Where to spend and where to save to get a high-quality kitchen on a budget



1. Don’t move!

The first budget-friendly decision you can make during a kitchen remodel is to keep the existing kitchen layout intact. Why? Because moving foundational elements such as plumbing, electrical, HVAC and windows can add significantly to your remodeling budget. If your layout is functional as is, you can still get a dramatic kitchen update while sticking with your existing floor plan to save big. 

2. Take stock of your appliance needs 

Another big ticket item in a kitchen remodel is new appliances. So before you hit the appliance store, take stock of what you really need. Can you reuse any of your existing appliances? Will you really keep that oversized refrigerator full? Do you cook enough to use a double oven? Setting (and sticking with) an appliance budget can lead to major savings. 

3. Avoid custom cabinets 

A kitchen with custom cabinets undoubtedly looks luxurious, but often you can get a similar look for a lot less with semi-custom or even stock cabinets. Today, almost all cabinets come with dovetail construction and soft-close doors – the hallmarks of quality cabinets. So if you find your budget stretched, ask about semi-custom or stock cabinets and watch the savings stack up. 

4. Save on countertops 

The countertop is another significant budget item, but like cabinetry, there are beautiful options at every price point. Our first suggestion would be to focus on quartz. This isn’t the least expensive option, but it’s highly durable and you’ll find a wide range of options on the lower end of the price range. To find a great product at a reasonable price, ask which styles the fabricator keeps in stock. You can also ask if the fabricator carries their own line or brand. This where you'll find the best value. 

5. Be flexible on flooring 

Flooring is an important decision in your remodel, but if you keep an open mind, you can get a spectacular kitchen without splurging on flooring. Sometimes the best flooring option may not be the one you imagined. The first way to make your kitchen look high end is to have seamless flooring from room to room. So if you have a tile, wood or luxury vinyl plank (LVP) floor in adjoining rooms simply extend it into the kitchen for a polished look. If that doesn’t suit your home or budget, LVP is a durable, waterproof AND cost-effective option for your kitchen. LVP comes in a range of styles from wood-look to faux-stone and not only is the material cost low, but it’s also the least expensive to install. But again, the most important factor in ensuring your flooring contributes to a luxe look is choosing a floor that ties seamlessly into the adjoining rooms – it can be different, but it should look intentional.