In the race to be the top remodeling project in your home, the kitchen will likely deliver the highest return on your investment. If you hope to stretch your dollars and end up with a final product that’s both functional and aesthetically pleasing, however, you may find the following tips extra helpful.
Try These Six Remodeling Hacks
A kitchen remodel can be a lot of fun. It can be satisfying to witness such an evident transformation, and you’re sure to get plenty of use and pleasure out of it.
The following suggestions will help you make the most out of the project.
1. Figure in a Ten-Percent Cushion
The number-one rule for a successful and stress-free kitchen remodel is to include a cushion in your budget. You never know what you’ll encounter during demolition or what will surface as either a challenge or an unforeseen opportunity during the process.
“Homes constructed in the 1970s and earlier can contain lead or asbestos. Testing and removal can cost thousands. A home built 50 or more years ago could require electrical upgrades in the kitchen to support new appliances and lighting,” HGTV explains.
“Plan for a contingency of about 10 to 20 percent to cover hidden conditions, substitutions and other surprises.” If you don’t end up using that extra 10 to 20 percent, great! But if you should need it, you’ll know it’s there for you.
2. Install Cabinets Yourself
You’ll certainly want to order custom kitchen cabinets from a reputable company that knows what it’s doing, but you don’t necessarily require a professional to install them.
“Some people are skeptical when it comes to installing their kitchen cabinets; they think it is much harder than it is,” Kitchen Cabinet Kings explains. “You will definitely need a helping hand and a few tools, but it is so easy, a cave man can do it!”
3. Install Toe-Kick Drawers
Everyone can use more storage space in the kitchen. If you have extra space between the bottom of your kitchen cabinets and the floor, even if it’s fairly small, consider installing toe-kick drawers.
These drawers slide out with the tap of your foot and are great for storing flat items, such as placemats, baking sheets, napkins, tablecloths, and even utensils.
4. Swap Out Old Cabinet Hardware
You might not need to replace your kitchen cabinets as part of the remodel. Simply repainting them and swapping out old cabinet hardware for trendy, modern options can give your kitchen an immediate facelift. This is a great option if you’re on a tight budget.
5. Use Stick-On Backsplash
If you want to make a design statement, a fresh backsplash can do wonders. The problem is that installation can be time-intensive and expensive … especially if you pay someone else to do it.
Fortunately, there is a better way. They might sound strange, but peel-and-stick backsplashes are an excellent way to spruce up your kitchen during a remodel. Not only are they easy to install, but they’re inexpensive.
6. Try Bamboo Flooring
When most people consider flooring options, they automatically think of tile, vinyl, or hardwood. But are you aware of the potential for bamboo flooring?
“A hot trend for cutting-edge kitchens, bamboo floors blend style and durability,” designer Kim Hildenbrand explains. “Though it’s technically a grass, bamboo is actually harder than many types of wood. Bamboo comes in tiles or planks in a variety of sizes, colors, patterns, and textures.”
Design the Kitchen of Your Dreams
If you want to change the look of your house and add value, a kitchen remodel is one of the more cost-effective investments you can choose. Though every remodel looks different, the tips and tricks above should guide you toward a desirable result.
