How to Cut Down Kitchen Remodel Costs

Deciding to remodel the kitchen is a very exciting time, so it's easy to get carried away in the planning stage. New paint, new cabinets and countertops, and new flooring are just the tip of the iceberg. Before you know it, you've added in new appliances, and racked up the cost of your project significantly. To keep costs down, and get an affordable kitchen remodel that you can enjoy, use the recommendations below. We'll show you how to cut down kitchen remodel costs without sacrificing quality.

1. Don't make layout changes. One of the most expensive changes you can make is to alter the layout of the kitchen. By relocating the sink, stove, or appliances, you will increase the cost of the remodel significantly. The labor included with plumbing, rewiring, and so on, can get very expensive, very fast. To save money on a kitchen remodel, leave everything in its place.

2. Do the demolition yourself. Before you pay someone else to rip out your cabinets and countertops, consider the amount of money you can save by doing it yourself. In as little as one weekend, you can tear them out, lift out the sink, and get the room prepped for a professional installation, while saving yourself hundreds of dollars. To learn how to save money on a kitchen remodel with this method, read over the 'DIY Kitchen Demolition Basics' we've provided.

3. Reuse existing appliances. If your appliances are in good working order, but you wish to replace them because they are unmatched or unattractive to look at, there's no need to replace them entirely. Instead, cover them with self-sticking stainless steel adhesive sheets. These sheets are inexpensive, easy to use, and give even the oldest appliances a fresh new look.

4. Avoid special ordering. Any time you purchase materials that need to be special ordered, the price will be much more than if you order from what's in stock. To cut costs on a kitchen remodel, avoid ordering anything that isn't available to take with you. This includes flooring, lighting, cabinetry, and any other materials you may need.

5. Refinish or reface. Instead of purchasing new cabinets and countertops, consider the option of refinishing them yourself or having them refaced. Either idea will help to save money on a kitchen remodel, and you won't be left without a working kitchen while the work is done. If you have the ability, refinish the cabinets yourself, one at a time, when you have the spare time. If not, have the cabinets refaced, which means that only the door and drawer fronts are replaced and the cabinetry is stained to match. And for the countertops, they can be resurfaced in as little as one weekend with the help of a kit called 'Modern Masters Countertop Transformations', which can be purchased at your local home improvement store.

6. Fake it. When it comes time to buy flooring, you may be tempted to use pricey ceramic or marble tile. Sure, it looks fabulous, but it can be extremely expensive, especially if you don't have a level floor to lay it on. The cost of laying a new sub floor and then the new flooring itself, can be very pricey and time consuming. Instead, save money on a kitchen remodel by getting the look of a more expensive material with sheet vinyl. This flooring option is so easy to install you can do it yourself, is easy to care for and clean, and available in a variety of colors and finishes. You can get the look of marble, wood, ceramic, stone, and much more with this option.

More from Jennifer Wagner:

DIY Kitchen Demolition Basics

DIY Bathroom Demolition Basics

8 Must-Have Kitchen Cabinet Accessories

Source - Personal knowledge