Remodeling an old kitchen tends to be a very stressful endeavor for most homeowners. It’s also usually high on a lot of people’s wish lists, but low on the actual “to-do” list due to monetary constraints. But before you give up on pursuing your ideal kitchen needs, there are a few quick kitchen layout design tips and changes you may be able to do on a tighter budget.
At K&A Appliances, we pride ourselves on being a family-owned and operated business, so we understand the need to make your kitchen function for your family. We’ve been through the stress of remodeling numerous kitchens, so we’re here to give you a few of our favorite tips to save a bit of money through the process.
Start with the Essentials
Starting with the essentials doesn’t mean going out and buying everything you need right away, but taking a step back and figuring out your basic wants and needs. For example, if your entire kitchen layout design is not working for you, take some time to research the different types of kitchen layouts. Several very popular kitchen layouts will likely work for you, and you may only have to move around one or two things instead of tearing out the entire kitchen and starting fresh.
We also find that making a list of your must-have changes—versus the changes you could temporarily live without—really helps. For instance, you can live without a backsplash for now, but if you “must-have” that new sink and dishwasher, it may require moving some appliances around. Chunking changes into phases can also help spare your budget, especially if you make purchases when prices are lower throughout the year.
Budget for Any Big Changes
After you’ve researched some possible kitchen layout designs, it’s time to think about your budget. If you plan on changing around the work area in your kitchen, things could get expensive. When you have to move your sink or stove to a different wall, you’re looking at changes in plumbing and electrical, which can be costly. But if that’s your highest cost, you can likely save money in other places by reusing or up-cycling old cabinets and appliances.
It’s also important to note that making these changes now could save you money down the road. Having a functional kitchen is essential not only for you but also for potential homebuyers in the future. Removing unnecessary foot traffic issues or making the work area function better, will be much more appealing if you ever try to sell your home.
Don’t Buy Everything Brand New
Our number one kitchen remodel rule? Reuse everything you can! From counters to cabinets, if you can reuse it and give it a second life with some paint or touch-ups, do it. Sometimes all your cabinets need is a fresh coat of paint and some new hardware to make you fall in love with them. Even if you’re dying for an island in your kitchen layout design, you can likely find a table or cart that you can DIY into precisely what you’re looking for. There are plenty of online tutorials that’ll have you saving yourself a lot of money!
And Never Pay MSRP for Top-Quality Appliances!
It’s also important to remember, as tempting as can be to buy that brand new, double-door refrigerator from the big box retailer you’re already buying remodeling materials from, you’ll pay for that convenience. Chances are you can save yourself hundreds (and possibly thousands) of dollars by purchasing a new scratch and dent model instead. Here at K&A, we specialize in just that!
When your old refrigerator doesn’t match your new kitchen, or you’re dying to install a dishwasher in your home, stop by K&A to see how much money we can save you. Some of our scratch and dent appliances have a few cosmetic blemishes, but they function like new—and come with reliable warranty coverage. (Others may not have any visible flaws at all!) Plus, you can get up to 70% off of the retail prices when you purchase through us!
Contact us for more information and to see what we have in stock to help you with your next kitchen remodel!