Kitchens On The Cheap - A Reality Check
It is the heart of the home - but more of us don't have the stomach to shell out $100,000 to make it our ideal. Good news though- in "this economy" we are not only finding there are some deals to be had from negotiating with contractors to finding some bargains on materials, but our reality of what makes a cool kitchen has changed.
I interviewed Consumer Reports, one of my faves in rating and testing anything you buy. They have surveyed and talked with thousands of Americans on how they saved money for the kitchen, what they regretted they didn't do and how to be smart as you navigate your way thru decisions on this important space in the home. They also revealed that it's possible to re-do and upgrade your kitchen (or your bathroom) for $1,000!
Here are their 7 smart tips to save money on your Kitchen:
1- Resize your project - It's less "super-size me" and more downsize me to maximize the buck. It's also less about additions or large add ons and more about choosing things you'll really use, need and enjoy! Outdoor kitchens are also huge and however we can combine that element in our living it's a smart and popular investment.
2- Avoid recession casualties - This means to redefine what glamorous may be and go for the practical and energy-efficient instead of the status symbols. Simple elegance is what's fashionable now. Consumer Reports tested high end and economy models for the kitchen and found little difference in terms of performance.
3- Know where to splurge - Home Improvement after all is about feeling pampered at the end of the day. So don't sacrifice everything - just know where to spend a little more for those special things that make a difference. Consumer Reports found that most home remodelers regretted not splurging on things they use all the time, like cabinets, cabinet pulls, well made doorknobs, countertops and for the bathroom, showers.
4- Defray costs with D-I-Y. First remember to know your limits and your skill set because doing anything yourself can wind up costing you more money and time if you aren't sure what you are doing. That said, you can easily save by painting the kitchen yourself, even tiling, or demotion which brings a savings of up to 2 thousand dollars. And note to self, think twice about doing your own plumbing and electrical.
5- Do remodeling in phases. More of us are taking baby steps. Consumer Reports found more of us are okay with doing this as you go - the cabinets refinished now, the countertops and appliances later. And remember to get the bargains with contractors during their off season - after Thanksgiving and Christmas.
6- Save Energy, Water and Resources - It's not just about doing for the environment but also what hits home and that's saving on utility bills. Another part of being green is finding your materials for your Kitchen remodel in a salvage yard. Or a great resource is www.habitat.org - Habitat for Humanity has re-stores selling quality, used and surplus building materials.
7- Think universally - Consider "aging in place" design - meaning have a washing machine that doesn't require you to bend over and strain your back now, or down the road, or finding a toilet at a comfortable height.
*For more ratings on kitchen appliances, and how to get a remodel for $1,000 check the August issue of Consumer Reports or go to www.consumerreports.org
Tips like:
*Paint your cabinets for $50 dollars a door
*Install pull-out shelves and retractable trash bins
*Choose laminate for countertops and save more expneisve stone for the island or breakfast bar
*Add a ceramic backsplash
Hope this helps!
Cindy
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