Are you tired of looking at your old and dirty kitchen? Are you thinking of giving it a new look? If your answer is yes, then prepare to be surprised. Any kind of remodeling is expensive, especially kitchen remodeling. Some sources say you are looking at an upward of 20 thousand dollars. Not everyone has that kind of money lying around. Fear not, though. If you are looking to remodel on a budget, then this guide may be perfect for you.
Why is it so Expensive?
Your remodeling needs might be bigger than you think. Floors, cabinets, walls, etc. are just to name a few. You might want to get a new oven, dishwasher, or refrigerator. The plumbing might need work. Needless to say, it can get crazy expensive.
There is always the option to partially remodel your kitchen. Your investment will depend on things like how many sections you want to upgrade, the quality of materials, the skill of laborers, etc. All these may seem overwhelming, but there are ways to save money at every step. Here are a few tips on kitchen remodeling on a budget.
Cabinets
Cabinets are arguably the most prominent part of any kitchen, and remodeling usually starts from there. Well-installed cabinets can last you a lifetime if properly taken care of. Installing them is not easy, as you want them to fit perfectly in the kitchen. Often, they look crooked after installation and stand out in a bad way.
It is recommended to use a leveling tool to accurately install the cabinets. You can use a manual spirit-level, but they tend to be inaccurate and need constant attention. A laser level bypasses all that and provides a higher degree of accuracy.
Laser Levels and What They Do
Laser levels are used to measure the ‘flatness’ of a surface. They emit beams of light on the surface in question and provide instant feedback on its alignment. These devices can be really handy when installing kitchen cabinets. They make sure the cabinets are aligned properly and alert you when something goes out of line.
This may sound like a fancy and costly tool to you. The truth is, you can buy inexpensive ones for small indoor projects. Before investing in one, there are certain things to look out for.
There are many kinds of laser levels out in the market. They vary from the degree of accuracy to the color of the laser, among other things.
If you want to buy a good quality laser level, check laserlevelhub.net for more info.
Do it Yourself!
Hiring professionals can be expensive as they are experts in their field. However, you can remodel your kitchen yourself. It really is not that difficult and will save you a lot of money. You can then put that money into more upgrades for your kitchen. There are lots of resources out there like books and videos which cover all aspects of remodeling. DIY videos are all the rage now. It will feel extra special when you see your finished work, and you can take pride in it.
Refurbishment Over Replacement
If your kitchen appliances are not in terrible shape, you might want to refurbish them instead of getting new ones. Purchasing new appliances may seem exciting, but they will surely burn a hole in your pocket. Your dishwasher might make creaking sounds when running, but that can be easily fixed with some oil. A faulty garbage disposal system may just be the result of clogged waste. Small problems like these are remedied easily by yourself and will save a lot of money. Really consider what you need and decide accordingly.
Do Not Change the Layout
Many homeowners end up changing the entire layout of their kitchens when remodeling. Where your refrigerator once was, now there is a stove in its place. Costs can skyrocket if you have to change the plumbing around the kitchen on top of that. You can skip all that by keeping the original layout. Once you are done remodeling, you will be surprised to see that the kitchen looks quite different anyways.
Tile Stencils
Kitchen tiles can get seriously dirty over time. Their original colors fade and are replaced by a grimy look. You can always invest in new tiles, but let’s be honest, they are not gonna be cheap. Tile stencils can be a great solution to this problem as they are easily available and cheap. There are hundreds of design patterns, so you will not be short of variety. All you need to do is put the stencil on, and you will be all set!
Paint Your Floors
The floor probably takes the most abuse out of everything in the kitchen. No matter how much you scrub and clean it, eventually, it loses its shine and looks depressing. Ripping out the entire floor will cost you a pretty penny. It has a lot of labor-intensive work involved as well. An alternative and cheaper solution is to paint over the floor. In the case of a wooden floor, you can even re-lacquer it yourself without much hassle.
Granite Overlays
Granite countertops are pretty much a staple in most kitchens nowadays. They can prove themselves to be expensive, but there are places where you can cut down on the cost. Instead of getting a new countertop altogether, you can purchase granite overlays. They lie right on top of your old countertop and are easy to install by yourself. If you really want a new countertop, try to buy segmented parts of granite instead of an entirely new slab.
Remodeling your kitchen can be a really fun DIY project. These cost-efficient tips will help your kitchen look like something out of a designer magazine at very little cost. Your friends will surely be envious and may even end up asking you to remodel their kitchens.
