Kitchen renovations on a budget

After a new look for your kitchen? Renovating can be sparked by simple boredom or dissatisfaction with what you have, a need to improve functionality, or a combination. It can also be costly, and few people can afford to throw money about at the moment. So how do you get the kitchen you want within the budget you have?

Budget kitchen renovations

There are many things that you can do on a limited budget to get the kitchen renovation you want:

• First, realistically assess your budget. Allow some contingency money, in case of unexpected costs
• Assess what your kitchen really needs, and start with what is most important to you. It may not require an entire expensive overhaul; sometimes replacing fittings and flooring, renewing the cabinet tops or a coat of paint can make all the difference. Start with anything that is old, scrappy, unsafe or not working properly, and what will have the greatest visual impact (such as painting the walls or renewing the flooring)
• Painting is a great way to invigorate your kitchen. Use gloss on cabinets for resilience and a great retro look, eggshell or satin on the walls for a gentle sheen or matte for a warm finish
• Replacing the flooring can make a big impact. Do it on a budget with lino, which you can lay yourself, or lay your own tiles, always starting from the centre and only cutting tiles for the edge if you have to
• Create cabinets on a budget. If yours need replacing, consider ready to assemble (RTA) rather than ones that require installation, as RTA ones are much cheaper. Yours may simply require resurfacing, new doors or fittings or even just rehanging the doors though, and this can be easily done as a DIY job
• New window dressings can enliven a kitchen. Paper or split cane blinds are inexpensive and make a statement, but ensure they are not near heat sources
• To replace kitchen furniture, buy second hand. Try recycled furniture warehouses, the internet, or furniture auctions for great quality bargain fittings and furniture
• Investigate and take time to find cheapest options. Going straight to your local kitchen centre and buying what takes your fancy is a sure way to spend more than you planned to
• Take stock of what appliances you really need to replace. If you don't use it, sell it - that dust gathering bread maker or rice cooker could finance at least part of the new oven you do need. Avoid buying appliances you might use and buy good quality ones with high energy ratings instead to save money in the longer run

Planning exactly what needs doing, targeting important and high visibility areas, and buying ready to assemble or recycled rather than new kitchen furniture can give you a very effective kitchen renovation on a budget. If you need any professional work done, make sure your builder is a member of the Master Builders Association.

A renovated kitchen on a budget

By planning out your kitchen renovation before you begin, you may discover that you need less work than you imagine creating a fresh new look and revitalise the space. By minimising what you change, being creative about sourcing materials and choosing to do the most important elements of your renovation first, your budget need not suffer.