Remodelling a kitchen can seem daunting, especially if you have no strategy or guide to see you through. And as easy as it might seem, tackling kitchen projects head-on without the help of a professional contractor would only bring more confusion.

It is easy to get carried away when choosing cabinets, countertops, and appliances, but not everything deserves a top-dollar investment. This is why it is important to have a personal to-do list aside from professional recommendations that shows you when to splurge and save.

This article contains a list of some of the best recommendations for the cost of kitchen remodels and how to go about each process in a way that ends up stylish, functional, and budget-friendly.

Cabinets

Cabinets are a top priority when remodeling your kitchen from scratch or during maintenance. They are considered the bedrock of every other area, as they usually take up the most visual space in a kitchen.

Cabinets in most homes are where every major appliance, kitchen utensils, and ingredients are stored. This is due to their large storage capacity, close proximity, long-term durability, and safety that comes with storing these items.

If your kitchen remodeling is still in its initial stages, it is often advised for you to be the major decision maker when it comes to designing how big or small these kitchen cabinets should be, especially if you know there are big items that can fit in them.

They are the one feature everyone in a home constantly touches, and although cheap ones may look fine at first, but problems start to show quickly, like doors that don’t close properly, drawers that stick, finishes that peel, or shelves that creak under the weight of plates. 

Over time, this becomes frustrating and even costly to fix. However, higher-quality cabinets are built to last, with sturdier materials like solid wood frames, plywood boxes instead of particleboard, and hardware that can handle daily use. Other features like soft-close doors or full-extension drawers may feel like luxuries, but once you have them, you’ll wonder how you lived without them.

Countertops

This is easily the second most important area of the kitchen every homeowner should invest in, and this is because they are considered to be the major workspace where meal preparation and dishing are done. 

Unlike cabinets, they are temporary storage locations that are used to place utensils and appliances when cooking. Depending on your budget, countertops can either be glass, wooden, or metal, but an essential tip you should always remember is that whatever option you’d be opting for, ensure they serve your long-term needs. 

This is because, unlike lighting or paint, countertops are always in constant usage, where knives, hot pans, spilled wine, coffee stains, and kids’ art projects happen. That’s why investing in something durable, like quartz or granite, pays off in the long run. 

These materials resist scratches, stains, and even heat, which means they’ll still look great years after they were installed. Likewise, high-end countertops instantly boost your kitchen’s resale value, as buyers notice them, and they often see them as a sign that the whole kitchen is well-built.

Appliances

Appliances are considered a huge investment, even if you won’t be using them soon. Regardless of your cooking schedules, it is advisable to have as many kitchen appliances as possible to avoid borrowing when you would be in dire need of them.

You don’t need to break the bank by getting a chef-grade appliance; however, efficient and reliable ones are always worth investing in. If you are still single, the perfect time to get these materials is now because the prices might not be the same in two to three years’ time, so if you can afford it, go for it.

They’re the tools you rely on day in and day out, whether it’s the fridge keeping your leftovers fresh, the stove simmering soup, or the microwave reheating pizza. In addition, if you love cooking or baking, investing in a high-quality oven means your cookies bake evenly, your roast doesn’t dry out, and your burners heat up quickly when you’re rushing dinner on a weeknight. But if your oven only gets used to reheat frozen pizza, you don’t need to spend thousands, and your money may be better used elsewhere.

Plumbing Fixtures

Your sink and faucets are also some of the most used features in a kitchen, which is why hiring a licensed contractor to assist with installing quality materials should be a top priority during remodeling stages, and if you already have them installed, you can check for maintenance.

A low-quality faucet may look fine in the store, but after a year or two, you’ll be dealing with annoying leaks, drips, or handles that feel loose. Once that happens, you’re wasting both water and money, not to mention the frustration of constantly tightening or replacing parts.

Backsplash and Flooring

The backsplash and tiling make a design statement in your kitchen, but you don’t have to spend outrageously on them during remodeling. Your goal should be to get materials that are durable rather than lavish in aesthetics. 

Although if you can afford it, go for it, but subway tiles, mosaic sheets, or even peel-and-stick options can create a fresh look without draining your budget. This is why it is also advisable to get recommendations from contractors to ensure you don’t overspend.

Likewise, for Kitchen flooring, you don’t always need luxury hardwood, so you can always consider durable yet affordable options like luxury vinyl plank (LVP) or ceramic tile, both of which have high-end looks without the high cost.

Endnote

The smartest move when it comes to kitchen remodeling is a blend of both investment and restraint. There are some materials that are non-negotiable to spend on, while there are some you can always cut costs on. The key is balance, as you should spend where it matters most, save where it won’t be noticed, and you’ll have a remodel that feels like a smart investment rather than an expensive regret.

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