Spending and Saving: How to Best Use Your Money in a Kitchen Remodel

The time has come to finally start making plans on that much needed kitchen upgrade that your house has been screaming for since 1985.  This is the time of year that a tax refund can come in extra handy in making those plans come to life. But, unless you taken the time to painstakingly price compare and research this project from start to finish, anticipating the total cost of a kitchen makeover can be rather difficult. What should you splurge on and where can you save, and how can you get the perfect kitchen to fit your budget? You’ve probably thought about these questions and countless others along the way. Luckily, if you need a little assistance answering these questions, our experts at Kurtis Kitchen & Bath can help.Before deciding where to splurge and save in your kitchen remodel, there are a few things you need to ask yourself:

1. What’s most important to me? How do I plan on using this kitchen most of the time? This is where you should invest most of your money during the project.
2. How much money do I actually have to spend? Set your total budget a little below that amount to allow for unexpected expenses along the way.
3. Are there any aspects of the remodel that can be saved for a later date? If you plan to remain in your home for quite some time, there may be some aspects of your kitchen that you could compromise on now, such as countertops or appliances, and easily replace at a future time.

There are no right or wrong answers to these questions. The important this to remember is that there are no rules as to what you must include in your kitchen makeover. Ultimately, what you splurge and save on in your kitchen update will depend on what you’ll need most. Once you’ve answered the above questions, you can start to think about the “Biggies” in kitchen renovation.Cabinetry- What are you looking for most in new cabinets? Do you want one-of-a-kind custom cabinetry, or is this one area you can compromise on? Don’t be tricked into thinking that anything less than the best simply won’t do. There are many affordable brands available that offer high-end beauty, function and quality, all at a reasonable price. Too much savings up front could cost you more in the long run, so do your research before placing an order. Just be sure to look for brands that offer plenty of storage space on the inside, and are manufactured right here in the country- something that can have an impact on cabinet quality and your wait time for installation. Don’t forget to ask about product guarantees, either.Appliances- Are you a gourmet chef or baker? Do you like to frequently entertain in your home? Or do you hate to cook and only use your microwave to heat up leftovers from the night before? Depending on how you answer these questions, you may not need to install top-of-the-line appliances in your kitchen. Just be sure to choose a brand name that you know and trust that has a longstanding reputation of dependability, versatility and beauty. Remember that appliances can be easily switched out for other models, so if you aren’t certain that you want the biggest and the best right now, consider choosing simpler styles that still meet your needs. You can always upgrade later down the road.Countertops- Depending on your budget, and the look you’re hoping to achieve, you can spend as little or as much as you’d like on countertops and still find a solution that is beautiful and functional A kitchen design professional can help you discover all of your options, ranging from laminates or other solid surfaces to stone countertops made of granite or quartz. The possibilities are endless.Flooring- Whether you looking for ceramic tile, hardwood, or laminate, there are options to fit your budget. The key is to ask the right questions, look in the right places, and determine which option truly is the best to fit your lifestyle and needs. Flooring is one of those features that you may want to think seriously about and splurge on if you think you’ll want to upgrade in the future. It isn’t as easily changed as other kitchen pieces and can be more costly to replace due to labor and materials than a countertop or appliances would be. Talk to your kitchen designer or contractor to learn more.In the end, deciding where to spend and where to save on kitchen updates may seem daunting at first, but it doesn’t have to be completely overwhelming. Start by visiting a showroom, making exact product price comparisons, and talk to the experts about what to expect. Avoid tearing down walls or making major structural changes to your kitchen. Once you get started with the process, don’t change your mind. Stick with the plan and see it through until the end. This will help you save money along the way, avoid many unexpected expenses, and truly get the best deal on the final product. When it’s all said and done, your new kitchen will look like a million bucks! Who can complain about that?Interested to exploring all of your kitchen’s design possibilities? The pros at Kurtis Kitchen & Bath are here to help. With five convenient locations, they can help you transform your kitchen into a masterpiece, all on a budget you can afford. Just call 1-888-KURTIS-1 today to get started.