The 10 Best Ways to Save Money During a Kitchen Remodel According to Pros include keeping your existing layout, working with existing cabinetry, using contractor contacts, adding open shelving, painting hardware, hacking an island, using reclaimed wood, and sourcing dented appliances. The average kitchen renovation costs between $20,000-$50,000, depending on the severity of the overhaul. To save money, follow these tips:
Go with ready-to-assemble cabinets, as the biggest cost is new cabinets. Custom cabinets are designed, built, and installed to fit your needs.
Prioritize design upgrades like flooring, new appliances, and cabinets. Create a temporary kitchen before starting the project to save money on eating out.
Repurpose cabinets by refinishing or painting them and ensuring they are in good condition.
Purchase porcelain tile that looks like natural stone for a backsplash and use glass-tile mosaics for a backsplash. Use your cash to pay for labor and use low-interest materials if needed.
Commit to patience, diligent planning, and maintaining a big-picture vision. Consider using tile, cabinet, and flooring discount stores to find the least inexpensive alternatives for materials that still look acceptable.
By following these tips, you can transform your kitchen for much less than you might expect and save money on your dream kitchen remodel. By committing to patience, diligent planning, and maintaining a big-picture vision, you can save money on your dream kitchen remodel.
📹 7 DIY Kitchen Renovations to Save Money!
Looking to renovate your kitchen on a budget? This video is for you! Here are my favorite tips for designing and renovating your …
Can you write off renovation costs?
Home renovations are generally not eligible for federal tax deductions, but certain improvements can help reduce taxes. Financing home improvements through your mortgage can allow you to claim interest as a mortgage interest deduction. Medically necessary home improvements can be claimed as medical expenses if they are reasonable and do not add value to the home. Installing qualified energy-generating systems like solar panels may qualify you for a federal tax credit covering 30 of the installation cost. To minimize taxes, consider using home renovations and improvements at the time of purchase or after. Using your mortgage to make home improvements can help save on the costs of home renovation.
What is the most expensive part of the kitchen renovation?
Cabinets are the most expensive kitchen remodel element, followed by appliances like refrigerator, microwave, oven, and dishwasher, which cost $7000 – $12, 000 on average. Countertops, including installation, are priced at $6000, with quartz and granite being the most trending materials. Ideally, 5 of the budget should be allocated for lights, decor, and miscellaneous items. DIYing some kitchen remodel elements like painting walls, installing tiles, and starting demos can help cut costs.
What adds the most value in a renovation?
Remodeling and renovating your home can significantly increase its value, but not all renovations are created equal. Some projects can add significant value, while others may reduce the sale price. The kitchen is a prime example of a project that can pay off, as prospective homebuyers are looking for modern, updated kitchens. According to Remodeling Magazine’s annual Cost vs. Value Report, recouping 62. 7 to 81. 6 percent of your investment on a kitchen remodel is possible. However, it’s important not to go overboard, as adding an $80, 000 kitchen to a $125, 000 home isn’t a smart move.
What time of year is the cheapest to remodel a kitchen?
Winter is a slow season for contractors, leading to special offers and upgrades to attract homeowners to home improvement projects. Winter discounts can help stretch your budget. However, winter remodeling projects may be delayed due to slow supplier fulfillment, which can cause delays. One workaround is to wait until all components have arrived, allowing the project to move quickly from beginning to end without delay. This allows for a more flexible and efficient approach to home improvement projects.
How do people afford kitchen renovations?
Home equity loans are the most prevalent method for financing a kitchen remodel, largely due to the tax deductions they offer. Other financing options include refinancing, personal loans, and loans against retirement plans.
What is the most expensive part of a kitchen remodel?
The most expensive part of a kitchen remodel is the cabinets, which can account for up to 29% of the overall project cost. Labor, appliances, and countertops are the second, third, and fourth most expensive parts. To reduce costs, consider lowering the project scope, doing certain tasks yourself, shopping for deals on cabinetry, countertops, and flooring, and purchasing appliances as a bundle from reputable vendors.
A kitchen remodel can be worth the investment, as it goes beyond basic aesthetic improvements and can yield a return on investment (ROI) of 31 to 86 when the home is sold, depending on the type of renovation.
How do I keep my renovation costs down?
This comprehensive guide offers 19 ways to save money on home remodeling. It suggests evaluating remodeling vs. building new, creating a realistic budget, increasing storage without expanding, reorganizing kitchen layout, considering long-term costs, exploring look-alike alternatives, shopping at recycling centers, and attending building supply auctions. To save money, consider whether remodeling is the most cost-effective choice for your needs, especially if your potential remodel involves extensive changes.
Create a realistic budget based on your goals and financial situation, researching average costs for comparable projects in your area and factoring in a 20 cushion for unexpected expenses. Be honest about your budget and prioritize your must-haves over nice-to-haves. By following these strategies, you can save money on your home remodel and enjoy the benefits of modern living.
What is the biggest expense in a kitchen remodel?
A total of 29% of the budget for kitchen remodeling is currently allocated to the purchase of kitchen cabinetry.
How to save money when renovating a kitchen?
This article provides 10 tips to save money on a kitchen remodel, including replacing hardware and fixtures, replacing durable countertops, adjusting the sink, installing a new backsplash, updating floors, expecting surprises, and visualizing the layout. It emphasizes the importance of doing an inventory of potential issues and planning for them ahead of time. It also suggests getting a professional inspection or putting a buffer amount on the budget for unexpected expenses. The use of virtual reality allows for a better understanding of the layout and design before making decisions, reducing unanticipated results.
Is $10,000 enough for kitchen remodel?
A kitchen cabinet remodel can be affordable, with smaller kitchens ranging from $5, 634 to $12, 000. However, it’s essential to consider factors such as the size of the kitchen, the desired finish, and DIY involvement. These factors include quality, kitchen dimensions, project scale, labor expenses, finish selections, and material choices. Cabinetry is one of the most expensive aspects of a kitchen remodel, making it crucial to budget wisely.
