Having a nice kitchen is one way to add value to your custom home. Ultimately, the kitchen is considered the house’s most essential room. It is where your family gets together in the morning to start the day, the kids sit to do their homework after school, and your guests meet while you cook holiday meals. Your kitchen’s style, look, and functionality can set the tone for the rest of your custom home.
With so many options, finalizing your kitchen’s design can quickly go out of hand and may cost a lot of money. It all depends on the scope of the work, the size of the kitchen, and the materials, equipment, and finishes you choose. You can work with your custom home builder to create a kitchen that looks good and works well while staying within your budget. Still, learning how and where to save and spend money would be best.
A good mix of spending and saving pays off regarding the most expensive home improvements, like appliances, fixtures, countertops, and cabinets. Read this article for tips on things you should splurge on or save on when planning and designing your custom kitchen.
Things To Splurge On
Before you start your custom kitchen, you should know what is most important to you so you can put your money where it will do the most good. Today, many companies make high-end luxury items that are cheap, long-lasting, and useful. Working with a good custom home builder can offer valuable insights into the most up-to-date materials, fittings, and finishes. They can also give you options and alternatives that will help you save money for your “must-have” items that will offer the best value for your kitchen.
This section lists some of the “must-have” items for your kitchen that you should splurge on.
Suitable Quality Materials For Your Countertops
Your islands and countertops are some of your most functional spaces in the kitchen, as this is where you will do most of your work. However, it is more than just a workstation; it can also be a statement piece that can elevate your kitchen’s look. So, when it comes to splurging things in your kitchen, high-quality countertops are the first on the list.
Choose a material that is both strong and looks good to you. Quartz, Kalinga stone, Corean stone, and high-quality granite are all options for a new kitchen on a budget.
Hardware and Handles
More often than not, hardware, handles, and doors on cabinets and drawers are the first ones to break or get damaged. Invest in handles because you need them to use a mobile kitchen. Hinges and other hardware that hold your kitchen parts together are used just as much as handles. This kind of gear is the backbone of your kitchen, so it’s worth the price for both cheap and high-end kitchens.
Overall, splurging on the hardware is also an excellent way to save money in the long run, as it would last longer. As for the finish, you can easily update or improve the look of your kitchen on the cheap by switching out the brushed stainless steel hardware for oil-rubbed bronze, pewter, or other old and worn metals.
Utilize Drawers Instead Of Cupboards
In terms of functionality, drawers in a kitchen are much easier to use than cabinets. But they do make your kitchen furnishings more expensive. When there are drawers instead of base cabinets, older adults do not have to bend down as much. In the long run, it might be a better investment.
Strong Carcass Cabinets
Most of the time, we care more about how the kitchen cabinet doors look than what is inside. But if you want your kitchen to last, then choose core cabinet materials that will last. If you need to save money, choose cheaper blinds because they are easy to change. But even if you are getting a new kitchen on a budget, you should spend the most on the core cabinets. Try looking for materials that are heat or water-resistant.
Energy-Efficient Appliances
Sustainability is essential right now, so using less energy appliances will help you do your part for the world. But there is another good reason to buy energy-efficient appliances. They will significantly lower your monthly power bill. So, even though these products are pricey at first, they are an investment that pays off month after month. If you want to build a new kitchen on a budget, innovative equipment should be on your list.
Be sensible and look for tools with warranties that use less energy. You might use your devices more than any other part of your kitchen. But be careful about which ones you buy. Try to do your research on its features and warranties.
Invest in Tiles
Investing in high-quality tiles is another good way to get the most out of your kitchen. Ceramic tile is suitable for walls, but porcelain tile is better for floors. Porcelain tile does not break or chip easily, and it is a popular choice because it’s cheap and lasts a long time. It is a fantastic, low-cost option for natural stone. Consider the tiles’ size and pattern when determining how much you can spend.
Add in Windows and Skylights
The best way to make a kitchen bright and exciting is to put in big windows. You will never be sorry if you have a nice view and lots of light. The best way to make a kitchen look bright and dramatic is to put in big windows. You will never regret having a beautiful view and lots of light. Put some money in your budget for more windows. Natural light is one of the things that makes a room feel warm and beautiful.
Do Not Cut Corners on the Airflow
The airflow in your kitchen is an excellent place to spend money. Nothing is worse than coming home to a house full of food smells, cooking particles in the air, and other cooking waste. Many people try to save money by not having a direct vent to the outside of their home. Instead, they choose a ductless type that filters the air and sends it back into the house. Spend the extra money on a proper ventilation system for your kitchen if you have the room and the ability to install an external exhaust fan.
Add Lighting Under The Cabinets
Beautiful lights that hang from the ceiling are a great choice, but under-cabinet lighting is a thing that is often forgotten. In the kitchen, it is essential to have good job lighting. Counter-prep areas need to be lit up, and task lighting under cabinets needs to be installed.
Things to Save On
Before you start building or even talking to contractors, you can start saving money by learning about your choices and making a plan. Try to do your research on the different materials, finishes, layouts, or stylings. Look at how the other parts fit together. By deciding on your style early on, you can know how much different options will cost.
This knowledge is also beneficial when looking for and hiring a custom home builder. It can help them figure out what you like and what you need. If you are interested in a particular style, they can help you make sound decisions that will help you keep your project within budget without compromising quality.
In this section, let us look for ways to save money for your custom kitchen.
Make The Most Of The Table Space
You have to spend money on the tools themselves, but there are many ways to store them properly, one that does not break the bank. If the tall cabinets with built-in tools will hurt your wallet, choose open units hanging on the wall. These modules are cheaper than built-in units, but they do the same job of making the most of your counter room.
Another inexpensive way to add storage for your new kitchen is to use open shelves instead of a pull-out closet. If you have a space in your kitchen not used for anything else, this is a great way to use it.
Glass Doors, Shelves, and Shutters
Glass is cheaper than plywood, so having a few glass doors in the kitchen makes sense. In addition to being affordable, it gives your kitchen more depth and variety. Shelves follow the same rule. Glass shelves are good for showing off things, are easy to clean, and can hold spice jars and other minor things. The best way to get fast, cheap kitchens is to put glass shelves inside drawers.
Save on Sinks and Taps
You can quickly put a cheap sink in a kitchen that looks expensive because it has a lovely countertop and cabinetry. Nobody will pay attention to this particular item in your kitchen. Standard kitchen fixtures like sinks and taps have a charted life span.
Lean Towards Simple and Classic Backsplashes
While you work on the surface, the backsplash is mostly there for looks. So, you can be creative with your choice and save money simultaneously. You can opt for plain tiles or back-painted glass as your backsplash. It not only helps you make shopping lists and meal plans, but it is also very cheap. It is also a creative way to save money on a new kitchen.
