Out of any other room in the house, it’s the kitchen that’s usually the most expensive when it comes to renovating. Style, durability and practical design are all key considerations of the planning process and costs can easily mount in the quest for a kitchen that ticks all the boxes.
So how do you make sure that you get what you want from your new kitchen without blowing the budget? Here are 5 quick tips to help you on your way…
Work out your priorities
Right at the beginning of the project, make a list of priorities to give yourself an idea of what features/material choices are top of your wish list. If it’s looking like you’re going to go over budget, use this list as a reminder of what’s most important to you and how you envision the finished project. This will enable you to look at areas where you’re willing to compromise and, conversely, help you to see which items within the budget are non-negotiable.
Keep a Spreadsheet
It may sound incredibly dull, but one of the easiest ways to ensure that you stay on budget during your kitchen renovation is by keeping a watchful eye on all your outgoings. Create a spreadsheet listing all expenses including what you’ve budgeted for each of these as well as the actual cost. This will allow you to see areas where you have overspent, areas where you have come in under budget and areas where you might need to consider a compromise in order to achieve your target spend.
Rethink Structural Alterations
One of the largest costs of renovating a kitchen can come when restructuring work is involved. Ask yourself whether large structural works (like an extension) are necessary or whether clever rearranging of the layout of your kitchen – without altering the original architecture of the property – could also provide the desired result.
Consider Alternatives
When it comes to choosing the materials for your kitchen renovation, it’s important to note that the most expensive materials are not always the most practical, especially when it comes to choosing counter-tops. Materials like stainless steel and Quartz offer durability and are a cheaper alternative to Solid Surface, Marble and Granite worktops. If you really want to invest in some of the more expensive worktop choices, you could consider mixing it up – choosing a different surface for your main worktops from your island counter-tops to achieve a compromise between durability, practicality, cost and a style that you love.
Read more about finding the right worktop for your kitchen here
Talk to an expert
DIY-ing your kitchen project may seem like the cheaper option in the short run, but if things go wrong or you hit an unexpected bump in the road during your renovation works, extra costs can quickly mount up. Professional kitchen designers are experienced and used to working within strict budgets and timescales and they may be able to foresee such obstacles. Using their knowledge and skills can help save time and money in the long run whilst alleviating some of the stress of renovating your home.
