Kitchen Design: Luxe for Less

Floors, counters, cabinetry and appliances – there’s a seemingly endless number of components that go into creating the kitchen of your dreams. As a result, it’s no secret that kitchen renovations tend to be high on the list of most expensive home improvement projects. As with any project, there are always ways to save without sacrificing the quality of your space. Here are some tried and true tips for cutting costs but not quality during your kitchen reno.

Kitchen Interior Designer Barbara Nyke

CABINETS

Most homeowners find that after appliances, cabinets are the most expensive feature of their kitchen reno — high-quality custom cabinets will typically cost around 10 to 20 thousand dollars. That being said, if you’ve decided to preserve the layout of your pre-existing kitchen and more storage isn’t a   priority, you could save hundreds on cabinetry.

One option is to paint your existing cabinets. Transitioning your cabinets from dark to light  or vice versa can give your space an entirely new feel, especially when combined with updates to other aspects of the space, such as countertops, flooring or even just hardware. Refinishing your cabinets will usually cost between $800 and $2,000 with the help of an expert.

Another possibility is to replace the central panels of certain cabinets. Adding glass or stamped sheet metal to your cabinets can drastically improve the look of older panels. This is a relatively inexpensive way to add a unique flair to your kitchen design. A cabinet installer will charge around $200 per cabinet for installation and materials.

FLOORS

Over the past five years, open concept spaces have become more and more popular. One of the few drawbacks of this layout is the fact that floors need to be consistent throughout the space. It’s harder to justify splurging on expensive hardwood or tile in certain spaces when you can’t balance out the cost with cheaper materials in other areas. Luckily, there are now many beautiful and cost-effective options on the market.

For many homeowners, laminate flooring is the first option that comes to mind when seeking a cheaper alternative to hardwood, and for good reason. Not only is the material itself cheaper to buy, but installation costs are around 50% lower than hardwood. Laminate flooring is also more durable, more moisture-resistant, and easier to clean than hardwood, which is incredibly important in high-traffic areas like your kitchen. Consult a to determine the best quality and style for your kitchen – luckily, there is no shortage of colours and styles to choose from.

Alternatively, you could go with less conventional Luxury Vinyl Flooring. Like laminate, this material uses high-quality images to imitate more expensive natural materials. Typically costing between $3 to $5 per square foot, LVF is a fantastic option for homeowners looking to redo large areas on a budget. Contact a flooring expert to determine which option is best for your new kitchen.

COUNTERTOPS

Though purchasing a natural stone countertop is tempting, today, there are endless options of man-made alternatives that won’t break the bank. One particularly popular option is Quartz. It's not only less expensive than natural stone, but they are also non-porous, durable, and easy to clean. With hundreds of styles on the market, a will be able to find a match for your favourite natural stones.

Beyond quartz, there are dozens of other cost-effective countertop options. High-end laminate can mimic a huge variety of marble, granite and of course, wood patterns. On the other end of the colour spectrum, natural soapstone is a fantastic option for homeowners looking to take their countertops to the dark side.

APPLIANCES

Unless you plan on keeping your old appliances, appliances will typically account for 20% of the total cost of a kitchen renovation. That being said, there are a number of little-known ways to save on this part of your project.

First and foremost, make sure you look into utility rebates. If you’re purchasing an Energy Star appliance, use their website’s rebate finder to determine if you qualify. You can also save money by buying more than one appliance from the same retailer. If you buy three or more appliances together, you could reduce the total cost of your appliances by up to 20%. Finally, consider hiring your own pro to install your new appliances. Retailers charge high rates to send out their own servicemen for installation. Shop around for quotes on HomeStars to ensure you’re getting a fair installation price.

These tips will help you keep your project on track and on budget. By mixing and matching top-of-the-line and cost-effective materials, your kitchen will look great and your wallet will feel good, too. Get your project underway by contacting a general contractor today!

Reposted with permission from HomeStars

written by Karen Rhamey, January 30, 2019