How to Remodel Your Kitchen on a Budget Without Compromising Style or Quality

A kitchen remodel can be one of the most rewarding home projects in terms of adding value and functionality to your home. In these trying economic days, homeowners in Calgary, who used to have a competitive advantage if they tried to sell them, are now looking to improve their kitchens without making a huge investment to do so. Cabinets, which typically account for about 40% of a budget kitchen renovation, also have a significant impact on the visual appearance and functionality of the space. Opting for cost-effective cabinetry isn’t about skimping, it’s about knowing where to save money on materials, design and finishes.

When thinking about a remodeling project, the first step is to consider how your current kitchen is used on a daily basis. Are you a zealous chef who could use more prep space, or a frequent host seeking better flow between the kitchen and living areas? These lifestyle factors affect more than just the floor plan — also influencing which types of cabinetry and storage options will be most effective. Today’s trends are leaning towards more open layouts, concealed storage, and sleek designs and it is something that can be done even with affordable products. Investing in quality workmanship at an affordable price, many residents of Calgary have found that they don’t have to break the bank in order to enjoy a kitchen that they’ve been dreaming of.

An important strategy to keep in budget with updating your kitchen is to consider what does really need to be replaced. Once in a while, when renovating a home, homeowners go all out, but if you play your cards right, reconfiguring or updating the features can have amazing results. For instance, you might get away with refacing or painting cabinets rather than ripping them out — that is, if it’s just the layout and structure of the cabinets that no longer work for you. But if new cupboards are required for your calorie crash, discount kitchen cabinets in Calgary distributors have a variety of styles and finishes that perfectly replicate premium materials without the high premium price.

Another key component to keeping tabs on your renovation budget is your material selection. Wood cabinets settle on a durable and long-lasting purchase, but are a bit costly sometimes. There are alternatives, such as plywood or quality MDF (Medium-Density Fiberboard) which are already bomb-proof structurally for a fraction of the price. Today's laminates, thermofoil and wood veneer finishes are good-looking and durable enough to give the appearance of a much more expensive product for either a contemporary or traditional styled room design. Hardware, such as knobs and drawer pulls, can also be replaced independently to enhance the look of less expensive cabinets.

Another component of kitchen remodels that tends to get overlooked is the layout. A good design can improve comfort and usability far more than expensive cosmetic updates. There’s also great efficiency in the so-called “kitchen work triangle,” when the sink, stove and refrigerator are all within easy reach of one another, which can make your prep and cooking work a breeze. A layout that is well thought out will also prevent the need for more cabinetry or custom work and thus you can still be in standard sized discount kitchen cabinets Calgary stores usually sell.

Lighting and color palettes are as important as ever when designing a chic kitchen on the cheap. When paired with natural light and a soft, neutral cabinet finish, cost can be irrelevant (higher material, more labor and finish costs) simply make a small space feel larger and airy. Recessed lights under cabinets, pendant lights above an island, or reflective backsplashes are the opportunity to add depth and dimension to your space without a significant financial commitment. Most budget cabinets can be found in an array of finishes and colours, presenting homeowners with no shortage of opportunities to customise their look.

But you also want to avoid sacrificing the strong construction. Your kitchen cabinets put up with a lot of daily wear and tear: you open and close doors all the time, and the drawers hold the bulk of your heavy kitchen tools. Always check the quality of cabinet construction (not just joinery but also drawer slides and hinges). Soft-close hinges and full-extension drawer slides are features now offered on even mid-priced lines, and they’re worth the investment for convenience and longevity.

You should also consider the cost of professional installation. Wrong installation can result in permanent problems like doors out-of-line, not levelled surfaces and water damage. If you have discount kitchen cabinets Calgary dealers offer, properly fitted ones will last longer and perform better. Some homeowners may also be tempted to install cabinetry themselves – you can give it a go, but unless you have a trade you should get an expert to help you here.

Don't Forget Unplanned Costs Aside from the actual cabinetry, you should always budget for the unexpected. Mid-renovation, structural issues, antiquated plumbing or a need for electrical upgrades may surface. Thinking ahead about these contingencies could save you from pinching pennies later. And careful budgeting doesn’t just entail spending less, but also spending smartly — it involves deciding where to plow your resources and where to cut back.

So, you see, a good looking and efficient kitchen remodeling doesn’t mean spending too much. Through careful selection of materials, careful layout, and the use of quality discount kitchen cabinets in Calgary suppliers acquire, homeowners are able to have a gorgeous new kitchen that meets their requirements and tastes. It’s a matter of making intelligent choices where looks, quality and budget are concerned. If you do it right, you can have a new kitchen that gives you an overall revitalized look that is now more powerful than ever.