In summary, a kitchen cabinet remodel can be affordable, but it’s essential to consider factors such as size, quality, dimensions, project scale, labor expenses, finish selections, and material choices.
📹 13 Renovating Tips to Help You Save Money
Renovating tips to help you stay on budget! Staying on budget while working on a renovation is a difficult thing to do. Here are a …
Tips in order: 1) ikea cabinets provide great value and good quality 2) go minimalist 3) once you’ve set your plan, don’t change it 4) have materials and appliances on site so you know dimensions, install instructions, and little details that can screw things up later 5) selection process (get your most expensive stuff first where you can find the best deal —> counters, cabinet faces, flooring, tile, paint) 6) get rid of upper cabinets (cost more) 7) appliances – don’t get advanced fridge with ice maker and screens etc. Invest in a good stove instead.
I’m almost done with my ikea kitchen. I spent just under $4k for all the cabinets. I went with a slab front that is minimalist. They are built and incredibly sturdy for a pressed board system. This price point enabled me to splurge on my appliances and countertops. I even got a small drink fridge. Your ikea a-z articles are what helped my decisions on my kitchen. Thank you!
I just recently discovered your website and I gotta say, the comments left on your articles are the most thankful and positive comments on youtube. It’s pretty crazy to think about how much you are changing people’s lives by empowering them to change the space that they live in. Super impressive stuff. I think It’s time to renovate my house!
I get so many more ideas and thought processes of how to go about my DIYs perusal and listening to all your articles..I have downsized to a mobile home, 1987 Sterling in 2012, and have been rehabbing it using a lot of recycled materials, narrow 5 pane glass doors that I built a 4X8 X2 pantry, as I hate upper cabinets with a vengeance! This allowed me to have more great viewing windows over the sink. And all my daily stuff is in one place with easy access and visual seeing where items are. My lower cabinets are all deep heavy duty pan drawers with an upper interior inner utensil drawer. I priced out custom cabinets and am lucky to have Amish cabinet makers in my area, which were way less then even the big box stores, and I could have my own dimensions to boot. I then “pulled” my cabinets out to 29″ and the sink cabinet to 32″, so I gained so much more counter depth and more space in sink base in side for water filter etc. and nixed the silly “wood cover” on the sink base and have full ht doors. You wont believe how much less bending down to “clear” that area when using a trash and compost container!. Had all doors and drawer fronts made so you barely see the face reveal making them look like expensive inset cabinetry.Lastly, my counter tops are made from 2 old slate pool tables, FREE, that I had local stone company cut and fit my cabinets, a soak of food grade mineral oil and they are good to go. Know this is long, but I like you just plan plan plan and have my plan of attack all figured out to have very few glitches.
Thanks. I agree about no uppers, or just a couple if right for the layout. It saves money and work plus the kitchen looks more open, bigger and brighter. I did this on my last house flip. I didn’t any negative feedback from buyers. Yeah you’re right about having the sink, etc.. at the start. I’m working on a kitchen now, studs, and I’m going to go get the appliances.
Love the design advice especially the bit about making choices and sticking to them. One additional idea is if you have the time, skill and tools to do it then consider making your own cabinets and and solid wood counter-tops & doors. Gives custom options and saves a ton of money but you do need access to a workshop not just hand power tools. Most likely to work if you want a traditional farmhouse style.
Youtube started recommending me American kitchen makeovers… So I learned a lot. By now I have my second kitchen and I ordered both at a furniture store. I picked Alno cabinets. They come in all width and depths and are in a modest price range. The huge difference of a German kitchen to an American one is the integration of the appliances. My stove is built in. My fridge is built in. And my dishwasher is also built in and fully integrated. So I have special cabinets for each one. I had to visit the store, make the design with the designer, choose the style of cabinets, doors and countertop and the appliances. Then he come and took the measurements. After the kitchen had been ready (walls and floor finished) they delivered everything and put it together in one and a half day. That what it was. A standard German kitchen.
Hi! Thank you SO much for your hard work. We have recently bought a house and working with ikea. Your kitchen is JUST WHAT I WANTED. Would you be able to share everything you used? Including the appliances, tile, ikea cabinets and etc. That would make everything so much easier and save my brain from burning! Thank you so much!
I’ve installed ikea cabinets in a few kitchens. They start out looking/working great but after a few years they degraded quickly. The laminate doors always start chipping. Can’t repair or paint those once damaged. Plus the paint colors fade over time. I have been installing the rta cabinets and they cost about the same as ikea even with shipping.
While Ikea may not be down the road for all, if you make accurate measurements and use their online kitchen planner tool, you will not have any mistakes to deal with. Their planner tool works very well and will save you from making a mistake in design and cabinet selection. Use their planner, it makes a purchase list for you. Order. Done.
Your best article yet, thanks ! I second the vote for IKEA Cabinets. Have now done three kitchens with IKEA and the only added comment is that I found great value in paying IKEA (through their designated contractor) to install the cabinets for me. Worth…… Every…… Penny….. ! Think about it, it is what those folks do all day, every day. Also fully support the idea of “Plan your work, Work your plan”. Have a lot of experience with major construction projects and “Change Orders” kill your budget AND schedule every time. As soon as you deviate from the plan, you open up Pandora’s Box. All bets are off…. And yes, have every item On-Site before you get started.
i just noticed the el outlets under the windows. Big no no. What if water comes in when raining. Even with closed window there is always the possibility . Windows age too and around them there is a lot of construction interruptions that can let moisture in.. Great website overall love to watch the vids although we use diff building methods. Makes me wanna get a hammer-drill and start removing stuff. But for now i will stick to painting.
Hi Jeff. We would love some tips on finding contractors. We need to make our house accessible, which entails a 700sq. ft. addition; and have had plans drawn up. Our next step is permits. We are somewhat handy but not pros; and I don’t mind demolition work. The real tough part is finding professionals.. it seems! For us anyway. We would love to chat with you.
We went with an IKEA kitchen. So glad we did. But this article first would have been great. One thing I would suggest is don’t have your appliances in a row. We have gaps between those cabinet doors that needed the colour matched end panels in between. We had white 🙄 I still consider having them swapped. The online design programme is amazing. I went back on to it earlier because I’m adding drawers inside one of the cabinets. Which is another bonus. If you want to add something, you can just go and get it.
