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How to Save Money in a Kitchen Remodel
Painting
Remodeled kitchens always get a fresh coat of paint. Instead of asking your contractor to do the painting job for you, paint the kitchen walls yourself. Take the time to tape and prepare properly, so that the painting looks professional, but for a fraction of the cost. If you are interested in creating a faux finish on the kitchen walls, consult the paint experts at a home improvement or paint store for their advice. There are many faux finishes that look great in kitchen settings and are easy to do. They add that extra special touch you want in your newly designed kitchen, but without the shocking price tag.
Repaint the Cabinets
If you love your old cabinets and they are in great condition, instead of replacing them with new ones, consider repainting them. In old homes, the original kitchen cabinetry is often highly sought after and can increase the value of the home. If you are having your kitchen remodeled by a professional contractor, the cost to have the cabinets stripped and repainted may seem expensive, but it will probably be less than replacing all the cabinets. This is a particularly good option for limited budgets and those with high-quality, but outdated cabinetry already installed.
Antiques
If you are trying to give your kitchen an old world look, consider shopping for cabinet hardware at a salvage yard or antique store. Although the word "antique" may evoke images of expensive items, many antique and salvage stores buy and sell old hardware that has been salvaged from home remodels. This is a great way to create an authentic look and give your new kitchen character that many cookie cutter kitchen redesigns lack. Look for these shops in the yellow pages, online or ask your contractor for possible locations.
Flooring
Flooring can be one of the biggest expenses in a kitchen remodel. Thankfully, there are many new products on the market that mimic the look of more expensive materials like marble. Although your contractor may recommend a certain product, be sure to look at all of your options to make sure that it is the right one for you. A high-quality flooring material will always hold up better over the years, so invest in flooring that can stand the test of time. Shopping around at different flooring suppliers can also result in significant cost savings.
While it is wise to be cost-conscious during the kitchen remodeling process, it is also wise to have the job done as professionally as possible. If you are investing thousands of dollars into the project, letting a high-quality contractor complete the job may be more cost-effective in the long run. Tackle the parts of the project that you feel confident tackling, but leave the rest to a professional.
Learn more about decorating with tropical wall art and outdoor metal wall hangings from our exclusive designer and staff writer, Alyssa Davis, of Metal-Wall-Art.com.
