Kitchen design on a budget

Cost is one of the most prohibitive parts of the creation of a new kitchen space for most people, and that is true in the current financial climate more than ever. If you are designing your new kitchen on a budget, take heart, because there are many ways in which you can make a success of this venture.

Successful Kitchen design on a budget

Designing your kitchen with a tight budget in mind need not mean that you miss out on the look or functionality that you want. Let these tips guide you to creating the kitchen you want within the budget you have:

• Before you begin designing, assess your budget realistically, and leave ten percent extra for 'unforseens'
• Flat pack kitchens, ready to install pre made ones that you can set up yourself, include benches, cupboards and other furniture. This option can be much cheaper than having a kitchen built by a carpenter, and requires only very basic DIY skills
• Take stock. Carefully look at what you have before designing your new kitchen, because much of it may be able to be re-used, revamped or will simply fit nicely as it is into a new design
• Prioritise. Look at what you are most unhappy with in your current kitchen, and commit to replacing anything that is broken, dangerous, semi - functional or unbearably ugly first, then review your budget. You may actually find that all that's required to make your new kitchen design work is replacing the taps and fittings, repainting the cupboards and replacing those horrid grease stained curtains with fresh new blinds
• Research the cost of what you want for your kitchen before you begin the new design to ensure that you can plan accurately
• Ensure that your costing includes any tradespeople you may require, such as plumbers, carpenters or electricians.
• Look around. Don't just get one quote for the work you want done. You will need at least three quotes from tradespeople, as well as from any retailer who might supply the elements for your new kitchen
• Be disciplined and realistic. While looking around, the temptation is to grab an item in front of you because it's on sale, its exactly what you want', or it simply grabs your fancy at the time. Certainly take advantage of bargains, but only when you are sure that they are bargains, and that they are something that you genuinely need and would have bought regardless
• Some items can be purchased second hand from auctions, online or other sources. Ensure that you check every item carefully before purchase if buying this way. Particular care needs to be taken with electrical items such as appliances.

Take the time to plan the financial aspects of remodelling your kitchen as well as the physical design, to create the space you want within the budget you have.

Kitchen design on a budget

Taking the time to research the cost of the items you need is one of the most important elements of successfully redesigning your kitchen on a budget. Plan and decide what you really need to make the budget, and your new kitchen, work for you.