A kitchen remodel is a great way to update and add value to your home. Deciding what you will replace during your remodel is essential to getting the results you want while staying within budget. One of the easiest ways to decide what you will replace during your project is to set your budget, then make a list of “must-haves” and “like-to-haves.”
Setting a Budget
For most homeowners, deciding what they replace during their kitchen remodel is highly dependent upon what they can afford. A kitchen remodel can range in cost from a few thousand dollars to tens of thousands of dollars. Having a budget to direct your decisions will help you make informed decisions about what you can afford to replace and what you cannot.
The Must-Haves for any Kitchen Remodel
Every kitchen must have working appliances. If your appliances are old and outdated, then replacing appliances should be on your must-have list. Function is more important than cosmetic upgrades.
Once you have budgeted for new appliances, there are other things that you should consider putting on your must-have list, including:
- Plumbing fixtures
- Cabinetry
- Lighting
New flooring, paint, and hardware are also some of the must-haves for a kitchen remodel.
The Like to Haves
Some kitchen remodel options you do not necessarily need, but many homeowners choose (when budgeting allows), include a kitchen island, granite countertops, and luxury features like high-end stove hoods.
According to Houzz, about two-thirds of homeowners choose to add a kitchen island to their remodeling project. Kitchen islands are included in about 61% of remodels. About 22% are upgrades, while about 33% are brand new installations. Overall, only about five percent of kitchen renovations go without doing something to the kitchen island.
Balancing Your Options
There are plenty of ways to save on a remodel. For example, if you want a new island installed, you can reduce costs on other project parts by looking for less expensive material options. In other words, you must decide what is important to you and then find a way to cut back on costs for other parts of the project to stay within budget.
Professional support can go a long way in helping you to make the right choices for your kitchen remodel. Collaborate with a professional and get the help you need to decide what to replace in your kitchen.