Hello Jeff. I have old kitchen to remodel but before doing it. I wan to tell you that i face a lot of problem with cockroaches. I have already hired professionals but during summer they start to grow exponentially. Its not going away. I have old sink with formica countertops n rotten. Do have any idea as to where the problem is . I am planning on putting tiles or vinyl for flooring in entire kitchen area n new cabinets too. But i doubt if my roaches problem will go away 100%
As an alternative to ikea cabinets, look for “ready to assemble” RTA cabinets. You can find those online, for a comparable price to ikea cabinets, except they are built with solid plywood, all joints are dovetailed and most models come with soft close doors/drawers. They come shipped unassembled in a flat box via freight. The best site I’ve found was at lilyanncabinets. Though its been a few years since I used the site last, there may be a better alternative today, but they were the best quality/cost when I looked when I remodeled some apartments.
Electrical and Computer Engineer here. I agree with you, all those super fancy features you see in most appliances are usually just hype, they are seldom used. In fact, how many times people just press the same buttons on the microwave and watch what happen? The reason you may answer “most of the time” is because your brain knows this seldom use case is not worth the time it takes to find out. Usability should always go over useless extended features, simplicity is better. Ask any computer engineer what a program should do and good ones will tell you “a good program does one and only one thing exceptionally well”, a fridge should keep your stuff cool without breaking down because of a faulty sensor you forgot to clean last month. It shouldn’t be ordering your yogurt at premium prices. Don’t waste your money folks.
my wife and I literally just bought a house and she’s freaking out about all the little details that I didn’t miss, but she missed during the walkthrough of the home. I told her not to worry! That we could do all that work ourselves and this article just hit home for me. Keep up the good work, I’ll be perusal a lot more of your website and you’ve earned my subscription!
If you buy through Rakuten and Overstock, you get cash back and with club O a percentage back in store credit! They have excellent products and customer service. We just got our zline range and hood from Overstock as well as a huge patio set. Both beautiful! The gave me $100 back in store credit for minor unnoticeable scratches on furniture too.
Some great tips here for me to take note of. I’m (still) at the stage of thinking about renovating my kitchen. But some of the ideas I have decided on are….. 1: Instead of cabinets with the usual doors & shelves, use drawers for storage. Full extension drawers give better access to items at the back and also better overall use of the cabinet space. 2: In my present situation the back of corner unit is a plain panel on the dining side. Plus it’s almost impossible to reach or find anything that’s been pushed into the corner. This will be changed to a utility cabinet facing the dining side in the rear of the corner unit for better use of space from both sides. 3: At present the pantry is a built-in cupboard with 5 evenly spaced fixed shelves with difficult access to the top self. Replacing this with a pullout pantry unit with adjustable baskets/shelves. Also a narrow pullout unit can possibly be fitted in the rear at a right angle, pulling out for storage in the laundry. 4: Instead of the microwave taking up bench space, or on top of the fridge as it used to be, I’ll fit a cupboard at bench height in the partition wall between the kitchen and lounge. The TV and stereo are on the other side. This will have the microwave at a good safe height for use and out of the way. I hope these ideas will help someone with their kitchen renovation. I’m even motivating myself from thinking about it, to getting it done now 🙂 I’ll have to go now and measure up and get these ideas into a plan.
Lots of useful information here but one thing I got to say is that I cannot live without an icemaker, beginning and end of story. That is a personal thing and I am quite happy with a simple one in that slide out drawer at the bottom (which is what I currently have) but I will take my chances on the plumbing water event it if means I never ever have to fill another plastic ice trey again and never have to worry about running out when I am making drinks for people.
I’m going to get my kitchen cabinets from Lowe’s. Thay are pre bult. My kitchen is not very big. But I do have a small pantry in it. I keep all my food in it. Can goods,paper plates, bread and other things. It works great. Now I’m going to do my kitchen this spring / summer. Now I already know what cabinets I want. I’m even going to add 3 more to one side of the kitchen that doesn’t have any. Just the bottom ones. To add more storage. But I’m also putting in a new floor, sub floors and then I’m going to put the vinyl plank floor in also. But my question is this. I’m going to put my floors in . But I’m going to pull all my cabinets out. Put all my floors in . Then put my cabinets on top of my vinyl plank floor. Is that going to be good. I do know that it is a moving floor. But if I put cabinets on top of it it won’t move under it but I’m thinking that it will be okay. It will be waterproof/ water resistant. I do know this. But I’m thinking that it would be okay. Just wanted to see how you feel about it. Thanks for your articles. I do love them. I do have most of my kitchen items priced out. And I’m going to get all my cabinets at once and all my floors at once also. I’m doing everything myself to. All my plumbing, carpentry, electrical also. I do know how. I’m not a carpenter but I learned from my uncle as a kid. I helped him build his house and all my other relatives when I was growing up. I’m actually a mechanic. But I have done 3 floors in my house already and my plumbing and electrical in my house and shop also.
Installers and contractors hate Ikea cabinets because it take too many man hours to assemble compare to custom made cabinets, you basically need to screw every nail and drill every hole to make it stand on it’s self before putting on the wall, then you have to deal with hings and handles, where custom built cabinets, even the lower end are delivered with everything assembled and ready to be hang. I can install a typical custom made kitchen in one day with crown and lighting by my self but it would take me 2 or 3 days for Ikea’s. But when client asking for a budget kitchen I always recommend Ikea, it actually priced same or maybe even cheaper than the cheapest cabinet line from local manufacturers I normally deal with, but quality is way over others in it’s price range.
im 23, i bought my first house on an FHA loan. however. This house was far from perfect. on my own with the help of my stepdad and wifes father in law. i ripped up the subfloor, rejacked the floor replaced the main beam and some trusses. i dug holes poured concrete and added some more support. while digging up the flooring in the bathroom i noticed the toilet sewage pipe was completely crushed and the tub drain was leaking all over the sub floor and trusses bellow it were rotted. the ground was extremely moist. so i fixed the plumbing. added even more support, installed subfloors. added a french drain outside to rerun water away from the house. i reran all the wiring. and rewired the fuse box. there were 5 fuses and all the wires for the lights and outlets were all tied together in the attic with electrical tape. but now theres 18 fuses separating out the rooms lights and appliances. properly. i turned our home into a smart home. i also took out a hole in the wall to open up space and added a tiny built in archway shelf next to the stove for seasonings and oil. i did drywall and mudding. and now im about to texture and paint. and then install floor and trim. homerenovision has been with me the whole way and nobody is putting out better content than you. youve been doing it for a long time. i search all your tips and tricks before i do anything. cant wait to take what you teach me and use it for the rest of my life. your teaching makes me a great teacher for my friends and family and daughters.
