How to Remodel a Kitchen on a Budget?

How to Remodel a Kitchen on a Budget

Remodeling a kitchen is a significant milestone for many homeowners, ranking as the second most popular home improvement project after bathrooms. Like any renovation, it involves essential steps that demand careful planning and a good dose of patience.

However, a DIY kitchen remodel can be manageable. In this guide, we’ll explore how to renovate your kitchen while keeping costs low. You’ll discover the average expenses for each component of a remodel—from flooring to cabinets—and strategies to save on each. We'll also discuss which parts of the kitchen remodel can be tackled by homeowners themselves and when to seek professional assistance.

Table of Contents

• Brainstorm Ideas 

• Create a Budget 

• Hire Contractors 

• Start Demolition 

• Connect Utilities 

• Rebuild Walls 

• Replace Flooring 

• Update Cabinets 

• Add New Sink & Countertops 

• Install Appliances 

• Put Up Backsplash 

• Tackle Lighting 

Simple Steps to Remodel Your Kitchen

It’s time to bring your dream kitchen to life. Discover how to remodel your kitchen on a budget with our helpful tips and tricks.

• Brainstorm & Sketch Your Kitchen Remodeling Ideas

The first step in remodeling a kitchen is the simplest—determine what you want. Are you envisioning a mid-century modern kitchen, or do you prefer a farmhouse style?

Create a Vision Board

Kick off your inspiration search by exploring your favorite Pinterest boards and home improvement websites. Collect ideas in a folder or vision board as you research to help shape your remodeling plans.

Reviewing a wide range of layouts and designs will assist you in identifying the fixtures, textures, and materials you desire in your new kitchen. Additionally, consider how you will utilize your kitchen and whether your new design will fit within the existing floor plan.

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Draw an Outline of Your Kitchen

When you have some (realistic) ideas in mind, draw up a general outline of the remodel. Your main focus should be figuring out the layout of the room. Are you working with a galley kitchen or have you decided to knock down walls for an open layout?

A crucial stage in the design process is to determine how far apart your cabinets will be spaced out, where your kitchen island will be situated, where appliances will go and other logistical details. Knowing the precise layout will also give potential contractors an idea of the scope of the work, making it easier to get ballpark estimates for your kitchen remodeling project.

2. Create a Budget for Your Kitchen Remodel

Once you have an idea of what your dream kitchen would look like, it’s time to determine how much it will cost. Perform some research to come up with a solid foundation for your kitchen remodel budget.

What’s the Cost of a Kitchen Remodel?

Wondering how much a kitchen remodel costs? Get your fainting couch ready because, according to Home Advisor, the average kitchen remodel costs about $27,000. Typically you’ll find a kitchen remodel costing between $15,000 and $41,000 — and where the cost of your kitchen remodel falls depends on:

• The size of your kitchen

• Your materials and appliances

• How much of the work will be handled by contractors

• If you’re knocking down walls

Putting down that much money on a new kitchen is worth it for some. But others aren’t interested in splurging on high-end updates. Luckily, putting your kitchen remodel on a budget doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice style.

3. Interview & Hire Remodeling Contractors

There’s a professional out there for just about every part of a major kitchen remodel, from granite countertops to custom kitchen cabinetry to managing the entire project itself. Your task is to use your friends, colleagues and good old research to find the best professionals for your vision. A good place to start is to visit big-box stores and showrooms to look at every material available to you, and possibly pick up a few referrals along the way. Try to get at least three different estimates that include timelines for completion.

Once you’ve picked a contractor to assist in your kitchen remodel project, they’ll draw up a contract that outlines the scope of the work and establishes a payment schedule. A typical payment schedule is 10% upfront, 25% at three-stage intervals throughout the project and the last 15% upon project completion. Jot down a checklist of requirements for hiring a contractor and ask all the questions you have before signing an agreement.

Tackle Lighting & Final Finishes

You’re almost at the finish line! Time for the final touches to complete your kitchen remodel. When it comes to lighting, you’ll typically want to include both ambient and task lighting.

• Ambient lighting includes chandeliers, track lights and recessed lighting. These fixtures light up the entire kitchen and are usually placed over a kitchen island or table.

• Task lighting includes under-cabinet lighting such as LED strips that light up a particular area of the kitchen, like the counter, to make cooking easier.