Kelli Kaufer, Houzz ContributorWhen you're investing in a home remodeling project, you want to make ...

1. 9 Ways to Save on Your Kitchen Remodel | Houzz
Kelli Kaufer, Houzz Contributor
When you're investing in a home remodeling project, you want to make sure that the results not only
please you but add value to your home and save you money. Never is that more true than in a
kitchen remodel, where costs can added up so quickly that your budget can all of a sudden seem like
pennies in a jar. To avoid that and keep costs in line, and yet still get the kitchen of your dreams,
here are a few of my favorite ways of getting the most out of a tight budget.
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1. Go with ready-to-assemble cabinets. The biggest cost in a kitchen remodel is new cabinets. The
most expensive option is going custom, for which the cabinetry is designed, built and installed to
specifically fit your space. Custom cabinets can cost $10,000 to $60,000, as cabinets can range from
$250 to $1,500 per linear foot.
If your budget doesn't allow for custom, ready-to-assemble (RTA) is a good option. Ready-t-
-assemble or semicustom cabinets can sometimes be half the cost, from around $125 to $900 per
linear foot depending on the material, style and cost of installation.
In-stock cabinets are for customers who want to grab their cabinets right off the shelf and get going.
These stock cabinets come in standard sizes, shapes and colors. These cabinets are very affordable
and can range from $75 to $400 per linear foot.
Keep in mind, though, that costs will vary by location.
2. Keep existing cabinets if possible. If your cabinets are good quality and you like the style,
resurfacing is a great option. It's amazing how color can transform a kitchen and a few coats of paint
can give life to a once-drab space. Resurfacing and painting make for the most cost-effective option,
but ensure that you take the steps needed to get a beautiful finish.
A simple paint job might cost a few hundred dollars. But for a more extensive refacing job, $5,000 to
$15,000 is likely if new veneer is added to the face of the cabinets.
3. Choose open shelving where possible. Open shelving creates interest in the space as well as saves
money. Using salvaged wood or painted planks from your local hardware store for shelving is a cost-
effective and functional option to display everyday dishes (items that don't spend enough time on the
shelf to accumulate dust).
Open shelving can save a few thousand dollars, but while it may be tempting to do away with fitted
cabinets altogether, they're still valuable and efficient for storage, particularly if you have a small
kitchen and a lot to pack into it.
4. Consider alternative countertop materials. There is a wide range of countertops to choose from --
solid surfaces, recyclable products, concrete, tile, stone and more. Granite is still a popular choice
for countertops, but at $50 to $100 or more per square foot installed, it can push any budget over
the top. Consider using two different surfaces to can cut the cost in half.

2. If granite is not in the budget but you like the look of stone, consider laminate, an inexpensive
alternative. The costs ranges from $8 to $20 per square foot, including installation. Laminate has
come a long way; new laminates look so much like stone, you could be easily fooled.
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5. Keep appliances where they are. If your plan is to get new cabinets, think about keeping your
appliances where they are. Moving the mechanics and electrical for appliances can be costly, not to
mention the ceiling on the floor below and the walls may need to be cut into to expose the
mechanicals. These are costs that many homeowners don't think about when planning a kitchen
remodel.
Keeping the appliances where they are will save you thousands of dollars. More often than not,
moving an appliance 1 foot costs as much as moving it 6 feet, depending on where the mechanicals
are located.
6. Look at different options for islands. A 6-foot island with new cabinets can run $800 and up.
Instead of using cabinets for your kitchen island, think of repurposing a piece of furniture. An old
table or a dresser is a great alternative to bring unique character into the space. Keep an eye on
Craigslist, the Houzz Shop, salvage stores, estate sales and garage sales. Depending on how
resourceful you are, you can save yourself hundreds of dollars.
Tip: When looking for a piece, make sure it is countertop height (36 inches).
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7. Opt for a cutout rather than removing a wall. Many homeowners want to open the space between
the kitchen and their family room to create an open floor plan. When removing a wall, there are
many things to consider. Is it load bearing? Does it have venting, water pipes or electrical running
through it, which will need to be rerouted? After removing a wall, the ceiling, other walls and floor
may need to be cut into and repaired.
A less expensive option to consider is a cutout. Not only does it open a room, but it can provide extra
countertop space and an area for additional seating. You will still need to check for mechanics and
plumbing, but the floor and ceiling will not need to be repaired, which will save you money.
8. Try track lighting instead of recessed lighting. Adding recessed lighting can become a bigger

3. project than planned. Holes need to be cut into the ceiling, electrical wiring needs to be added, and
there may be hidden costs in repairing the ceiling. The overall cost for a single recessed light is
$100 to $150, including the costs for materials and an electrician. This can add up quickly.
To keep costs down, think about track lighting. There are many styles, shapes and finishes. They
give off plenty of light for tasks in the kitchen and, when placed on a dimmer, give off a nice ambient
light.
9. Think about doing your remodel in stages. If you're on a low budget, wait to do a few projects at a
later date. This will spread out the remodel costs, allowing you to save for that next project.
More:
The 15 Most Popular Kitchen Storage Ideas
Find Kitchen Island Lighting on Houzz
How to Design a Kitchen Island
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Budgeting and tracking your expenses will give you a firm grasp on how much money is coming in
and where it's going out. This can help you cut wasteful spending and free up more of your income.
Over 75 percent of Americans don't have enough in savings to cover their bills for six months, and
25 percent have no savings at all. Becoming a smart saver will help you create a strong savings plan
to be ready for an emergency or rainy day. Source: Federal Reserve, US Census Bureau, Internal
Revenue Service
Most of us have 401(k) retirement or similar defined contribution plans, but don't quite understand
how to properly take advantage of all they can offer. By becoming financially savvy, you will be able
to take control of your 401(k)/defined contribution plan and maximize your benefits.
Today there are more ways to get into debt than ever before. Many of us start straight out of school
with student loans, credit card debt and more. Financial education programs can teach you how to
spot debt pitfalls and ways to get out from under any amount of debt.
Over 40 percent of Americans are not saving for retirement, but it's not too late. You can figure out
the best way to save for retirement and create a plan to reach your goal. A good rule of thumb is to
set aside 10 percent of your wages for retirement. Source: Federal Reserve, US Census Bureau,
Internal Revenue Service
How would you feel if you didn't have to worry about money issues or retirement? Financial security
alleviates one of the most stressful issues in our lives and helps build confidence for the future.
The recipe for success is investing in solid companies and holding on to them for the long haul. Top
investor Warren Buffet tells investors how taking a long-term view can benefit your portfolio with
Coca-Cola: "If you had invested $40 in Coca-Cola stock in 1919 it would be worth over $10 million
today." So don't try to play the market and run the risk of buying high and selling low. Make

4. thoughtful choices and stay calm through short-term market upturns and downturns.
One of the most important things you can teach your children is how to handle their finances wisely.
Start them off on the right foot and make them smart savers!
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