Affordable features for kitchen remodels

Kitchens are popular gathering spots in many homes. That popularity is reflected in various ways, including how many homeowners choose to remodel their kitchens.

A 2019 report from the home renovation and design resource Houzz found that kitchens were the most popular room to renovate in 2018. Homeowners considering kitchen remodels should know that the Houzz report also indicated that spending on kitchen remodels increased by 27 percent in 2018.

Homeowners concerned by the cost of remodeling a kitchen should know that there are ways to give kitchens a whole new feel without breaking the bank.

Cabinets

Custom-built cabinets may be a dream, but they tend to be a very expensive one. Such cabinets are designed to adhere to the dimensions of the kitchen, and

Consumer Reports notes that they can cost tens of thousands of dollars.

If that estimate is out of reach, examine the current layout of the existing cabinets. If the layout is fine but the cabinets need work, you can give them a whole new look by refinishing them.

If the cabinets must go, stock units or semi-custom cabinets can provide a new look without busting the budget.

Countertops

Countertops tend to capture the eye’s attention when one walks into a kitchen. Outdated and/or damaged countertops grab that attention for all the wrong reasons, while updated countertops made from today’s most popular materials provide that wow factor homeowners seek.

If granite is a must-have, Consumer Reports notes that homeowners can save substantial amounts of money by choosing granite from remnants at the stone yard.

If marble is your ideal countertop, save money by choosing a domestic product, as opposed to one imported from overseas.

Appliances

Consumer Reports notes that luxuryhome buyers expect high-end features, including professional ranges and built-in refrigerators that match the surrounding cabinetry.

However, many mainstream brands offer “faux pro” features that can equal more expensive alternatives.

Consumer Reports even notes that many budget-friendly faux pro appliances outperformed their high-end counterparts in terms of reliability.