Are you planning to remodel your kitchen? Read our brief guide on how to remodel a kitchen step by step before hiring a contractor. There are so many things to do before hiring a contractor, like planning the upgrade, setting a budget, etc.

We have divided our guide into the following parts:

• See if you can do certain upgrades instead of remodeling the whole kitchen.
• Signs that indicate that it’s time to remodel your kitchen.
• Setting the budget for remodeling your kitchen.
• Plan Your Remodeling.
• Our Recommendations.
• Go for cheap remodeling and avoid these costly mistakes.

1. Do upgrades instead of remodeling the whole kitchen

Think twice, do you really have to remodel your whole kitchen? Or some cheap upgrades can do the work and make your kitchen beautiful? Here are some steps that can save you a lot of money and effort.

Upgrade Kitchen Cabinets

Does your whole kitchen require remodeling? Or replacing kitchen cabinets can work? You can replace kitchen cabinets or upgrade them by changing knobs and handles. Or a new paint can change the look of your kitchen cabinets.

Upgrade Countertops

Check the condition of your countertops. Do you need to replace them? Or just some maintenance and a new color can change the look of your kitchen? You can also look for cost-effective and cheap countertops in the market. Be open about the material and color of countertops and you will find a variety of colors and materials in the market. Choose what color and material will work for you and replace your countertops instead of renovating the whole kitchen.

Try Rollout Shelves

Remodeling a kitchen on a tight budget? If you are running short on money and can’t replace your kitchen cabinets, you can try rollout shelves. They are comparatively cheap and will save you a lot of space if you are remodeling a small kitchen. These shelves are cost-effective and will change the look of your entire kitchen.

Do You Have Curtains in the Kitchen?

If yes, then you can replace your curtains to give a new look to your kitchen. Or you can repaint your kitchen curtains to your desired one. Kitchen curtains should be changed regularly as they absorb food smells and oils and can affect your health.

Replace Conventional Lights With Energy Saving Lights

As the heading says, light plays an important role in the appearance of your kitchen. You can use LED lights of different colors instead of conventional lights. LED lights will not only change the look of your kitchen but will also lower your energy consumption. You can also use decorative LED lights to decorate your kitchen.

Replace Kitchen Appliances

Technology is changing day by day. You can upgrade your kitchen appliances to give a new look to your kitchen. Old appliances take more power and become a safety risk over time. Replacing them will not only give a new look to your kitchen but also improve your working in the kitchen.

2. Signs That Indicate Your Kitchen Needs Remodeling

You should always keep your kitchen clean and maintained. Damaged Cabinets or countertops can be a safety risk for you and your children. Here are some of the signs that indicate that you should remodel your kitchen.

Old and Useless Kitchen Appliances

Kitchen appliances take up most of the space in our kitchens. And if there are some kitchen appliances that you don’t use anymore OR they are out of order. You should really think about it. Replace or maintain any appliances that can be useful. And you can sell the appliances that you don’t need anymore, which can save you some extra pennies.

Do You Have a Crowded Kitchen?

Technology has improved tremendously during the past years. If you have not renovated your kitchen recently, I can tell that most of the space on your countertops and dining table is taken by your new kitchen appliances. Am I right? If yes, then you should think about renovating and remodeling your kitchen.

Is Your Kitchen Too Small?

Is your kitchen too small for your family? Or your family members have increased? For example, if you are getting married or your little one is now able to sit at the dining table with you. We recommend you to renovate your kitchen. When you have kids in your home, take precautionary measures. Remodel your kitchen and make it safe for your children.

Upgrade Before You Sell Your Home

Yes, you read it right. If you are planning to sell your house. Upgrade your kitchen a little bit along with other necessary maintenance. Renovated kitchen and house will fetch you a good price.

3. Determine and Allocate the Budget

How much does a Simple Kitchen Remodeling cost?

The cost of a simple kitchen remodeling project can vary widely based on factors such as the scope of work, materials chosen, and geographic location. On average, homeowners can expect to spend anywhere from $10,000 to $25,000 for a basic kitchen renovation.

This budget typically includes expenses for essential upgrades such as new countertops, cabinet refacing or replacement, flooring, and basic appliances. Keep in mind that costs can escalate if you opt for high-end materials, custom cabinetry, or specialized features.

It’s advisable to obtain multiple quotes from contractors, consider doing some tasks yourself if you have the skills, and prioritize cost-effective choices without compromising on quality. Additionally, setting aside a contingency fund of around 10-15% of the total budget can help account for unforeseen expenses that may arise during the remodeling process. Always consult with professionals and thoroughly plan your project to ensure a successful and budget-friendly kitchen renovation.

Cost of Kitchen Remodeling is too high?

The cost estimate provided is a general range and can vary significantly based on factors like the size of the kitchen, the extent of renovations, and the specific materials and finishes chosen. It’s important to note that regional differences in labor and material costs can also impact the overall expense.

For homeowners on a tighter budget, there are ways to lower costs. Consider options like cabinet refacing instead of full replacement, choosing cost-effective materials, and exploring DIY options for tasks that you’re comfortable handling. Additionally, obtaining multiple quotes from different contractors can help you find competitive pricing.