Thank you so much for giving me the confidence to start numerous DIY project since the start of the pandemic. Your articles make everything so doable and less daunting. I feel like a full on construction staff now a days. Started with my bathrooms, then a small kitchen I have in the garage, now i’m tackling the full kitchen remodel but feel way more prepared for it!
Jeff is throwing down true WISDOM here. As a DIY’er who completely remodeled my kitchen two years ago, I can testify to the quality of Ikea cabinets. If you want that super high-end look you can always buy drawer and cabinet fronts from a third party vendor that specializes in custom fronts for Ikea cabs. The Ikea design service is worth it for the first-time DIY’er. Make a good design and let the designer refine it (they may know a few things you don’t) and put together the ordering list for you. Like the man says, take your time making a plan, then stick to it, and get all those materials on site before starting. Thank you Jeff for the best remodeling vids on the internet!
You know what? You’re right about these! The one thing I’d add to your kitchen, though, is save a little money on the backsplash tile behind the fridge, and build the side wall and cabinet above the fridge. That cabinet holds a crazy amount of trays and stuff you use only when you’re hosting big parties a few times a year, and makes the fridge look more integrated into your entire kitchen setup because your side wood wall and cabinet tie it into the rest of your cabinets! Just my 2 cents.
My old kitchen was particle board. I’d never have it in a kitchen again. ANY water leaks turn it into mush that then gets black mold. I went with full plywood boxes with hardwood (clear-finish maple) fronts and doors. Bought through the “big orange” building products store, during one of their twice-yearly sales — 30% off. Did it cost me more than IKEA? Yes. Will it last a LOT longer than IKEA? Also yes. I’m not flipping my home. I’m living here for the rest of my life. And I’m in my 60s, so I’m NEVER going to renovate again!
100% agreed with you! The most important step is planning. We started our kitchen remodel last year using IKEA system and their countertop. We’re very happy with the end result. To hell with people who thinks IKEA kitchen stuffs are cheap. It held up quite well if you install it correctly, it’s durable and it has a modern look to it. I’m a DIYer, never done any kitchen remodel and IKEA cabinets were perfect and very easy to install…never regret a bit using their system. I saved some much $$$ doing this by myself. I also ditch the high cabinets and added small shelves instead.
you can save a lot of $$$ and install Formica counter tops there is no need to try to impress your family and friends by spending big dollars on stone – granite -quartz or Italian marble tops when we all know that you can’t cook and you keep Pizza Hut and Jimmy Johns on Speed Dial to feed your family !
The counter top wasn’t the most expensive thing in our kitchen. It was 3rd. The fridge was #1 followed by the cabinets. Granted I built the cabinets myself out of solid wood and plywood. The counter top was granite and wasn’t the lowest priced granite. We have 1 wall of the kitchen with the sink that’s granite the full length of the wall. About 10ft. Plus we have a small counter on a 2nd wall beside the pantry that’s about 2.5ft wide. the granite was also not the thinnest. We went with the thickest they had (roughly 1.5 inches).
I absolutely LOVE your website! 🙂 I bought an inexpensive, older condo in 2017, and I’m living with it clean and in great structural shape but low aesthetic appeal for a while until I pay it off, then I’ll be on to fixing it up to suit my style. Your articles are helping me think realistically about some DIY projects I might tackle, and especially helping me know what to look for if I hire contractors to do jobs for me. Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! Sincerely, Sandra – Minding Every Penny in WA
Hate to break it to you but there are a TON of people who can not just drive down to there local IKEA because they don’t have one. I just went to their website and counted. Almost half the states in the Union do NOT have an IKEA. Twenty-three states to be exact, don’t have an IKEA. My state is one of them. Anything I get from IKEA HAS to be shipped to me. I really wish people would stop trying to make it sound like IKEA is everywhere because it’s not.
Not sure how much experience you have in humid climates, but in Florida, NJ and Alabama, Ive found that the particleboard stuff disintegrates within a few years and you find yourself needing to install new cabinets, such that the solid stuff is worth the extra upfron cost if you’re gonna live in a place more than 5-7 years.
I already did most of these in designing my kitchen for a new house we’re building. Absolutely right about the water dispenser and ice maker – totally unnecessary. Ditto the “smart” features that create more opportunity for things to break. I kept to the simplest, most reliable appliance models. I went with all laminate counters after three times spending thousands on granite only to chip it. I did want the upper cabinets however, and the highest quality cabinet construction, but yes you have to plan your layout carefully and order months in advance – especially now.
Gotta disagree on the upper cabinets vs pantry. A pantry is where you keep your food stuff. Upper cabinets are where you keep you plates and cups and other dishes that you access while cooking. Skipping upper cabinets or using shelving instead of upper cabinets is one of the biggest mistakes people make when designing a kitchen. Have you ever thought about how much dust, dirt and bugs end up in your dishes when they are left out in the open? It’s really disgusting.
