Cutting costs, not corners: What are 10 ways to save on a kitchen remodel?

For many people, the most overwhelming part of planning a kitchen remodel is budgeting for it. In most cases, kitchen overhauls cost tens of thousands of dollars, and even into the hundreds of thousands in extreme cases. Though a full renovation will be pricey no matter what you do, there are some ways you can cut costs – even a few thousand dollars if you’re especially frugal. Just remember that cutting your budget shouldn’t compromise the quality of the materials you buy. If you cut corners, you may find yourself making repairs and replacements sooner rather than later. Here are 10 ways you can save some money on your kitchen remodel:

1. DIY some tasks
Unless you have some construction or subcontracting experience, you should leave most of the extreme remodeling changes to the professionals. But there are a few tasks you may be able to handle yourself if you’re a particularly adept DIY-er. Many remodeling professionals say a great way to cut costs is by taking care of the demolition yourself, rather than lumping it into the contractor’s fee. You may also be able to handle some final-touch details like installing your new brass kitchen faucets or painting the walls.

2. Choose the right contractor
General contractors can make or break a kitchen remodel budget, so it’s important to be completely confident in the one you choose. Make sure you ask for references and do background checks before making a final decision. After you hire the contractor, make sure he or she isn’t requesting too much money up front. He or she may need a large down payment for ordering parts and fixtures, but the bulk of the fee should be given after the project is complete.

3. Leave the plumbing alone
You can cut down plenty on the costs of your new stainless steel kitchen sinks if you simply install them where the old sinks were located. Though you may have to finagle your layout slightly, aim for a design that requires little to no changes in the plumbing or electrical wiring. Any changes in these areas will cost you quite a bit, so design a layout that leaves the sinks, dishwasher and range in place.

4. Remodel during off times
Busy seasons for remodels are during the summer and during the winter holidays. For that reason, you may be able to lower your labor costs substantially by choosing a remodel in the late winter and early spring.

5. Don’t change your mind
The most costly mistake a homeowner can make during a kitchen remodel (or any renovation project for that matter) is to change his or her mind halfway through. Don’t rush the planning part of the process, and make sure every decision – down to the last oil rubbed bronze kitchen faucet – is made before even hiring a contractor. Then, stick to the plan as much as possible.

6. Reuse what you can
If you live in a relatively new house, or your previous owners made some updates, there may be a few fixtures or features you can salvage from the previous kitchen design. Try to reuse as much as you can, whether it’s as big as the refrigerator or as small as the faucet parts.

7. Opt for standard cabinets
Believe it or not, cabinets account for the highest percentage of your entire kitchen remodel budget. However, that doesn’t mean you should opt for the least expensive option, regardless of quality. Simply choosing standard cabinets, rather than custom designs, will help you cut costs. Choosing cabinets with more basic details and trim will also help you save a little money.

8. Mix materials
When it comes to countertops, granite is one of the most commonly used materials. And for good reason: It’s durable, stylish and less expensive than marble and other natural stone materials. To save a few bucks while still getting the look of granite countertops, consider using butcher block or another less expensive countertop material in one area of your kitchen, like on your island or a peninsula work station. Replacing just 6 square feet of granite countertop with butcher block could save you $300 or more.

9. Stick to industry standards
There are standard dimensions for everything from countertop heights to sink sizes to refrigerator depths. If you customize your layout so much that you’ll have to buy taller cabinets, a larger sink or anything else that isn’t typical, you’ll find yourself spending much more than if you had stuck to industry standards.

10. Shop around
One of the best ways to save money on your kitchen remodel is to shop around. Make sure you’re buying materials and fixtures from reputable stores, but don’t buy the first ones you see. Look online for things like kitchen faucets and faucet parts, sinks, lighting fixtures and cabinet hardware, as well as at local stores and big chains.