Real Estate Marketing & Beyond
Remodeling the kitchen has a reputation of being one of the most expensive home improvements, and figures from the Remodeling 2014 Cost vs. Value Report shows the average cost of doing so is $54.909, while even minor modifications can cost nearly twenty thousand dollars.
However an article in aol.com points out that kitchen remodeling does not have to be that expensive, as it is possible to do it piece by piece, and on a bit of a budget. Choosing the right materials can make a huge difference, as expert remodelers will tell you that custom-made solid wood cabinets can often cost well over a thousand dollars per linear foot, as this is the way cabinets are normally priced. But is not necessary to spend this much to get a good finish, and locally made cabinets are often competitively priced as are those from stores such as Ikea. These cabinets can be as little as a quarter of the price of premium cabinets.
© Christopher Howey - Fotolia.com
Granite counter tops are often considered a must have item, but can come at a price. However granite can vary in quality and price, and if you visit enough suppliers you’ll probably be able to find reasonably priced stone. Canny re-modelers who only need to make minor modifications to their kitchen might be able to save money by resurfacing existing cabinets while replacing counter tops and back splashes to give a whole new look. Replacing old, tired fridges and cookers with brand new energy efficient stainless steel appliances can often make a huge, yet affordable difference. It also pays to shop around for the cost of materials and labor, as quotes can vary tremendously.
Another way to save money is to farm out the work to individual kitchen remodeling contractors rather than hiring one main contractor who oversees the whole project. If your remodel doesn’t involve taking down walls or reconfiguring the layout then this can be one to cut costs. However this is not a good idea if you don’t have any knowledge about construction. If you do decide to go it alone, it is important to make sure the contract specifies everything necessary, and check out references before hiring anyone.
One way to save money is to think about buying a used kitchen, as these regularly come up for sale on Craigslist or other places such as Habitat for Humanity. These can often be remodeled by an experienced cabinet maker. Often the kitchens sold are high quality even though they are used.
