How to Cheaply but Effectively Renovate Your Kitchen

Countertops
There are many different options when choosing new countertops, ceramic tile is an excellent choice for someone on a budget. It comes in any color or style you can think of and costs a tenth as much as stone. Another cost effective option is laminate, it is easy to install and costs about the same as tile. Solid wood countertops are another choice, they come in a variety of wood types and provide a warmth some other materials simply can't.

Flooring
Ceramic tile is a good budget friendly option because it resists wear, moisture, dents and stains and costs less than wood. One of the most affordable choices is plastic laminate flooring; it is cheaper and easier to install and wears better than solid wood. Vinyl flooring is also an affordable, stain-resistant, easy to install and long-wearing option. You can even get vinyl that looks similar to more expensive materials.

Lighting
If your kitchen lighting is dim, think about adding more or replacing your already installed lighting. If you are not a fan of the overhead fixture replace it with track lighting for an easy to change fix

Cabinets
If you are looking for new cabinets, ready-to-assemble (RTA) is a good option. Ready-to-assemble cabinets can sometimes be half the cost depending on the material, style and cost of installation. If you are a do-it-yourselfer, you can assemble these yourself! If your cabinets are in good shape and you like the style, resurfacing is a great option. Color can transform a kitchen and resurfacing and painting make for the most cost-effective option.

Appliances
Keep appliances where they are. If your plan is to get new cabinets, think about keeping your appliances where they are. Moving the mechanics and electrical for appliances can cost a ton, not to mention the walls behind your old appliances may need to be remolded a well. These are costs that many homeowners don’t think about when planning a kitchen remodel.

Last But Not Least
Think about doing your remodel in stages. If you’re on a low budget, wait to do a few projects at a later date. This will spread out the remodel costs, allowing you to save for that next project. Backsplashes can be put up at anytime after installing your countertops and cabinets. If you can’t stand looking at Sheetrock, think about wallpaper, a simple project that’s also easy on the wallet.