When planning a new kitchen be clear on a budget. A kitchen project will normally add value to your home and positively affect the way you use your space. It can certainly be an expensive investment but there are ways in which it doesn’t necessarily have to cost you as much as it may seem.
You can use a designer or not, but let them know your budget, they will advise you on which areas to invest in and where to save money. A good idea is to take a list along with you to the kitchen showroom and show the designer what you have in mind. Use a spreadsheet to keep an eye on all the costs you are spending as the project progresses. This will allow you to see what areas to invest in and what to cut back with.
Use these three steps to get the best deals:
- Take your time when designing your perfect kitchen
- Look out for discounts, you might just pick up a bargain
- Ask about a discount, managers normally give 5% or 10% discount if you are not afraid to ask
When it comes to the features within the kitchen design, concentrate spending money on those as they are used the most and are visible all the time.
- The handles on the drawers and cupboards. They can make standard units look much more expensive
- Premium worktops such as quartz and granite worktops. Here at Cawdor, we have an array of styles, colours and materials to choose from. We do have promotions running throughout the year, so please ask a member of the sales team when getting in touch or visiting our showroom.
- A high-quality flooring will improve the look of a budget kitchen and will add value to your home.
When it comes to appliances re-use them if there is nothing wrong with your old ones. Re-install them in a new design or replace the ones that are on display, like the cooker. If you do need to replace appliances, make sure you scout the internet and high street for the best bargains. Also, make sure they are energy-efficient as they will save you money and running costs in the future.
- Refresh a splashback. Re-paint a tiled splashback with a special tile paint
- Solid wooden cabinets can be sanded down and repainted. This is a cheaper option to achieve a wonderful new kitchen look
- Try not to accessorise too much as this will cost extra money. Mix and match with bargain pieces to create a chic style.
- Open-shelving is very popular now. Use them instead of cupboards, it makes the kitchen look more spacious and gives you an opportunity to mix your personality within the style
- When it comes to re-decorating the decor, it’s the simplest of tasks and an easy way of saving money. You can paint and wallpaper yourself, creating a feature. This will make you buy less but also create a fantastic focal point at the same time in your newly developed kitchen.
- If you are a confident DIYer, how about plumbing the new sinks and taps?
- Tile yourself if you can and if you are having a tiled splashback
- Re-paint the cabinet doors if the doors are still brand new.
- Use more of your architectural features, like brick walls and wooden beams. You don’t want these to be hidden away as they are part of your property’s history.
Sink options
- When choosing a sink, go for stainless steel as it’s low maintenance and a cheaper option
- Composite sinks can upstand high temperatures and can be on the pricey side. They are a good investment though as they are hardwearing and will last a long time.
Lighting
Purchase simple LED task lighting for above your cabinets. They are energy efficient as well as cheaper to run.
Cawdor Stone Gallery are a division of the Cawdor Group, one of the UK’s leading natural stone providers. With over 30 years of experience, our highly qualified team have undertaken international projects of all sizes, providing high-quality materials and a comprehensive range of stone-related services to a range of projects. Contact us today for more info on our quartz and granite worktops.