Have built dozens of ikea kitchens for clients and I agree. They are great bang for buck. The points I would add to this great article are (in no order): Those plastic adjustable feet are a weakpoint, they should be far sturdier and capable of being lifted/moved whilst on the cabinet Make that grey turn/grommet for the cabinet hanging rail a cross-head, not a flathead screw driver slot IKEA need a better anchoring system for island benches; you need to make a solid footing to secure to buT they should also have a far better anchoring system across the top of cabinets to hold a benchtop properly Map out your plumbing/waste pipes as you may need to use the more shallow drawers to allow space at the back-these are easily changed after
Don’t agree with the fridge. I now have a fridge that only makes ice. I miss my old fridge that spits out ice and filtered cold water every day. I don’t think I could accept a fridge that doesn’t make ice as a minimum. Preferences I guess. I agree that I don’t need a smart fridge with a computer and screen though.
Jeff knows what he’s talking about. That “major water event” almost happened in my kitchen when the water filter cracked overnight and poured water into my fridge ruining all of the food inside of it, and flooded the floor just in front of the fridge. By grace, I had fallen asleep in the great room (some I never do) and stepped into cold water as I passed by the fridge in the middle of the night. I will never hook water up to a fridge for ice or water ever again. Jeff is right, let a fridge be a fridge, and put the money into a bells and whistle stove or something else.
Other Ikea tip, do not pay for their install service. Total waste. They don’t tear out old cabinets. They don’t deal with electric or plumbing. They won’t fix wall or floor issues that may need to be dealt with before install. All they will do is hang the rails and construct/hang the cabinets, which is the easiest part of the job literally anyone can do, and they charge thousands for it. If you pay for them to install, why bother buying the most simple user friendly cabinet system in the world?
I went to many independent cabinet stores and found that the plywood cabinets that they sold were a few thousand dollars cheaper than the ikea cabinets. Quote from Ikea was $18k and most quotes from other stores were 8-12k. Is there something I should be looking out for from these stores? why are they that much cheaper? EDIT: 18k included some appliances, without them it is 11k. Oops sorry !
LOVE your articles! We are relocating our kitchen in our home ourselves, but we are hiring an electrician and plumber. When we were looking into general contractors, they said the plumbing and electrical would be $10,000 together. We just got 3 quotes from electricians ranging $8,000-$10,000 alone.. (and we have a new panel with extra slots). How can we save money here??
I have to disagree with you on IKEA cabinets. We have a set that were installed in 2007 by the previous owner and they are TRASH. The doors are falling off because the hinges have pulled out of the press board and the white vinyl wrap on the doors is discoloring. They were originally white, but now most of the doors are yellow.
I love you articles and the time you take to explain each one. I would ask one more thing – at 2:25 in the article you talk about two major considerations, but aren’t there three? Environmental/sustainability considerations and ethical production? Yes people want the best value for money, but also thinking about toxins and how materials are made is a consideration for us too! Would you be able to talk more about that in future? Thanks a lot!
I’m grateful for your articles! Sold me on IKEA, but I can’t get anything in stock for my designs. Picked a farmhouse sink but there are NO base cabinets for it… it’s a little crazy-making. I keep trying to switch my plans to match what cabinets ARE available and failing! I’ve tried Atlanta and Charlotte stores… It’s so frustrating. I’m hoping that supply issues will change and I can go with IKEA, because now I have the confidence to do much of it myself! I’ve even joined the Tool Library here so I don’t need to own or rent the single use tools! Can’t wait to use that laser level… In the meantime I’ve already done 1/2 the demo on the kitchen, which wasn’t a BAD idea, it’s revealed problems with the subfloor and electric which I have to address anyway. But the inability to have a finished plan due to the availability of cabinets and parts is the worst part. I’d already decided to go with a pantry and no upper cabinets, so I’m going to re-do the tired electric outlets(thanks for that idea!) and drywall and be sure I have the support there for some shelves. Let’s all pray supply issues resolve in 2022. Appliances have finally started coming in, but quality seems lacking, all the reviews are so mixed with defective or shoddy workmanship.
I don’t know if this is ever addressed on the website. If you’re ever doing a kitchen reno that doesn’t need to change the cabinets, think about Renuit cabinet refacing. I’ve used them 6 or 7 times for over 150 panels (doors, drawer fronts) 1) A lot of selection of finishes. 2) Their work is very precision. The measurement you provide is what you get. 3) The products are very cost effective. At home Depot, these exact fit doors are about 60% of the cost of the off the shelf doors there, which probably don’t fit. I have heard that getting Renuit to do the work is somewhat painful. I don’t have experience with that. I’ve always done the work myself. Lead time is typically 6 weeks.
My home, built in 1928, has a small 14’X14″ kitchen, but it was originally built with a 4′ Wide X 10′ Deep pantry. A kitchen renovation in late 1950’s eliminated the pantry and that space was allocated to a guest bedroom to expand its’ bedroom closet. I always felt the utilitarian kitchen with pantry would have served the home far better than the closet space in the bedroom. Bring back the pantry!
Question about ventilation: in the article, the range and hood are equal width, but I’ve heard and read in many places that you should ideally “step up” in hood size so that you have at least 2-3″ additional coverage on each side (so a 36″ stove should have at least a 42″ hood or a 40″ insert). I’m sure height, depth, range BTUs and blower CFM also play roles here. But given you had all that wall space with no upper cabinets, I’m perhaps surprised that the hood wasn’t a bit wider? Or does having all that extra space permit more circulation, hence not requiring the extra ventilation?
As a 65 year old professional finish carpenter I’m going to tell you to put at LEAST 3/4″ plywood over the cabinets before any stone product. If you crack the granite 2 years after you finish the kitchen remodel how much will that cost to repair and what will it look like? Don’t be cheap, you’ll regret it later. I’ve seen the problems cheap will cause later, sometimes you can’t fix them. A new granite top won’t match and it’s $$$. Don’t go cheap.
