Labor Day has come and gone, which means summer is unofficially "over." Even though it's still plenty hot outside and we do still have a few more weeks of summer ahead of us, according to the calender. But, still, as Labor Day passes the BBQ's stop, pool parties are replaced with study sessions and your remodeling projects get put off for another year.
With the holidays right around the corner, the money you would've spent on those home improvement projects will have to be spent elsewhere, right? Not so fast! Even if you’re on a budget, there are ways to get that magic new kitchen or finally get rid of the 1970’s green fixtures in your bathroom.

Unfortunately, many homeowners have been dreaming about what they want their new kitchen or bath to look like for a long time, and that vision most likely has no relation to the real cost of remodeling. That’s when it’s time to call a professional, like us, so we can spend time together talking about what is really most important to you and how we can transform your kitchen or bath into a more welcoming space and give you what you want the most, while staying within your budget.
Before we get together for our first visit, decide what your need/want/wish list is versus nice-to-haves. You can start by asking yourself :
- What really bothers me about my current kitchen or bath?
- What would I like to change, but realistically can wait until later?
- What am I unwilling to compromise on no matter what the cost?
Here are some basic guidelines to get you started.
Wood Costs Vary
If new cabinets are definitely on your need or want list for right now, oak is the least expensive wood to choose. Maple and hickory (such as those in the kitchen shown above) are a step up from oak. Woods such as alder and cherry are the most expensive.
If you’re on the fence about new cabinets, you might consider refinishing your current cabinets and adding new knobs, pulls, and hinges.
Countertop Options
Granite slab and stone counter-tops are more pricey than granite tile or ceramic tile. Keep in mind that if you’ve got your heart set on having that granite slab countertop, and you forgo new cabinets because they’re on your “nice-to-have” list, if you change your mind later and wish you had new cabinets, granite can’t be removed and reinstalled.
Instead of granite countertops, you might also want to consider granite tile. Ceramic tile is the most economical of countertop choices, and there are a wide variety of colors and styles to choose from…
Appliances Choices Abound!
If you really want commercial appliances in your kitchen, like a Wolf or Viking range, and your budget doesn’t allow for their $6,000 price tag, you can still enjoy cooking on “commercial-like” appliances that are much less costly, in the $2,500 price range.
If you found this article helpful and you would like some budget remodeling help, give us a call at 800-498-1833 or stop by our website at www.uniquitybuilders.com or simply scan the QR code below.
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