10 Hacks to Save Money on a Kitchen Remodel


Modern kitchen with white & gray veining stone-look countertops, waterfall island, and matching slab backsplash, black vent hood, and globe pendants.
Ready to take the plunge and start the remodel you’ve been thinking about? When you are spending thousands of dollars on a kitchen remodel, it pays to find out what’s going to make the most sense to spend that money on. 

Here are our favorite ways to save money on a kitchen remodel so you can put your budget to good use.
Butler's pantry with dark grey, glass-front cabinetry and grey and white encaustic floor tile.

1. RE-PURPOSED CABINETS

Refinishing or painting your existing cabinets is an excellent way to save money on a kitchen remodel. Make sure they are in good shape inside and out then give them a facelift. Another way to repurpose kitchen cabinets is to replace doors and drawer fronts.
Closeup of white glossy countertop made from large format porcelain slab, brushed brass faucet, and brushed brass caged pendant light.

2. REPLACE HARDWARE & FIXTURES

Simple and cost-effective, new hardware in the kitchen make it look like a whole new space. Pulls, a sink faucet, or new light fixtures (pendant lights are amazing) are like the jewelry on the basic kitchen structure that can really dress it up. 

3. REPLACE APPLIANCES

A new cooktop, range, and refrigerator will make a kitchen feel new at a relatively low price point. New appliances are low risk updates that always deliver, especially if they match and are stainless steel. 
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4. SPLURGE ON DURABLE COUNTERTOPS

New countertops might be one of the pricier items in your budget, but they are also a key element of the design. It’s worth going for a beautiful and durable countertop like granite, quartzite, or quartz. They have long life so it’s an investment in the future. 
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5. SWITCH UP THE SINK

Another way to save money on a remodel is to get a new sink. Budget-friendly, a new sink can also make an impact on the overall look and feel of your kitchen. Go for an undermount sink to maximize your countertops. Farmhouse sinks are a wonderful option too.

6. REFRESH THE WALLS

A coat of paint in a fresh color costs little in comparison and is both time and cost effective. This is another element that can give the kitchen a total refresh without much of anything else changing.
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7. INSTALL A NEW BACKSPLASH

A new backsplash is a quick and inexpensive kitchen update that goes a long way to changing the look of the space. A basic subway backsplash is always a good call. Or you can go bold with a unique color, pattern, or shape. The backsplash is a good place to add a pop of personality to your design.
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8. UPDATE THE FLOORS

Though one of the bigger items on your list, a change to the floor is long lasting and pumps up the style. Tile offers a variety of options to choose from and has a 60+ year life span. They hold up to everyday demands and are easy to clean—all benefits when looking for a good investment that will save you money in the long run.
Renovated kitchen with heavily veined gray quartzite backsplash, island, and countertop, wicker bar stools, gray cabinets, and sink in front of large picture window.

9. EXPECT SURPRISES

You’ve watched enough home improvement TV to know that every remodel comes with surprises. Just when you think the budget and timeline are doable, mold or faulty electrical rears its ugly head. 

It’s worth it to do an inventory of what might go wrong and plan for it ahead of time. We suggest you get a professional inspection or at least put a bumper amount on your budget for the unexpected. 
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10. VISUALIZE LAYOUT

In this era of virtual reality, you can “see” your remodeled kitchen long before demo begins. Visualizing the layout and design as you are making choices helps to reduce unanticipated results.

Prioritize your budget with the items that will give you the most bang for your buck. You can transform your kitchen for much less than you might anticipate. These hacks will help you begin to discover how to save money on a kitchen remodel.

SUGGESTED ARTICLES

Kitchen with large island. Porcealin tile floors, mosaic tile backsplash, and quartz countertops in a modern farmhouse.

Tour the Virtual House

Explore these beautiful modern farmhouse spaces in our virtual house designed by Chip Wade.

Expert craftsman and HGTV star Chip Wade

KITCHEN ISLAND IDEAS

Chip's top recommendations for the center of your home: the kitchen island.
Modern kitchen with black & white hexagon backsplash, white countertop, white cabinets, island with glass stove top & hood vent.

DARING KITCHEN BACKSPLASHES

From bold to neutral, Chip Wade offers suggestions for your kitchen backsplash.

Bookmatched, marble look, porcelain slab backsplash and matching countertop feature white, gray, and beige veining on this wet bar.

4 Cool slab Backsplashes 

Consider seamless slab for a gorgeous backsplash that's easy to clean and maintain.

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