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Creating a functional and updated kitchen can add value to your home and increase the enjoyment of daily kitchen activities such as cooking, entertaining, and sharing meals with your family. The old realtor adage “kitchens sell houses” may still apply, but there is no need to wait until you get your home on the market to consider a kitchen remodel.
Most people believe that kitchen renovations are expensive and time consuming. According to Remodeling Magazine’s 2018 cost-value report, the average cost to completely renovate a 200-square-foot kitchen was $ 64,000. This price includes wooden cabinets, an island, laminate countertops and a standard sink and faucet, new appliances, lighting and flooring.
Fortunately, many people don’t need a major renovation, just a small remodel to bring a kitchen up to date. If you’re looking to remodel your kitchen on a budget, here are a few things you can do without breaking the bank, as well as tips on how to keep your remodel on track.
1. Add color with color
One of the cheapest ways to quickly transform a room is to use paint. It’s also a versatile medium that can be used in creative ways. With one coat of paint, your kitchen will immediately look brighter and feel newer. This is an easy way to incorporate a trendy color into your space, as long as it goes with your cabinets and floors. Go for neutral colors for a fresh look and remember that neutral colors cover a range of hues that are exciting and chic.
2. Update the cabinets
The average stock kitchen cabinets cost $ 75 to $ 400 per linear foot installed. Custom cabinets cost even more. However, if your cabinets are structurally sound, there are a few simple tricks you can use to update them:
- Deep cleansing: Furniture collects dust and dirt; If you clean them thoroughly to remove dirt and debris, your kitchen will instantly brighten up.
- colour: Sometimes your cabinets just need a fresh coat of paint to make them look modern and new. While you can’t go wrong with pure white, warm hues and greens are on trend for case colors.
- Replace the doors: If your closets are in good shape, decorate them with new doors. You can buy new doors from furniture dealers or hire a carpenter to build new ones. You can get a whole new look for a fraction of the price.
- Change the hardware: Accessories always make a difference. Update the cables and buttons for an inexpensive face lift.
3. Repair your sink mortar
Over time, the grout lines around the sink will darken or become damaged. If any part of the mortar is crumbling or cracked, it’s a good idea to have a professional fix it. Repairing some areas of damaged grout is easier than installing a new sink, and costs around about $ 200 to $ 400 each Project. Prices increase depending on the amount of grout to be repaired.
If the mortar is in good condition, clean it well with baking soda, vinegar, and a brush. Professional deep cleaning costs $ 1 to $ 3 per square foot.
4. Replace the faucet
Depending on your DIY skills, swapping out an old kitchen faucet for something new is an easy and inexpensive solution. This will make the entire sink look new, especially if you’ve freshened up the grout around the sink and painted the cabinets. Most faucets are easy to install, but you need to be familiar with turning off the water supply and basic plumbing tools.
However, if you choose to have a professional installation, a plumber can replace a faucet in less than an hour. Professional styles and faucets with smart features that allow the water to be turned on and off hands-free are popular household trends.
5. Add a backsplash
Backsplashes are a functional and attractive addition to your kitchen. They protect the walls along with the countertops and behind the stove. They add a touch of color and interest to your kitchen. Adding a backsplash can be an inexpensive DIY project for handy homeowners.
Various materials are suitable for backsplashes such as shiplap, tile, peel-and-stick wallpaper, metal, stone and much more. Costs and workload vary depending on the material. Although subway tile is a popular and classic choice, bold patterns and unconventional materials like mirrors are becoming trendy options.
6. Replace the lighting fixtures
Replacing outdated faucets will make your kitchen look more modern and maximize visibility in work areas. Don’t limit yourself to just the main ceiling fixtures. Work lights like the lights under the cabinet illuminate darker spots in the kitchen and make every part of your kitchen brighter.
They are easy to install and relatively inexpensive. LED lighting is a popular choice for builders and homeowners because it emits less heat, lasts several times longer than incandescent bulbs, and uses a fraction of the energy. The more light you have in your kitchen, the bigger and airier it feels and looks.
More tips for the renovation
1. Relax to stay organized
In one place you can work more efficiently and assess what needs to be done. Before remodeling the kitchen, clear the worktops and remove appliances and dishes that take up valuable space. Reducing clutter instantly makes your kitchen feel bigger and more open.
2. Keep the floor plan to save time and money
Retain the existing piping and supply layout if this is not necessary. Moving an appliance such as a sink or oven requires the help of a professional plumber and / or electrician. This can significantly increase the cost of kitchen remodeling.
3. Customize your equipment for maximum aesthetic value
It is better to bring all of your appliances together in your kitchen than to make the upgrade stand out from the rest. Go for a solid color suit: black, white, stainless steel, etc. Keeping appliances the same color will make your kitchen look cleaner and more cohesive.
4. Shop wisely
Big box retailers and custom kitchen renovation stores aren’t your only options for branded appliances, cabinets, or other high quality materials. Ask locally about similar reuse locations where contractors and home builders donate or sell their excess inventory at a discount.
Bottom line
Since a small kitchen renovation, the ROI 81.1 percentWhen you update your kitchen, the value of your home increases. However, you don’t need to do a major overhaul or take out a home equity loan to make minor but impactful improvements.
The key is to set your priorities and budget. Save money by doing simple DIY jobs like painting and hardware swaps, and hire professionals to take care of the electrical and plumbing. A mini facelift for your kitchen will make your space more marketable and a fun place to cook and eat.
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