Remodeling your kitchen can be a very expensive and demanding task. The average cost of a minor kitchen remodel is about $20,000, while a full one can cost double that. While doing a full remodel will provide benefits if you decide to sell your house, there are many small improvements you can make without having to do remodel the entire area. It’s important to know which areas and tasks you can splurge on and save on. This will allow you to raise your home’s value, give your kitchen a new look, and save you some money in the end.
What to save on:
Cabinets– There are so many affordable types of cabinetry out there, as well as hacks to make your cabinets look more expensive than they actually were. Instead of splurging on entirely new cabinets, try refacing them, replacing just the doors, painting them a new color or adding some fun hardware to spruce them up.
Hardware– Hardware for your kitchen cabinets and drawers are relatively inexpensive. Many can be painted or finished to give them a brand new look at a low cost.
Trendy colors- Don’t spend tons of money on painting your new cabinets or purchasing appliances in a trendy or bold color. Chances are, in a few years it will be out of style and you’ll have to replace it. Stick to more traditional colors and trends that will be in style forever.
What to splurge on:
Countertops- Granite countertops are a bit more expensive than laminate, but they are of higher quality, will last long, and have a nicer appearance. Most people end up replacing their countertops sometime in their life, so by investing in one that will last longer, you won’t need to do so. Choose a color and pattern that will match well with any new changes you make, such as a more neutral color.
Energy-efficient appliances- These appliances are not only great for the environment, but they will last long and save money on your future energy bills. Sometimes paying a little more up front will help save money in the long run.
Storage- Efficient storage space is usually the number 1 “want” on every homeowner or renter’s list. Adding additional racks, drawers, closets, cabinets, etc. to your kitchen to increase space is worth the money. This will keep everything in its own place, organized and not cluttered. Clutter can instantly de-value your home and change the appearance, so proper storage is a must.