Ultimately, the key is to carefully plan your project, set a realistic budget, and prioritize spending on elements that matter most to you. It’s advisable to consult with professionals for accurate estimates based on your specific needs and circumstances.

How to Allocate a budget for kitchen remodeling?

This is really necessary to allocate and determine the budget for remodeling your kitchen. Many websites on the internet give you per-square-foot prices for kitchen remodeling. Though they put an effort into calculating estimated prices, they are not real. Nobody can give you the price sitting online without doing a survey of your home. The price depends on many factors, the condition of your home, your location, your taste, and some other factors.

Do some research, visit nearby showrooms, and note down the cost of things you want to upgrade or replace. Make one thing sure that you have some spare cash after allocating the budget for remodeling. As like everything else in the world, a kitchen renovation is going to cost you more than you expected. So, keep in mind that on some products you will have to push your limits.

Never compromise on quality. If you are going to replace something, replace it with something good. Don’t go for cheap and low-quality products. They will not last long and you will be in need of a renovation soon.

Be prepared for hidden and unexpected expenses. Like the cost of labor, taxes delivery and shipping charges, etc. Allocate an initial budget for your kitchen and add approximately 20% to it for unexpected expenses.

Prefer your needs over your desires. Have a look at your budget and tend to buy the things you need instead of buying luxury items and fancy gadgets and appliances. Make a list of your needs and allocate your budget according to your needs, not your wants.

Remodeling a kitchen on a small budget? Here are the things you should consider upgrading first. Invest in the

• Layout
• Cabinets
• Infrastructure (like plumbing, electricity, windows, etc.)
• Countertops

As you have a tight budget you can leave these things for later

• New and fancy appliances
• Backsplash
• Expensive Decorative Lights

You can also repair existing cabinets and countertops instead of replacing them completely. Obviously, it depends on the condition of your existing countertops and cabinets.

4. Plan Before You Act

Do a bit of research before you hire a contractor for remodeling your kitchen. Make a list of items that you are going to replace or upgrade. A survey from an experienced kitchen remodeling contractor can save a lot of time and effort. Plan your kitchen wisely, kitchen space, cabinets, countertops, walkways, and appliances. As we have already discussed give priority to your needs instead of your wants. Take help from any contractor and see the changes you are going to make on some software like AutoCAD or SketchUp.

Understand the Kitchen Triangle and Know Your Work Area. The three corners of this kitchen triangle are your sink, cooking range or stove, and your refrigerator. You should focus on these three things while selecting or drawing any layout for your kitchen. The movement between these three points should be easy. Here are some types of kitchen layouts you should study and select an appropriate one for yourself.

• L Shaped Layout.
• Double L Shaped Layout
• G Shaped Kitchen Layout
• U Shaped Layout
• Single Wall Kitchen Layout
• Gallery Shaped layout

Whatever layout type you select for your kitchen, your kitchen triangle should not be disturbed.

5. Our Recommendations

Hope you will like our recommendations about the kitchen renovation. We have tried to gather some amazing kitchen remodeling ideas and tips for you.

Design broad walkways. There should be enough space for you to walk and cook easily.

Keep the cooktop out of the way. Especially if you have kids in your family.

Have a knife drawer. It will help you keep your knives sharp and will keep your children safe.

Design a kids’ area in your kitchen. Where your kids can easily have their favorite snacks. Keep this kids’ area away from the cooking range and other harmful objects.

A tip for remodeling a small kitchen. Use light colors in small kitchens. Dark colors will make it look smaller.

Also, choose your lighting wisely. Use LED lights for energy saving and select colors that make your kitchen visually beautiful.

Don’t waste your corners. Instead, you can install double sliding shelves, pull-out shelves, or half-moon shelves.

Invest in a cooktop. If you have some extra budget, we recommend you install the next-generation energy-efficient cooktop. Yeah, I mean induction cooktops. They are safer and energy efficient.

Don’t compromise on the quality of the hood. Low-quality hoods will not work properly and ultimately you have to purchase a new one.

Choose the right floor material. The floor should not be slippery.

Avoid These Expensive Mistakes

And lastly, please don’t make expensive mistakes that hurt your pocket.

Bigger is not always better. Carefully plan your kitchen remodeling. Your small kitchen can also work perfectly if you plan and manage it carefully. Only go for a bigger kitchen if there is a genuine need.

Don’t compromise on quality. Once again, the same tip, because it’s important. The durable products will last longer than the low-quality and cheap ones. Yes, you should save money but not by compromising on quality, it will cost you more in the long run.

Don’t go against the plan. The first step we discussed was to plan your kitchen remodeling. And you should stick to your design plan. Making a change in the design plan can affect everything and you can go out of the budget easily while trying to manage things.

Don’t be overconfident. If you don’t have experience in designing and kitchen remodeling, don’t do it yourself. Hire an expert who has experience in the field.

“Just like you go to a doctor specializing in a part of the body the specialist for that part of the home is the kitchen designer. We understand how it all fits together and why the parts are necessary. You’re going to do it right the first time with a designer.”Denise Dick, a CMKBD and NKBA member in Carrollton, Texas.

If you want to give us a suggestion, feel free to use the comment box below and share your experience with us.