From fixtures to cabinets, a healthy balance of investment and frugality pays off when it comes to a kitchen reno. But what should be at the top of the budget priority list? And where could you cut costs?
Appliances
Splurge on quality appliances. Allocate your budget for energy-efficient ones, which may not be cheaper to buy initially, but in the long term they cost less to run and will tend to be less expensive overall. A good vent hood is also key as it keeps the kitchen from becoming smelly and greasy and reduces damage to the cabinets above.
Durability
Be open to paying extra for materials that are easy to maintain and will last a long time. Composite or solid stone benchtops are a good choice, for example. Consider the longevity of cabinets as well. Solid wood will stand the test of time in terms of function and design.
Recycling
One way to reduce benchtop costs is by buying stone slab remnants left over from larger jobs. These can be used for a smaller area such as an island top or bar. To save money and conserve resources, you can install pre-owned cabinets. Likewise, selling your existing kitchen before the renovation is also great for the planet and saves on the cost of disposal. “The money can also help toward the cost of your new kitchen.
Calculating
To be able to spend more on quality materials, think about how you can save in other areas of the renovation. Small things such as going for wider cabinets rather than narrow ones can impact your budget. Fewer wide cabinets are not only more useful, they’re cheaper per linear. Another way to save is to consider a backsplash in the same finish as your benchtops. This will often work out to be much cheaper than other backsplash materials and it can be installed at the same time as the benchtops, which also saves time and money,
Instalment
Don’t cut corners when it comes to installing appliances and fixtures. This is why choosing the right team for your reno is important. You want to be sure your new kitchen will be in good hands and can get the job done right the first time around. You don’t want a quick, haphazard instalment that could cause you further maintenance and repairs in the near future.
Want to book in a site visit, ask a question about our building process or talk through your project? Call SE Building Solutions today on 0415 772 983