Kitchen Renovation on a Budget

Picture it: you have several browser tabs open on your laptop; half of which are Architectural Digest. When you close your eyes at night, you see an endless Pinterest scroll. You’ve scrutinized the nuanced differences between Grandmillennial and Cottagecore. All signs are pointing to yes — you’re ready for a kitchen remodel.

Some would consider the kitchen to be the heart of a home. It can certainly be one of the most expensive rooms to renovate. Before you dive into a kitchen remodel, there are a few factors to consider. First (and perhaps most importantly), your budget. Second, the timeline. Before you place an order for materials, make sure the delivery timelines line up. If the countertops won’t arrive until six months from now, wait a little longer before you start the project. Get a solid understanding of all the moving parts.

What Are Some Cost-Effective Options?

If you’re wondering how to do a kitchen renovation on a tight budget, you’re in good hands. We’ll cover the essentials, what you do and don’t need to spend a lot of money on, and how to prioritize your needs.

How to update a kitchen on a budget:

Create a plan

Write down everything you truly need to get done, and by when. Take into consideration the lead time of certain steps of your renovation (how long it will take to have countertops delivered, how quickly flooring may be available, etc.). It’s fine to include some extras you may want, but be prepared to scale back if your budget is stretched too thin. For example, maybe you absolutely need to replace the old vinyl floors that pre-date the Reagan administration, and you are hoping to add hardwood instead. Look for a list of solid budget options now. Whatever big ticket change you’re thinking of making, plan at least one or two budget-friendly alternatives that will match your aesthetic, without sending you into a debt freefall.

Demo what you can

Demo everything you’ll be replacing. Most contractors charge a demo fee, so if there’s something you can remove yourself, it’s worth trying. If you’re going the DIY route, rent a temporary on-site dumpster and take into account the fee it will cost to have debris hauled away. If you plan on painting, now is the time to prepare your walls. Patch up any small holes and lay on a coat of primer.

Find alternatives or dupes of high-end materials

Granite or marble countertops are attractive, but expensive, easily eating up the majority of a reno budget. Check out lower-cost options like wood or tile. Butcher block countertops are less expensive, and perfect if you’re going for a cottage look and feel. Concrete countertops give a sophisticated, modern spin, and aren’t too hard to DIY. Tile has come a long way in terms of aesthetics. You can now find porcelain tile that mimics the look of granite and marble.

Try some renter-friendly options

Renters use semi-permanent fixes to update their space, which costs a great deal less. Instead of installing a tile backsplash, try peel-and-stick tiles. If you’re not ready to say goodbye to your appliances but want a refreshed look, vinyl wraps let you change up the look at a fraction of the cost. New wallpaper is expensive, and difficult to install if you’re a first-timer. Removable wallpaper sheets are less expensive, and while it may take a minute to get the hang of the install, you can peel each panel off and try again if needed.

Install or replace plumbing and electrical

Spending money on copper pipes is not as enticing as carrara marble countertops, but if you’re going to drop some money on anything, hiring a professional to install or replace your plumbing and electrical is crucial. A beautiful kitchen is worthless if pipes are installed incorrectly. And for the sake of safety, electric work really should be handled by a skilled worker. This is not the time to cosplay as Nikola Tesla and experiment with electricity.

Paint the walls yourself

Priming and painting the walls is a step that reno-novices can accomplish. This can save you hundreds, even thousands of dollars.

Paint cabinets instead of replacing them

Cabinets are one of the most expensive facets of any kitchen. If your current cabinets are in good shape, it’s worth adding a fresh coat of paint instead of replacing them. There is a set method to painting them, though — they need to be sanded, primed, and sealed with paint that’s made to withstand moisture and lots of wear and tear.

Replace some cabinets with open shelving

If you plan on ordering new cabinets, you can shave down some of the cost if you choose not to replace each existing cabinet. Instead, add some open shelves. This creates a clean, modern look that can make the space look bigger. Joanna Gaines agrees.

(Safely) install the cabinets yourself

Unlike plumbing and electrical, installing cabinets is a reasonable DIY for homeowners. Make sure the walls are prepped and primed ahead of time. People have done some crazy cool things with Ikea cabinets that make a basic, wooden box look customized and expensive.

Don’t be afraid to start small

Small cosmetic changes can go a long way towards updating a space. New cabinet hardware, lighting, sink faucets, and other decorative items elevate a kitchen. It’s a small-cost, high-impact method for making your space feel brand new.

Consider a kitchen package

Some brands (including us…hi, hello) offer kitchen packages that include all the necessary appliances at a discounted price. If you are planning on replacing everything, a kitchen package can help trim down total costs. And because it comes from one place, it’s easier to create a seamless design where everything matches.

Celebrate!

Let go of that breath you’ve been holding for the past eight weeks. Open a bottle of wine. You’re all done.

Remodel Your Kitchen with Hisense!

By the time you find this blog, you probably have a design inspiration in mind. Maybe you’ve watched The Holiday enough times that a Nancy Myers kitchen has subliminally taken root in your brain. Maybe you want to take after Ina Garten and start your own catering company (recipe for a cocktail big enough to fit in the Stanley cup included). Or, maybe you’re just tired of replacing your dishwasher door and have said to hell with it all. If you’re looking to upgrade your appliance lineup, Hisense has the quality products your new kitchen deserves.