So you can't wait anymore with your old ugly, outdated kitchen. You want to and have to. But let's be fair even small remodeling project can make a big hole in the family budget. Today I want to show you the potential money leeks and how to prevent it.
Tip #1
Keep your kitchen the same layout.
Be sure that your new cabinets will stay the same footprint. So what's the problem if I move my refrigerator two inches left? Very simple, you will strip concrete floor or subfloor not covered by tile because your old cabinet was standing right over there. And guess what you have to do? Yes, the new floor. And this leads us to the next tip.
Tip #2
Keep appliances where they are.
You already know about issues with footprints. But just if you want to move cooktop to the island, you should think about running power and exhaust hood. In case you wish to install a sink at the island besides the power line, we have to run the water supply line and drains.
Tip #3
Do not move the walls.
Every second client wants to have an open kitchen concept, which means let's move the wall. And this makes me happy because it's more job, more Instagram pictures, and more profit for me. So why is so expensive? Guess just some potential issues with permits, rewiring, repiping, reframing, the new floor to cover the wall's footprint, concrete slab reinforcement, drywall, retexture, repainting. All of this potentially could cost you thousands.
Tip #4
Use RTA cabinets
What the RTA cabinets? RTA means Ready to Assemble. That is mean you get all in one box. It is factory-made cabinets you can get for a better price because manufacturers save money on assembling, packaging, storing, and transportation. What about quality? I would say it is comparable with already assembled cabinets or better. Its all because it made with plywood and it has factory painted doors and frames. The most significant disadvantages of these cabinets are a limited selection of doors, shapes, and colors.
Tip #5
Minimize drawers, pullouts, inserts, and other "make life easier" upgrades.
I like drawers, and I would prefer to install drawers everywhere I can in my project. Although all of this makes life easier hardware, such as Lazy Susan, Magic Corner, Trash and Recycle pullouts, Shelves pullouts cost real money.
Tip #6
Use prefab countertops and backsplash.
If you decide to go with granite or quartz countertops, you would have two options Slab or Prefab countertops. The manufacturers produce slabs in different formats, and the typical countertop slab thickness is 3/4". That means your countertop fabricator should take that slabs to the shop, cut it, and laminate edge polished it. And then bring it to your home and install it. Your second option is to purchase prefabricate countertops, which you can find in three main sizes 26"x9' for common countertops and 36"x9'; 48"x9' for island and peninsulas. The prefab countertops already have finished the 1-1/2" edge. Another benefit to going with prefab is when you purchase it; you are buying a kit countertop and 6"x9' backsplash. And you have another money-saving option - do not do tile backsplash. The tile backsplash costs a lot; the mosaic price much more; the tile installation labor is overhigh, so if you like clean look 6 inches backsplash, go further with no doubt. If prefab countertops still expensive for you, think about laminate countertops. It is less costly, easy to install, and easy to remove when you have a budget to replace countertops with quartz or granite. Believe it or not, but most of the kitchens for now in Europe still install with laminate countertops.
Prefab Countertop Warehouse
Tip #7
Avoid decorating elements
Yes, I know all of this crown moldings, pilasters, curbs, can make your kitchen significantly better. But it gives you any extra storage or counters space. Good for us, the contemporary or modern shaker style cabinets do not require any additional decorations. At the least thing, you can go with a small plain crown for shaker cabinets.
Tip #8
Don't let your contractor install new appliances.
Of course, if you upgrade your kitchen and keep the same appliances, then it is not a big deal for your contractor to reinstall it. But if you are purchasing the new appliances, consider buying it with free delivery and installation. Sometimes sales could appreciate you with extending the warranty if you order the installation.
Tip #9
Schedule your project on low season
Even here in southern California, San Diego, we have a high and low season in construction. So what is the best time for a remodeling project if you want to save money? Straightforward, it is two months before tax day. Why? It is Obvious. Nobody knows how much they pay taxes or got a tax return.
Tip #10
Do demolition by yourself.
It is not a hard job. You don't need special tools or skills to do it. How much can you save on demolition? It very depends, but for an average size kitchen, it's about $1000-$1500. But please remember that you have gone need a rent dump truck and delivered construction debris for landfill. Or you can hire your remodeling contractor to utilize demolished kitchen cabinets for you.
And now I have 3 bonus tips about how you can not save money on kitchen remodeling.
Do project without drawings
Hire Designer. Just believe all money you spend on the design you will back by avoiding construction errors. We all humans, we all make mistakes. If you don't have the experience, you can't avoid it. The success formula is the next "more detailed project is fewer construction errors." Do not trust the contractor who says, "I have a project in my head." It's ok if he is doing paint for you, or replace toilet, or upgrade light fixtures, but not for cabinets remodeling. Some contractors can do it by on his one, some not. Although, if I am hearing from my client, "I don't need drawings," I am doing it anyway, for myself and my guys. Because when I am doing drawings, I make errors on paper or on my computer, which costs me nothing to fix it. But if I make a mistake on the job site, (I still do), it cost me time, money, and goodwill.
DIY whole project if have no experience
Minimum ones in a year I do the job for a guy who didn't master the project. Believe it or not, some of them are in the construction business, plumbers, electricals, managers, or formats in the big construction companies. Once upon a time, it was a city inspector.
Hire unrelated craftsman
The potential problem is to connecting different traders in one project. And very soon, you will find yourself listening to different craftsmen blaming one another. And you are the one and the only person responsible for wor whole project success I saw it many times. The guy who is good in, let's say in IT project, trying to manage construction based on his skills. With spings, whiteboards, backlogs, etc. If you are an excellent SCRUM master, it does not mean you can manage construction in this way and fix bugs letter. Just find someone responsible for all project aspects, carpentry, plumbing, electrical, countertop, etc.
In conclusion
Don't try to implement whole tips wat you are getting today. If you do so, you will get a cheap-looking boring kitchen with no extra value for your home. Just follow your dream, because now you are ready to speak with your designer or contractor, and now you can decide what element of your remodeling is necessary and what is not. And if you find this blog useful, please add your information to the mailing list.
Next time I will tell you how to find and work with an interior designer.