Research kitchen layouts, designs, cabinets, appliances, fixtures, and building materials to better determine what you want to include and what fits your budget. Visit showrooms and home renovation stores to observe and take notes.

Knocking down walls and moving plumbing and electrical lines can cost thousands of dollars. Try to keep the kitchen’s layout intact to save money. While maximizing value and functionality with This Is It Houston, check out Optimal Remodel’s ideas for a cost-effective kitchen renovation at https://optimalremodel.com/.

1. Get Organized

Kitchen remodeling can be an expensive project, but you can shave a few dollars off the cost by getting organized. This will help keep expenses down and allow you to stick with your remodel timeline without having to rush through the process or go over budget.

Sort through cabinets and drawers before starting the remodeling project, so you can get a better sense of how your kitchen is currently laid out. Consider things like what kind of cooking utensils you use most frequently and where they are stored. Keep those items near each other so you can grab them easily when cooking, and avoid having to go back and forth between drawers.

Use inexpensive dividers to turn your drawers into custom storage spaces. This will save space and make it easier to locate a particular item, like a whisk or spatula.

2. Look at Floor Models

As you begin the process of planning your kitchen renovation, it’s a good idea to visit showrooms and model homes to get a feel for how your finished project will look. This way, you can visualize your updates and start to strategize on ways to save money.

For example, if you have your heart set on stone countertops, it’s important to compare durability with cost. Granite and quartzite are timeless, beautiful choices but they are also more expensive than solid surface or laminate counters.

It’s also important to consider the reason for your remodel – is it for aesthetic reasons or do you want to increase your home’s value? If it’s the former, a few splurge items (like a marble-top island) can add a lot to the overall look but will still allow you to prioritize energy-saving appliances and other cost-effective options elsewhere.

3. Shop for Appliances

Getting the right advice about the types of appliances you’ll need is essential to your kitchen remodel project. Ask friends, family members and other trusted professionals about their favorite appliance brands and models. You can also search online for reviews and suggestions.

You should also shop around for appliance deals. There are a lot of opportunities to save money on appliance purchases, including sales and special promotions around holidays like Black Friday or Boxing Day. If you prioritize areas of the kitchen that will add value to your home, such as high-end energy-saving appliances or durable quartz countertops, it won’t feel so bad to cut corners in other places, such as on medium-range materials. By planning and budgeting thoughtfully, you can have the dream kitchen you want without blowing your whole renovation budget.

4. Don’t Change the Layout

Your kitchen should be arranged to work best for your family’s needs and how you use the space. However, structural changes like moving plumbing and electrical, knocking down walls or changing the layout will add to your remodel cost.

For example, you may want to change the location of your sink or refrigerator but these changes could make it hard for you and others in the household to navigate the space. Similarly, if you relocate your stove to another corner of the room you may have trouble opening and closing the oven door as well as running a dishwasher or microwave.

Don’t sacrifice the functionality of your kitchen in an effort to save on costs this will depreciate the value of your home over time.

5. Look for Sales

If you’re looking to save money, it’s best to shop for big-ticket items like appliances at times when they’re discounted. Boxing Day and Black Friday are great for this and can really help you shave off the cost of your kitchen renovation.

When you’re buying materials, consider cheaper options that still offer the aesthetic you want. For example, if you’re dreaming of granite countertops but can’t afford them yet, opt for laminate look-alikes instead.

Kitchen remodels can be a big project and having a clear idea of what you want to achieve is key. It can also be helpful to keep in mind how your choices will influence potential buyers when it comes time to sell. This will help you avoid regretful decisions that can push your budget past its limit.