I’m a 20 years professional designing and fixing kitchens for all kind of budgets. If you are thinking in installing your own kitchen, IKEA or whatever other KIT kitchen they sell in your area, and you haven’t done kitchens before, just don’t, unless you have a friend or someone with a bit of idea in kitchens specifically, and I mean kitchens and not general carpentry, which helps, but it’s not the same. As he said, plywood is better, but totally unnecessary for kitchen cabinets, a melamine based board would give you 20+ years (I have seen 30+ years old kitchens and still almost as new) of perfect use of your kitchen and will save you A LOT of money and time. Replacing things are also much cheaper, and you can actually spend more money in a good countertop or better appliances. Having installed few IKEA kitchens I must say, the only problem I could find is they are not many sizes and you have to (sometimes) fix your kitchen into your cabinets instead your cabinets in your kitchen, but if they work for you, that’s a deal, drawers, hinges and most of the mechanisms are top quality
I feel like IKEA kitchen gets too much unecesary bad wrap… good quality for good price. Easy to adjust and fix in case of oopsie. I’m currently changing 20 year old IKEA kitchen. By now yes some fronts chipped as well as some surfaces are not in best shape… but come on… do you want to live with the same kitchen for the rest of your life? Bought this house 5 years ago. And now I’m so exited to change everything. Bringing fresh breath to this house. Thank you for your handy man knowledge! I am doing things in a house that I thought that I will never be able to do thanx to you. You are like online dad support ❤
Jeff you have no idea about how much all you content have been helpful. I just bought a old house, with some renovations already done but still some work to do and kitchen is one of them. This article simplify a lot of the process. Thanks a lot dude, I lived most of my life in small apartments and now I’m having the opportunity of owning my first house here in Canada and renovating it without a huge fear just because I have your articles to watch it. God bless you and your family!
Outstanding article! We recently bought a house built in 1942 that has a small kitchen, our first renovation is going to be that kitchen. We had no idea where to start and what the process was, this article helped us. Recently found your website and I really enjoy your articles, your info and delivery is very straight forward and helpful. Thanks so much!
I wish I could get him to do a article on the house I’m planning to buy because it’s a fixer upper but I like that cause I want to put my own signature on it . Shame I live in nyc . I’m handy and want to do some work myself but I’m not exactly a pro with everything and all contractors are rip offs here . Probably be a really good interesting article for a lot of people.
Theres a real danger to perusal these articles. You learn too much and want to fix or redo everything you see wrong in your house. Weekends are supposed to be for rest and recover. Ive been robbed of this and i do not appreciate that!! Lol In all seriousness though, jeff and the website has probably saved me thousands by sharing their know how. Thanks.
hi..I just recently bought a house in Anaheim California and I wanted to get my kitchen renovated I love to cook so I really wanted a big kitchen right now it is about 10 x 12 sq ft and the other side of it is about 6ft that has a washer and dryer hook up and a toilet no sink bathroom i wonder if I can just take down the wall and make it all kitchen and maybe keep the washer and dryer in there too maybe in a cabinet in the kitchen pls advise what’s better to do I’m under budget too…I really love ur ideas.
I have a drop down kitchen ceiling. I think it’s called a “soffit”? Because I am going through construction now with a roof and a big mess up with my insulation throughout the house being wet – yes, nightmare – all the insulation is being removed this week. I thought it would be a great time to get rid of the “soffit”, I think that’s what it’s called, and raise the ceiling. I love the idea of getting rid of the upper cabinets. Do you have a article showing how you store your dishes, etc in your lower cabinets? I have a really small house and did turn my broom closet into a pantry. I might be able to see getting rid of the upper cabinets. I don’t have much wall space because I have big windows. My kitchen widow is 6’x 4′ and then I have the double doors to the outside. Any article’s on how to remove these kind of ceilings? Thanks for great article’s.
My husband went to far up with red and white 4 by 4 tiles too far up on the wall with a bullnose on the top of the tiles. What can I do? I’m going crazy!! I saw your last article with subway tiles but I’m not sure what to do. The counter tops are all butter block and we live on the beach. Can you please help me? I also put in a gray luxury vinyl planking to match the fireplace that is a gray and pink rough granite that is absolutely gorgeous. I want it to have a beach look! Thanks for your help, Denise
While I agree that IKEA cabinets can save you a lot of money if you don’t want to put in the elbow grease, we found that we save the most money by purchasing unfinished wood cabinets at Menards. We did our entire kitchen for a little over $500 in cabinets. Mind you, we only needed to purchase six cabinets total, but all things considered we would have paid that for two cabinets at IKEA. Combine in the price of the paint sprayer and the paint, and you’re still looking at the cost of maybe three cabinets. But I can say I hope to never paint another cabinet again in my entire life.
Jeff you are wonderful, because of you l stopped feeling hopeless because of l aack of money to fix my house, l can plan now and try to do things for my place… all the tips you give in your articles are really helpful, you are funny and pleasant to listening to…God bless you greatly, you are a special person, very talented and selfless….and very easy to understand…we lo e you 🙏😊👍
Ice maker is worth every penny. I find it hard to live without it and I hate making ice. Stacking all the ice trays. Making sure they don’t spill then cracking them out. Storing ice in a container so we can reuse the trays to make more ice so we don’t run out. Waiting for more ice to be made and cursing the husband when he doesn’t refill the ice cube tray. This is what happens every summer when we visit my mother in law. If u like chilled water. Get an internal ice maker. The kind that stays in the freezer drawer. Don’t get the door one. Those always have issues.
Best tip for cabinet is keep your oak cabinet and paint them if they are modernish. If you have flush fit door european mount oak cabinet you have to be a moron to remove them and out ikea garbage in there. Buy soft close add on or full retrofit and you have a modern looking kitchen with the modern comfort but real wood that will last
As an accomplished DIY home owner I agree with everything he suggests except the fridge! IMHO there is nothing that ruins the look of a great reno’d kitchen as a cheap fridge especially when it’s not built in like a big ugly box sticking out from the counter top edge! It’s like wearing a great suit with cheap unpolished shoes, I’ll stick with my SubZero all the time come hell or high water! M.
I never thought I would disagree with something Jeff said, but I do have a problem with the “cheapo” fridge. I have filled, spilled, broken, and cursed ice trays as a young adult, and I will NOT do that again. An Ice maker in a fridge is one of the greatest inventions my life time. I say spend the extra bucks for a fridge equipped with an ice maker. However, I really like the idea of a pantry in the kitchen and not all the upper cabinets. As usual, good job and great information Jeff.
