When remodeling a kitchen, each step of the way you will be faced with the decision to splurge or save. Every kitchen should be a reflection of the homeowners and will reflect how the renovation budget was spent. Budget allocation will come down to how you use the space and where your priorities lie. If you have a big family you may splurge on more storage solutions. However, for a gourmet cook the splurge may be top-of-the-line appliances. Figure out where you’ll want to spend your remodeling funds and consider our tips for Budgeting for Your Kitchen Remodel: Where to Splurge and Where to Save.
Cabinetry
Kitchen cabinetry will take up the principal portion of your remodeling budget. Cabinetry is affixed to your space and will have the largest (and longest lasting) effect on the overall kitchen aesthetic.
Save: Semi-Custom Partial Overlay
Keep cabinet costs low by opting for a standard construction semi-custom cabinet with a partial overlay flat veneer panel. While being mindful of the added cost of storage solutions, we still highly recommend necessities such as a pull-out waste and recycling center and soft-close doors and drawers. Save money on cabinet hardware with inexpensive knobs and pulls made of hollow lightweight construction.
Image Source: Better Homes & Gardens
Splurge: High Quality Semi-Custom Full Overlay
If you plan to remain in your home for many years to come, we recommend finding room in your budget to splurge for quality semi-custom solid wood cabinets with a full overlay door style. Opt for decorative hardware like enchanting crystal knobs or choose a top-quality, solid heavy construction hardware.
Image Source: HGTV
Countertops
The vast selection of kitchen countertop materials also represents a wide array of cost differences. Depending on where you prefer to spend your remodeling budget, there are wonderful countertop options for every price range.
Save: Laminate
These aren’t your mother’s laminate countertops. The laminate countertops of 2018 have come quite a long way from decades past. You can transform the look of your kitchen with countertops that are affordable, durable, and easy to maintain. Available in a myriad of color and pattern options, you can even get the look of stone for a fraction of the cost.
Image Source: Houzz
Splurge: Quartz
If you have the funds to spend, you cannot beat quartz countertops. Quartz is heat and scratch resistant, practically indestructible, not to mention effortlessly elegant. For those building the kitchen of their dreams, you can’t go wrong this low maintenance natural stone option.
Image Source: Remodelista
Flooring
Kitchen flooring is a category where your needs and lifestyle should dictate your choice rather than automatically opting for the “highest quality” or currently popular option.
Save: Laminate
Much like laminate countertops, laminate flooring has come a long way and can be virtually indistinguishable from hardwood. Laminate flooring is an affordable option that can be made to look just like wood, stone, or tile, all with the added benefit of being low maintenance with resistance to wear and tear.
Image Source: HGTV
Splurge: Hardwood
For those who want the real deal, hardwood flooring adds value to your home and looks simply beautiful. Customize your hardwood by choosing from a wide variety of widths, stains, and textures. Enhance the look of your home with hardwood flooring and enjoy this long lasting low maintenance option.
Image Source: Decor Pad
Backsplash
The kitchen backsplash is one of the most fun items to pick out and can make a huge impact on your space.
Save: Paint
The cheapest kitchen backsplash option is . . . no backsplash at all! Forgoing a backsplash will save you money and you can always add a tile backsplash in the future when it better fits your budget. Fresh paint is affordable, comes in several hardworking finishes and can make a world of difference in your updated kitchen.
Image Source: Design Sponge
Splurge: Tile Backsplash
This is not to say that tile backsplashes are always expensive, they are just more expensive than no backsplash at all. A simple white subway tile can be very affordable while you might pay more for marble or a patterned cement tile. Weigh your backsplash options and choose the one you’re comfortable “splurging” on. If you really want to go big, for a custom look take your tile backsplash all the way up to the ceiling.
Image Source: Studio McGee
Lighting
Choosing kitchen lighting can be overwhelming because there are just so many styles available!
Save: Recessed Lighting
Kitchen lighting should be first and foremost functional. Lighting is a category where you can save by choosing to stick strictly with recessed lighting. This form of lighting will be more than enough to get you by until you afford those pendants you’ve been dreaming of.
Image Source: HGTV
Splurge: Decorative Lighting
When your budget allows, we recommend a combination of recessed lighting and decorative lighting like pendants, a chandelier, or under cabinet lighting. It’s amazing what a statement lights can make in a kitchen, serving as a key focal point or a way to bring a pop of color and texture into the room.
Image Source: House Beautiful
While remodeling your home, you will be faced with many situations where you have to choose whether to save or splurge. Even if you’re going high-end in some product categories don’t feel you have to purchase the “best of the best” in all areas. And if you’re sticking to a strict kitchen remodel budget but you have your heart set on cabinetry with customization or stone countertops; don’t feel like you have to economize in all product categories. It’s all about striking a balance so that in the end you are left with a kitchen that functionally fits your lifestyle and is a joy to look at and live in!