Planning Your Kitchen Remodeling Budget
There are so many choices to make when remodeling a kitchen, and salesmen and contractors will often pressure you into the most expensive ones, when mid-range options may be perfectly serviceable without cutting corners. One of the key ways to keep your kitchen remodeling project within budget, and still get the highest quality materials and services for your money, is to cut down on the sheer number of options available. You can do this by knowing what you want.
Pressure Sales Tactics
When salesmen come in to talk to you about your kitchen remodeling plan, they will be full of high-pressure sales tactics and will try to show you things that (according to them) you didn’t even know you needed until now. Some of these options may seem very attractive, and it can be tempting to adapt your plan to accommodate them. Don’t do this; keep to your original plan and only modify if you really, genuinely feel that a change is needed.
Budget is Key
Remember, everything in your kitchen remodeling project comes down to your budget. Know what you have to spend and stick to it. Only consider special financing offers if the monthly payments (interest included) don’t exceed your original budget over the term of the loan—suppose you end up selling your home in two years, after you’ve financed a remodel project over five years? You’re now paying for someone else to enjoy your kitchen.
Wish List
Have a wish list for your kitchen at the outset, and then go over the list and narrow down the options available until you find just what you need and are within your budget. By taking this approach, you can set limits for yourself that will enable you to determine what you need vs. what would be nice to have.
Materials
Before the salesman even goes into his pitch, spend some time thinking about what you really need for your kitchen in terms of materials. Will your countertops take the kind of punishment that requires installing expensive granite? Certainly natural stone countertops provide excellent options that will hold up to heavy use for years, but laminate countertops, if properly cared for, can also last for a long time and give you a custom and attractive look.
Flooring, as well, comes in many different options. Vinyl is a low-cost and durable option that comes in all sorts of finishes and can even look like hardwood. Real wood flooring is a common and popular choice which can handle a lot of high-volume traffic, while ceramic tile is easy to install and care for.
Keep It Fun!
Remodeling a kitchen is a lot of work, but it should also be exciting and fun. Following some simple guidelines for staying within your budget and keeping high quality in materials, appliances, and craftsmanship will enable you to build the kitchen of your dreams, all while avoiding the kind of budget-busting scenarios that will land you in the poor house.
Know what you need and stick with it—don’t bow to pressure sales tactics, and don’t cut corners, and you’ll end up with a kitchen that will bring warmth and joy to your home for years to come.
And be sure to research kitchen remodeling costs and their return on investment as you consider your kitchen remodeling project.
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