Are you planning for a kitchen remodel, but you don’t have the budget or the time to do a complete renovation? Maybe you can only tackle one big project this year, and you want to make it count.
Where should you start? Should you replace the cabinets, the floor, the backsplash, or something else entirely?
The kitchen designers at Von Tobel are here to guide you. Discover what they have to say about kitchen remodeling when you can’t do a full renovation.
The wood for kitchen cabinets that you choose can have quite an impact on the final look of your remodeled kitchen.
Designer Julia Ann Pearce has the following to say about where to start with a kitchen remodel.
“If you are planning an addition or major remodel of your space and you can work around your kitchen as is for the moment, I would suggest getting the framework for any new walls to go up or old walls to come down. This will leave you living in a space of limbo for a while but can be ideal if you are trying to pay as you go.
The next part of the project that could be addressed is the floor. Again, if you can work around the flooring you already have in place. If you can, and it’s a flooring that would go under the new kitchen cabinetry, be sure to purchase all the flooring you may need at the start and ensure you will have all the material you need from the same dye lot.
You can leave the last major step of new cabinets, tops, and backsplash for a later time.
As an alternative to a full remodel, if you find yourself handy, you can sand and paint your existing cabinetry. Then you can get new countertops with a tile backsplash. This way, you spruce up your space and spend less than if you would have gotten all new cabinetry and tops.”
Refreshing your cabinets by refacing, painting, or simply adding new hardware can give your kitchen a new look for very little money. It can also give your kitchen a more modern look until you can afford to complete the entire renovation.
One of the best ways to make the most of your kitchen remodel, no matter how much you can afford to spend right now, is to remember your style. This is your home, so don’t feel you have to splurge or choose a material you don’t like because it’s trendy.
Understanding which mistakes to avoid is just as important as knowing where to start. Avoid costly mistakes when undergoing a kitchen remodel by planning ahead.
Kitchen designer Jenni Knight weighs in on common homeowner mistakes.
“Do not start with countertops or a tile backsplash! We have had plenty of customers come in wanting to do their cabinets, and they say, “we did our countertops and tile backsplash a couple of years ago and would like to save them.”
While countertops can be removed and stored in the homeowner’s garage, they will pay for reinstallation and need to sign a waiver stating no one is liable for the damage. It is also a more difficult task trying to get the new base cabinets into exactly the same layout as before so that the tops fit back into place.
There is usually no chance of keeping a tile backsplash if countertops and cabinets are removed. There will always be some damage.
If customers start with flooring first, they have to know to purchase more material ahead of time to go underneath the new cabinet, or they will have different heights to deal with and/or adding quarter round to the toe space of new cabinets, so they do not see the unfinished edge of the flooring butting up to the cabinets.
If a homeowner cannot afford an entire kitchen remodel, we have done plenty of projects where we keep existing cabinets and just do new flooring, countertops, cabinet hardware, and tile backsplashes to make an existing kitchen look brand new and amazing.”
The best way to avoid these common mistakes is to choose the right area of the kitchen to focus on first. Avoid damage and ensure you purchase enough materials for the entire remodel by planning for future projects down the line.
Decide what’s most important to you. Is it the layout, the appliances, the flooring?
If you’re not sure where to start, it’s best to work with a kitchen designer who can help you avoid mistakes and make the most of a remodel, no matter the budget. Don’t sink your money into an area of the kitchen that you’re going to tear up later or that might get damaged.
Also, the materials you choose matter. Remember, you can still get quality materials even if you don’t have a massive budget. Choosing cheap materials will only cost you more in the end.
Are you looking for inspiration? Visit showrooms to see your options in person and ask for advice. Designers can help you choose materials and make the most of any budget.
A kitchen remodel costs anywhere from $20,000 to $50,000 or more depending on the project, the materials,and your location.
A good rule of thumb you’ll often hear is to only spend 5% to 15% of the total value of your house. Of course, if you can’t afford a complete renovation at the moment, you’ll have to divide that budget. Break the budget down by area of focus.
Consider the state of your kitchen and write down pain points. These paint points are problems with your kitchen that affect the efficiency of the room or that really bother you. For example, your cabinets or flooring might look very dated.
Are you feeling lost? Let our professional kitchen designers guide you through the process and help you plan each step.
Also, don’t forget to look into financing options that can help you pay for your remodel.
So you’ve separated your budget, outlined the projects you can tackle this year, and made a plan for the future. What’s the next step for your kitchen remodel?
Learn about Von Tobel’s quality kitchen cabinets and supplies, or get expert help when you request a design consultation today. Our expert designers are here with more advice and ready to help you get your remodel started.
