make a Prioritized List
If you and your contractor are on the same page as far as your “must-haves” versus your “nice to haves,” this will give you room to problem-solve together about the items lower on the list. A good contractor will offer tips and ideas on how to cut your budget wherever feasible. Their goal is to have a satisfied customer at the end, so it’s in everyone’s best interest to find a way to complete the project on time and within budget.
Go for Quality Over Quantity
It will save you money in the long term (and increase resale value) if you focus your spending on important quality items like cabinets and counters, rather than opting for lower quality pieces that will have to be replaced in a few years.
Use Recycled or Repurposed items
Building material resale stores are popping up more and more these days, and you can find quality pieces for a fraction of the price. It will take some legwork but the payoff can be big. A caveat: make sure you’re in communication with your contractor as you shop. You don’t want to drop money on a new sink then be told they’re unable to install it.
With all of this being said, contact us today to get started on your remodeling project!