Whether you’re remodeling your kitchen to make it more comfortable for your imminent retirement or to sell your home and downsize, upgrading your kitchen can be expensive. According to home remodel reports, homeowners spend an average of $73,100 on renovations alone.
Instead of spending tens of thousands of dollars, finding ways to avoid overspending on countertops as you update your home means you’ll keep more cash in your pocket. Aside from looking for sales on your renovation supplies, here are some sneaky ways to cut costs as you tackle remodeling projects in all the major rooms in your home.
avoid overspending on countertops
Create a Budget
It’s easy to get swept up in the excitement of a remodel, but little extras can sink an otherwise sound budget. To avoid overspending, create a strict set of figures before you arrange to meet with a contractor for project estimates.
If you are doing the project yourself and need to determine how much you can afford to spend, remember to factor in a percentage to cover unexpected costs, like removing dry rot and patching holes, rewiring an old electrical system or tearing down a wall. It’s a safe bet to estimate an additional 20% for unforeseen costs.
Research the cost of materials
Materials can be an area where contractors pad costs, so research material prices to know whether you’re getting a fair deal. In fact, we would suggest keeping materials and labor costs separate. Suggest going with the fabricator to buy the materials, and pay for them on your credit card. You could also get the list of materials and buy them yourself at a home-improvement store.
Just do the math and make sure you’re truly getting a deal that will allow you to avoid overspending on countertops. Some veteran contractors with good relationships in the community may be able to get better deals on Orlando countertops for you.
avoid overspending on countertops
Work with what you have
Your biggest savings could be located right in your own home. Get in the revamp mindset and give your current kitchen a facelift instead of an entire remodel. It may be tempting to double the size of your room or opt for a brand-new addition, but you don’t have to go bigger to make it better. Install high pantry cabinets to increase your storage space, towels on the walls and rearrange your kitchen for maximum functionality. You’d be surprised what a little bit of creativity can do. A room can transform with the right lighting, color, décor or storage space— be open to affordable alternatives of countertops and reinvent what you already have.
Try to Do It Yourself a little bit
If you are going to do it yourself to avoid overspending on countertops, rather than pay a contractor, make sure you do research. Ask professionals you know for advice and use your family and friends’ skills to help you with your remodel. Make sure you do plenty of research before you begin a project.
For plumbing, if it is newer and has no damage, don’t replace it. Don’t bother with replacing your tile with New Countertops — it’s not worth it to reuse it or DIY it because it could crack and cause more expenses than it’s worth. Instead, seek out the services of a trusted fabricator.
One of the best, yet least expensive upgrades you can do to your home is to bring in more natural light without adding more windows. Paint the walls white and add decorative mirrors to the wall. Instead of purchasing newer or brighter cabinets for your kitchen, paint them white and just buy new handles. Have open-view windows without any cross-bars or beams.
There will be hidden costs in any remodel project. But, if you take your time and plan it, you can easily avoid some of the unexpected causes. Aside from the many tips above, the best piece of advice that anyone beginning a new remodel project can hear is, “expect the unexpected.”
If you are in Orlando and you are worried about spending too much on countertops and cabinets, consult a home design expert from All Quality Marble and Granite Countertops Company. They will take you through the most affordable remodeling plans that will help you save thousands of dollars.
