No matter which way you look at it, a kitchen remodel is a big deal. A time-consuming undertaking that can completely change the look and feel of one of the most frequently used rooms in your home, it can also quickly turn into a very expensive endeavor. With home buying and house-flipping on the rise here in Nashville, a remodeled kitchen is a hot commodity. So how should you prioritize your budget? What’s worth saving and what’s worth splurging on? Much of that is up to your personal preference, however take a look at the below list for some additional ideas and things to consider before dropping your entire budget on granite countertops.
Budget:
Again, this is only an outline and you should allocate funds based on your priorities and desires.
Where to Save and Where to Splurge:
Splurges
Cabinets – The majority of your budget, custom cabinets can be expensive but also provide you with the storage and finishes you want most.
Countertops – The elusive kitchen characteristic that can make or break a house sale. Invest if you can, it could potentially be worth it when or if you go to sell but keep in mind there are alternatives to expensive marble and granite that are equally pleasing.
Layout – Have you always wanted an island or a breakfast nook? Now is the time. It’s much easier to demo an area during a full on revamp than it is to go back and do it later without damaging anything in the process.
Saves
Appliances – Fairly easy to install and remove your existing appliances should be just fine until you have the funds to replace them.
Fixtures – Fixtures can get very pricey but given the plentiful options in today’s home improvement stores, it shouldn’t be too difficult to find something that works for you at a reasonable price.
Faucets – Again, an array of options and price points allows for a lower cost option that will suit your needs.
It is very important to think about how you want your kitchen to look and invest in the pieces that mean the most to you. A kitchen remodel can be a daunting and overwhelming project but by prioritizing key aspects, be it counters, cabinets, or flooring, and being more flexible with others such as appliances, faucets, and lighting, you’ll be on your way to a fantastic new kitchen in no time without breaking the bank.
