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You’re excited to give your kitchen an upgrade, but you’re concerned about the budget going beyond what you have planned. Budget-creep is often due to idea changes and unexpected surprises.
Below we list a few things to consider before starting your kitchen renovation to help you stay within your budget.
1. Hire A Contractor You Trust
By hiring a contractor you trust, you can ensure that you stay within your budget while still achieving the desired results.
The internet is a great way to research a business’ website and their public reviews. Consider checking out some of these online resources available to help you find a qualified contractor.
In addition, ask around to see who has worked on similar projects in the past. Look for a contractor who is experienced and has a good relationship with supply vendors. Honesty should be the most important quality. Word of mouth recommendations by other homeowners or your designer are, perhaps, the most valuable.
By doing your research ahead of time, you can avoid any unpleasant surprises down the line.
2. Make A Wish List
Kitchen makeovers can be an exciting opportunity to personalize one of the most commonly used rooms in your home. Once you’ve established the budget for the new dream kitchen, make sure you have realistic expectations about costs and needs.
Start by determining what is necessary for the renovation, such as countertops, backsplashes, and cabinet styles. Then, think of what you would like to have, but is not essential.
This could be anything from appliances to fashionable lighting. Kitchen islands may come in a variety of shapes, so choose what fits your budget. By doing this, you will be able to make sure you achieve the best results with the funds you have.
3. Get Off Pinterest
When renovating your kitchen, it is natural to scour Pinterest boards for inspiration. If you see something enticing, it is wise to consult your designer. Do a little extra research to find out if those options are achievable with the budget you’ve established. Also, determine if they are possible within your existing space.
Once you have made design and product choices, stop looking at Pinterest. Continuing to scroll through pictures of custom kitchens can make you feel unsatisfied with your decisions. This can lead to indecision and costly changes.
4. Plan Ahead
One of the most common reasons any renovation goes over budget is change-orders. Deciding to upgrade your lighting, paint color, or cabinet doors will cost you money. If these alterations are made through a contractor, additional costs may incur each time you change your mind.
Most contractors will require a sign-off for changes to make sure you are aware of any additional charges and changes to the project timeline.
5. Purchase Materials Now
Keep your budget in mind when it’s time to start purchasing materials and supplies. Start by working with your designer and contractor to make a list of what you need and verifying availability. By purchasing materials such as lumber, windows, flooring, or custom cabinetry sooner rather than later, you can avoid the cost of rising prices.
This might mean you’ll have to give up part of your garage for storage, but you could ask your contractor if they can store the materials while they are working on your project.
Another benefit to purchasing early in the project is that you can be on the lookout for seasonal discounts, which can also help you stay within your budget (or make a little room for extras or issues!)
6. Pad Your Budget
Planning a kitchen renovation is exciting and most people go into it with lots of optimism, but it’s important to be aware that sometimes unexpected things can happen.
When doing a kitchen renovation, it is important to be aware that there may be hidden or unforeseen costs associated with the project. This may include replacing broken items, repairing damage, or locating existing issues that need to be fixed before any rebuilding can take place.
Other issues that may arise include discovering water damage, outdated wiring or plumbing, or structural problems that must be fixed before any progress can be made.
To avoid those painful surprises, pad your budget a bit from the beginning. Consulting an experienced designer and contractor will help give you a realistic idea of how much you should set aside for unforeseen issues.
7. Work With A Von Tobel Kitchen Designer
Don’t let budget worries take all the joy out of your kitchen renovation project. Get the best possible start for your new kitchen by working with one of our in-store kitchen designers.
Request a free design consultation here.
We can help you set a realistic budget and refer you to local, experienced contractors.
Just remember to plan ahead, be prepared for the unexpected, and be confident in your choices!
