When you are remodeling your kitchen and are going for an upscale modern look and trying to save money, you do not have to skimp on quality. There are quality cabinets, appliances, countertop materials, and flooring available that look attractive and wear well. Before remodeling your kitchen or upgrading it, establish a budget to work with and find a reliable kitchen remodeling service. Here are some more tips to help you.
1. Cabinets
When you do not want to replace your cabinets, you have a few choices. You can have them scraped and painted with a new color that fits your kitchen scheme. If they are wood, you can have them sanded and stained or the doors and drawers resurfaced or replaced.
When you choose to replace the cabinets, you can order ready to assemble cabinets and the cost is less than custom-made cabinets. Many kitchen remodeling services will sell these in addition to custom-designed cabinets. Adding trim around cabinets or molding can give them a completely fresh look. Replacing the door handles and hinges on your kitchen will make them appear new as well. The U.S. market for kitchen cabinets has been estimated at $9.5 billion, so another way of saving money is to purchase reclaimed or used cabinets. Some contractors will install them for you and may be able to help you find them.
2. Appliances
When your appliances are new or in decent shape you can keep them and have them repaired. Shop for new appliances at stores that offer discounts and rebates, like Home Depot and Lowes. Some stores have discounts on appliances with dents and scratches or have been returned by customers because they were not working. They are often fixed or repaired and sold for less money.
Think about investing in a convection countertop oven that cooks large quantities of food for large families. Since the average home uses 80 to 100 gallons of water daily, low-flow faucets and Energy Star dishwashers that save money on water are a worthwhile investment.
3. Flooring
When you have solid wood kitchen floors you might want to have them sanded and refurbished. There are many lower-cost flooring options that are durable and stylish. Vinyl is inexpensive and easy to install. It comes in a variety of patterns and colors and can be installed over the subfloor. Laminate flooring is another popular style that looks like stone, hardwood, or slate but does not do well with moisture. Cork is popular flooring that is easy on your feet and easy to install. You will have to apply a protective seal regularly to keep the moisture out.
4. Countertops
Installing a stone countertop may not be as expensive as you think. Many stone materials are priced and give your kitchen a unique look. The price may be reduced if you do not have a large counter area. Soapstone has a deep rich color, is resistant to heat, stain resistant, and damage can be repaired by sanding. It requires mineral oil treatments. Granite is another durable stone, and the price may depend on the color and type. It is durable and holds up well under heat. It often needs periodic resealing.
Prefabricated granite is the least expensive of this material. Other stone materials that are popular and affordable are quartz and slate. Laminate countertops are very inexpensive and can look like stone at half the cost, thus saving money on your remodeling project.
5. Plumbing
Keep your kitchen plumbing and appliances in the same locations so you do not run up plumbing and electrical bills. Keep smoke detectors unless they are 10 years or older, as the NFPA recommends replacing them after 10 years. Leaving your kitchen layout, the same guarantees saving money on construction costs.
These are some tips to help you achieve a successful and cost-effective kitchen remodel. Contact your local kitchen remodeling contractors or use some of the services offered by some of the larger home improvement stores. This can help you with saving money and achieving a modern look.