So we are at that point where you’ve dug through magazines, browsed online, gone window shopping. Now it’s time to really go through your budget. It’s nice getting all of your ideas on paper and it’s fun calling around and seeing different kitchen options and ideas. However, you must give careful consideration to your finances before your dream kitchen becomes your worst nightmare.{{more}}

Cost

How much does a kitchen really cost? Well, according to current estimates, you can pay between $40,000 – $82,000 for a complete kitchen, inclusive of countertops and appliances. You may spend less or more, depending on a number of factors. Factors like how big is your kitchen; counter top choices, the style, specs and brands of your appliances; the amount of work which has to be done on your home to accomodate the kitchen etc. We can go on and on to define the things that would affect your budget one way or the other. With that figure in mind, ask yourself this question. How long do I intend to keep my home?

Here is the thing. If you are going to be in your home for a while, say under 10 years, view this as a way to add resale value to your home by the time you are ready to sell. If you are going to stay in your home for the forseeable future, plan the kitchen for long term family comfort and your current usablity style. Either way, make sure that your ROI in both cases is good ie: if you are planning to resell, make sure that you do not spend more than the amount you can recoup for your home and if you are planning on dying in your home, make sure that you get all you want in your kitchen remodel so that you and your family would be comfortable there.

SPEND WISELY!

This is in no way intended to tell you how to spend your money; the way you spend your money is a matter for you and no one else. However, when it comes to kitchens, there are so many things you can purchase, that if you don’t watch your spending, you can blow your budget. Here are some recommendations: Some kitchen companies give you a full kitchen package ie: all cabinets, countertops and appliances, flooring and painting of the wall are included. Other contractors would only give the price for cabinets etc and the variables go on from there. However, if you have to pick out a lot of the items yourself, we find that some people go overboard with spending. You tend to have a better grasp on your finances if you have a complete estimate for the entire cost so that you can put that money aside.

Look at cost saving measures such as using silver handles rather than stainless steel handles. It may sound like a small unit cost per item, but depending on how big your ktchen is, all of these sundries add up. You can even think about using finger pull over any handles at all! Small moulding over crown mouldings, backings on over backings off, 100 per cent acrylic solid surface counter tops over granite etc and the replacebles can go on and on.

The thing to remember is to spend wisely and not to get caught up with high end buys if your budget is on the lower end. Speak with us for more advice on savings ideas so that you can make your kitchen a reality without you having to break the bank.