Would you reccommend only replacing the cabinet doors with Ikea ones? I do not want to change the layout of the kitchen with is currently solid wood. Just thinking of sanding and replacing the doors that are now inset to overlay ones so that I can have a little wiggle room with measurements. Should I stay with inset? Thanks Jeff, keep up the great work and can’t wait for the live sessions coming up! Oh yeah, and stay safe!
Exactly the opposite. The bottom cabinets are useless. The HARDEST things to get to in a kitchen are in the back of the bottom cabinets. You need to get down on all fours with a flashlight (or miners cap) to see what’s there and if you’re grabbing the right thing. I could store a dead body back there and it MIGHT be found in a year or two. Over time, even the stuff in front gets shuffled to the abyss of being in the back. I’ll agree with the pantry, as it’s depth is less than bottom cabinets.
Here in NYC we had a horrible rodent infestation problem because of all the construction going on and neighbors who did not properly contain their garbage. The rodents gained entry through openings arounf pipes, etc and hid behind and in the cabinets and appliances. I was able to pull out the appliances but was stuck when it came to the base cabinet. I had a friend remove the base cabinet and anchor the countertop (including the faucet) to black iron poles the height of the base cabinet. We did this without disconnectong the faucet and other plumbing. I then bought rolling cabinets that fit in the space so I can have access to that area. I am by no means suggesting this as a kitchen cabinet design, but it gave me peace of mind. I will be using the majority of your suggestions when I renovate. Thank!!
I agree with everything except the upper cabinets. It’s much easier to put things away from the dishwasher straight into the uppers than going all the way to the pantry, one glass at a time. Plus, what if I want a pantry AND uppers? (and that what I actually got). I designed our kitchen so the dishwasher is in the lower cab closest to the sink and everything around the dishwasher (uppers and base) are the dishes. Other tips: Don’t cheap out, take all drawers instead of shelves, your storage space will double! (because now you can stack things one on top of another, and still easily take them out). Go with double drawers (hidden drawer) inside the top drawers…That will also double your capacity. I don’t know how you came up with “Stone is the most expensive part”. Our kitchen itself (Ikea) was easily 7K. Our stone was 2K, and we have a 7ft island that overhangs on 2 sides. We “Cheated” the system by using only 1 slab. The L shape for the kitchen, and the rectangle inside that L (completes the slab) for the island.
“Stick to the plan” misses the point that the reason they wanna change the plan is that they want something better than they planned. The reality is you need to visualise and walkthrough all the processes and functions of the area to get settled on a good design. If the designer hasn’t helped the customer with that – then probably not a great designer.
Amen on the clean up! I hate leaving a mess after a project. It’s kind of like cooking dinner and waking up to dirty dishes in the sink. Meh. Even more, tidy a bit AS YOU GO rather than leaving it all until the end. A little organizing/clean up as you go will save you time at the end when you are even more tired.
Your website has helped me so much! I did all the demo in my bathroom myself, installed the tub surround tiles and light fixtures then got a contractor to tile the floor and do the heavy jobs I could not do, like installing the new vanity/toilet, and replacing the bath faucets, which was rather involved. I saved a few thousand dollars. It wasn’t easy, but it was well worth it. Thanks!!!
One way I’ve found to save money is to use cut offs and scraps. Let me explain… I found a furniture shop that sales 7/8″ plywood to build their furniture. The cut-offs are stacked in full sheet equivalent layers. Each layer is one to three pieces and costs about 1/4 the price of a full sheet. Yeah there are more joints but the price is far less, the plywood is actually cabinet grade, and the smaller pieces are easier to handle. Now as far as scraps goes… a local granite and stone countertop company gives away their scrap pieces for free and will cut them & put a profile on them for me for a small fee. I thought that the scraps would be very small pieces but to my surprise I was able to get pieces large enough to do a five foot vanity in two sections. The point is don’t just go to the big box store or think about buying new stuff. Be creative and at the end of the day you may come out with higher end materials while saving money at the same time!
About done with a complete kitchen remodel and there is one item you missed. Watch for the items you think cost very little. We found we had $1600 in cabinet hardware because was in with the cabinet prices. Changed that once we noticed it. We did the majority of the work, but called in people for specific items that we did not want to do. Saved well over $50k by doing the work ourselves. We did find that the sweeping compound works surprisingly well also. It took a long time as we were not fast, but we will be done before the contractors could even start the project.
Hi Jeff, I just wanted to say a BIG thank you for your website! I am finishing my basement (more than half way done) using many of the tips you suggested on this website. Especially the duct box framing trick with 7/16 OSB….saved me tons of time. Because I am doing everything except plumbing electrical and drywall, I am saving a ton of money too! 10’s of thousands of dollars! Being a DIY’er has always benefitted me….even more these days!
2:13 have a budget 3:56 don’t change the plan 5:21 functionality over design focused 7:25 reuse and repurpose 9:49 keep site clean 12:13 keep tools and materials organized 13:07 hire help when you’re outside you’re toolbox 16:01 do inspections before you start 17:14 build a timeline 18:25 repair/refinish instead of replacing 19:26 change your hardware & paint 21:05 make decisions together 21:30 pay cash
Thers actually a bigger tip Jeff has given that really really speaks to the sole on other articles that was never mentioned. That Is( DO one room at a time.) This is the only real way to start and finish a project and then start the next one. And give a better budget for each one and prioritize your money.
Sticking to a plan is definitely a straight line to failure. Stick to a goal. The plan to fulfill that goal needs to be fluid. So when you open that wall and find a chimney that can’t move. Your plan adapts, but your goal doesn’t. I’m reasonably sure we are saying the same thing and this is just semantics.
You hit on a pet peeve of mine, the HGTV bad news report. I know they do it for drama for TV, but it still drives me nuts. “Love it or List It” is the worst for this. I will admit, having homeowners add things or change their minds mid-way through the project can be a real thing but you also have to handle it properly.
