Where to Splurge & Where to Skimp on Kitchen Remodeling

According to a 2018 Houzz study, Americans spent more than $25,000 on average for a full kitchen remodel. This included everything from cabinet refacing to appliance upgrades and an overhaul of countertops. For larger kitchens, this amount reached upwards of $42,000. With numbers as big as this, many homeowners try to cut costs wherever they can.

A closer look at the breakdown of the average kitchen remodeling costs reveals an interesting trend about how people approach their construction projects. Specifically, it shows where people are splurging and where they are saving their money.

Countertops

Counters are the unsung heroes in any kitchen. They are the primary work surface where all the food preparation and cooking takes place. When it comes to choosing kitchen countertops, it’s best to spend more money on quality products. Skimping on countertop materials could lead to regret in the long run.

Appliances

Choosing appliances for your kitchen remodeling project can be tricky. On the one hand, if you’re not a gourmet chef, it doesn’t make sense to shell out top dollar for a 10-burner stove or a custom refrigerator for your wine collection. However, if you’re looking for function, you’ll find no shortage of cutting-edge appliance options. The verdict is you should take a balanced approach when choosing appliances. Discuss your remodeling objectives with your contractors to find products that will give you the most value.

Cabinets

Storage is at a premium in many kitchens. Don’t cut corners on quality shelving and cabinets because chances are, you’ll always have something to store in them. A lot of homeowners tend to agree; in the aforementioned survey, almost a third of respondents said they did splurge on top-of-the-line kitchen cabinets.

Flooring

This is another tricky choice. Kitchens are the busiest room in any home so you want a durable flooring material to handle all the foot traffic your kitchen will get. Thankfully, the cost of flooring options is not an accurate indicator of quality. You can find high-performance flooring that will last for generations but not break the bank.

Lighting

Lighting is essential for busy kitchens, but expert kitchen remodelers recommend thinking twice before doling out the dough on expensive light fixtures. Just like flooring, efficient lighting can be accomplished with good planning, which can make less expensive fixtures provide ample illumination at a fraction of the cost.

Let’s Start a Conversation!

Plan the perfect kitchen remodel with the help of DreamMaker Bath & Kitchen of Madison. Give us a call at (608) 352-9944 or fill out our contact form to start a conversation today! We serve homeowners in DeForest, Cottage Grove, McFarland and other surrounding communities.

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