A kitchen renovation can be quite an expensive exercise. There’s the cost of the new materials, the trades to install them, and potentially even new appliances. All of this adds up quickly.

With that in mind, it’s only reasonable to look for potential savings. Keeping the cost down could allow you to think bigger – or possibly even undertake any work at all. And really, why should you spend more than you actually need to?

The good news is, savings don’t have to come at the cost of look, feel, or finish. With a little careful planning, you can create the beautiful kitchen you want for the price you need. You just need to know what to focus your spending on.

Here we look at some of the best ways to save while renovating your kitchen without compromising the final product!

Set a realistic budget – and stick to it!

Properly manage your renovation costs by first knowing what they are likely to be. This means that before orders are placed, and work starts, you need to set your budget. In doing this, you should consider two key things – what you can afford and what different elements will cost.

One of the biggest mistakes many renovators make is underestimating their costs. They either set their budget based on the lowest cost they can find or don’t do any real research. Either way, this usually leaves them short as bills come in ‘unexpectedly’ high.

More than just providing a baseline cost, a realistic budget will give you something to manage throughout the project. If an expense comes in higher than expected, you can look for a cheaper alternative or compromise on something else. This will help keep your spending under control and on track.

Focus on functionality

While it’s easy to get caught up in choosing beautiful finishes, addressing any functionality issues should be your top priority. After all, the kitchen is primarily a functional zone.

Start by considering the layout to help maintain this focus. Think about how you want to live and work in the space. Also, work out what you need to be included and where it should all be located. A good designer is worth their weight in gold in helping you with layout and budget considerations. 

You can then layer on the styling elements, using your functional design as the base. You can also use your practical requirements as decision-making criteria if any cost issues arise.

Look for cost-effective alternatives

Thanks to the ever-increasing popularity of kitchen renovations, there are now design options for every budget. This means that if there’s a fixture or finish you love, you should be able to find an affordable version. Similarly, if there’s a design feature you really want, there’s likely to be a cheaper alternative that delivers a similar result.

Some of the more popular cost-effective alternatives include:

  • Choosing high-quality laminate over natural materials (e.g. stone, timber, etc.) – creates a similar look for a fraction of the cost.
  • Using ceramic tiles for the splashback, rather than stone – tile can look just as clean and stylish but cost much less.
  • Replacing some cabinetry with open shelving – provides a comparable level of storage but keeps your cabinetry costs down.
  • Forgoing a butler’s pantry – these are expensive and take up a lot of space.
  • Adjusting the new floorplan to work around the existing services – moving water and gas lines can be extremely expensive, so best to work with what’s already in place.

Seek out professional advice

Most kitchen design professionals have significant experience of working within a budget. As such, they can usually recommend a range of ways to bring your renovation costs down. They should also be able to suggest some creative solutions to give you the look and functionality you want.

At Zesta Kitchens, we understand how much of a difference a professional designer can make. We’re experts in finding savings while still creating practical, beautiful kitchen spaces. Contact us to book your design consultation today!