I have this feeling, mind you i’m not very good in reading people, that you dont like the twin brothers reno’s? There is always the big hammer for no use what so ever, and!, there is always a problem they didn’t see comming. Like, oh, we didn’t know that but we have to make a 10 foot beam in your kitchen, yeah, oh how terrible, yes and its 5000 dollar so you have to choose, no toilet on the second floor or different tiles for the backsplash. I mean, seriously? And the true miracle, not a spot on there clothes. Just a thought.😊 Anyway i listened very good sinds i’m renovating a 90 year old farmhouse, the keep it clean and organised is a very good tip. I always keep it like that, nothing worse then starting to make a mess in the mess, and, its just not safe. And have a plan and stick with it is a tip i follow sinds you gave it. It works! Thank you again!
Love you Jeff. But just had to cancel my membership after 16 months. I’ve only been able to access it twice in that time. I have to find the website, log in to it, then find the membership code, which can only be found by going to your community page, scrolling down until I see a post that looks something like membership, look through that until I find it, hoping its the most current version, write it down as I can copy and paste from YT, then type it out and finally log in. Then I find a list of unlimited posts and can’t find anything. Just writing this out triggers anxiety. It would be better to just send in a super chat and get a direct answer to my usually very small, quick questions. I’m still a fan and think I’ve gotten my monies worth in the free info from your excellent articles. If member access is improved, I’ll be back!
I bought a fixer upper that took all of my savings a few years ago (fucking seattle) I saved the kitchen for last. Everyday I checked facebook market and craiglist for anything I’d need. I ended up getting a whole set kichen cabinets,sink, counter-top that was only 4 years old for $200. Someone bought a flip house and was gonna flip it again.
You say “have a budget…” it’s 2022 and the dollar has been printed into oblivion…my budget is “if it’s free or on sale that product has my attention” also my plan is “when it breaks”…these things make fixing a 1928 American craftsman multifam interesting(I had a roof professionally installed). I can not thank you enough for all of your experience you share. You have helped me add thousands to my property value and the quality of my life. Originally I was looking to rent out the upper for 600 gas included(Wisconsin). Now I’m looking towards $900 gas included. You ARE THE MAN!!!!!!!
I hired a contractor that had been in business for 10 years found no bad reviews or reports to the better business buro. I asked if he could do a walk in tub and obtain a tub where the door opened out. He said he could. I signed the contract, gave him extra beyond the advance to obtain the tub but would not let him start until the tub was on property. He didn’t know how to get the tub. I had to find and order the tub. It arrived a month later with the surround separate for a shower. His company did the demolition and I had to demand that they haul the garbage that they left in back of the house away before they continued as per contract. He told me they could not use the surround and needed to tile and that would cost extra. I said ok but I would have to pick out the tile. He showed me one inch tile, I picked 8 inch squares, he said that would cost more by $2000 I said ok. A walk in tub doesn’t work against a wall because you need a little elbow room and you are stuck until it drains so the drain has to work mechanically remotely. I fixed that. So untitled the tub was set in temporarily and the above problems were found. At this point the contractor QUIT. Oh, the extra I gave him for parts wasn’t needed because I went with and paid for the parts as we went along except for some pipes, half the cement board and some screws.
1. Have a budget & and a plan. Spend time assessing the property and local market at the time. 2. Don’t change the plan to avoid running into problems. 3. Think functionality over design focus. Most people need practical, not all the bells and whistles. 4. Reuse & Repurpose. Work with what you got when possible! 5. Keep your site clean. Helps to not procrastinate when come back the next time; you’ll refreshed & ready to work. 6. Keeps tools & materials organized. Have a big open space to work. 7. Hire help when you need it. Especially for rough in (stuff behind/under walls). Having a DIY mindset is awesome..but know when you need to hire a pro. (Typically plumbing, electrical, structural, etc.) 8. Do pre-inspections so you’ll have a better idea of your budget and what kind of work you’ll be comfortable DIYing. 9. Build a timeline. (Double it to be realistic / conservative if you’re inexperienced). 10. Repair / refinish instead of replace when possible. Goes back to knowing your market and having a good estimate / budget. 11. Change your hardware & PAINT!! Can help offset an outdated feel without doing major work. 12. Only let one person touch the $; make decisions together to help stay on budget. 13. Pay cash when possible…meaning don’t take on a loan / credit (debt) position unless your plan is to flip & turn a profit. Extra. Be aware of not making emotional & impulse decisions. BE PRACTICAL! Thanks for all the articles! They’ve been crucial in my first remodel. 🙂
When remodeling a miscellaneous room don’t expect to much from the space. Set proper expectations before you start. Write down everything you want the room to be. Exercise room TV room Piano room Meditation room Craft storage room A room that is 12 feet x 18 feet probably can’t fulfill all of those activities. So make the decision before you start what will actually fit into that room. No piano No craft storage Now you have your goal. Write that goal down so everyone involved actually agrees on the goal. Now go make a plan.
One step above paint. 1994 house, we have always wanted to do a bathroom remodel. We still want to do that but 4 years ago we did. New Backsplash, new faucets, new lighting, and removed a wall mirror and installed a 6 foot framed mirror. $500 and the room feels new. But even more important than feeling new, we feel it’s ours.
This might be a stupid idea, but I know I don’t have the money to do the renovations I want to do. So what my current plan is to use some of the extra money I have every month to sale hunt for the materials I need, to try and get as absolutely close as possible to JUST paying for the skilled labor. I have a garage I don’t use, new appliances and saran-wrapped cabinets should be fine just sitting out there until I have someone competent to put ém in for me, just give me those Black Friday Sales on all of it.
Long story into a question: Member for over a year. Broke a DIY rule and hired a contractor to replace my deck 😝. Covered by an existing roof and was worried about supporting it while the posts were replaced. Contractor did a great job except the stairs are currently supported by wood braces. Contractor said it wasn’t in the contracted scope of work to pour a landing that the stairs would be supported by and that it’s my responsibility. I assumed stairs are part of the deck and would be supported by a concrete footing under the last stair stringer. I would do the landing with concrete or pavers after. Is this normal or am I just ignorant for assuming they would properly support the stairs? Final payment has not been made.