Most property appraisers will tell you that a kitchen renovation delivers the highest value for your dollar. To design and build the most attractive and functional renovation project you need the expertise and skills of a kitchen contractor. You'll also need a decent sized budget and tight control to stay in line with those figures.
Hiring a kitchen contractor doesn't mean you will blow your budget. By choosing the right renovation contractor the process of design, planning and construction will provide plenty of opportunities to cut costs without sacrificing quality. A good contractor will communicate well and lean on their past experiences to help you create the best kitchen on the lowest budget.
Plan Ahead for Cost Savings
Find your kitchen contractor first in order to gain from their expertise for the entire project. They will help you decide the optimum layout of appliances, the best choice for cabinetry and materials for the counter. A talented contractor will also provide advice on plumbing and electrical layouts that will provide the most cost savings.
Design decisions that take priorities into account and work within the existing structure of your kitchen help to shave money off. Ask a few contractors to take a look at your existing kitchen and suggest improvements that deliver maximum impact with minimal cost.
Ask For a Breakdown on Costs
Obtain a detailed quotation for the kitchen renovation, breaking out labor and materials costs, as well as any disposal charges, permits and other fees. The more details that you have, the better your ability to make informed decisions will be.
The contractor may also have specific ideas on where costs can be saved. Cabinetry is a big investment, for example, and refinishing or re-facing your cabinets will cost much less than a full replacement. Flooring and counter materials that have a similar appearance to high end products with a lower price tag are also good for the budget. Ask your contractor whether an alternative plumbing or electrical layout will make a big difference to the overall cost.
Trust Saves Money and Hassle
Hiring a kitchen renovation contractor you can trust will not eliminate surprises. It will, however, help to limit those surprises and provide you with the information to handle them.
Any changes or alterations make a dent in your budget. More time spent on labor, extra or wasted materials and other seemingly minor things can cause major increases in the final cost of your kitchen renovation. Save money by hiring a kitchen contractor you can trust that will communicate openly and honestly with you at all times about the state of the project.
Top Five Ways to Save Money on a Kitchen Remodel
Besides hiring the contractor, you can also save money on your kitchen renovation project by:
- browsing the outlet stores and clearance sections for scratch and dent appliances or those priced as open box and as is
- buying your fixtures in bulk from the same plumbing supply store - ask about plumbing pipes and fittings as well for even more savings
- opting for lower tech elements where possible - leave out the electricity on your new island for example and save a lot on wiring
- choosing a base of neutral and plain features for most of the room and offset with stunning accents - a solid color tile backsplash with accent tiles, for example, instead of a patterned or mosaic tile
Talk over these options with your kitchen contractor and together you will be able to come up a design that will increase the value of your day to day life, be a wise investment in your home and still keep some money in your wallet.
Posted by: diana