The Best Ways To Save Money When Renovating Your Kitchen, According To Home Improvement Experts

Kitchen renovations can truly transform both the look and functionality of your space. If your kitchen has seen better days and simply isn't meeting your needs, either aesthetically or in terms of performance, you may be thinking about a renovation. The problem is that kitchen renovations can be expensive — really expensive. Sticking to a budget can be difficult when you think about everything that goes into getting a new kitchen, including the cabinets, countertops, floors, appliances, lighting, and more.

However, there are ways to cut back on costs when you're renovating the space. And few people know more about the best ways to save money than those who are well-versed in home valuation and renovations. For this reason, House Digest spoke exclusively to several real estate professionals and home improvement experts who shared their top tips for saving some precious cash on your kitchen remodeling project.

Cabinets are often one of the biggest expenses during a kitchen renovation, and custom ones usually come with hefty price tags. However, this also means that considering alternative options has the potential to save you lots of money. In an exclusive interview with House Digest, Brady Bridges, real estate expert and owner of Reside Real Estate, shares that opting for ready-to-assemble cabinets (often referred to as RTA cabinets) can potentially save homeowners between $3,000 and $5,000, depending on the specifics of their renovation.

While you'll want to do your research on ready-to-assemble cabinets before finalizing your decision, they have more to offer than just their lower price point. "These cabinets often last a long time and come in many styles. RTA cabinets maintain aesthetic appeal while allowing for a high-quality finish at a reasonable cost," says Bridges. An example of this is IKEA's kitchen cabinets. You could assemble these yourself if you feel qualified for the task, or you could hire a contractor and still end up saving in the long run compared to custom cabinetry.

Appliances are another big expense that homeowners need to consider as they're planning a kitchen renovation. Even if you're not choosing the most high-end appliances, the cost of purchasing a new stove, over-the-range microwave, refrigerator, and dishwasher can really add up. Instead of paying full price for these items, Bridges recommends waiting for a sale to save some money.

He cites major holiday sales, such as Black Friday, Cyber Monday, Memorial Day, and Labor Day, as prime shopping times where customers can save up to 30% on the cost of each appliance without sacrificing the quality they are looking for. Keep an eye on the calendar when you start planning your renovation, and consider timing it close to one of these holidays where you're likely to find the greatest savings on appliances from top manufacturers. "By being patient and flexible with the choices, one could save hundreds or even thousands of dollars on high-quality appliances," Bridges explains. He also notes that you can often find several energy-efficient models on sale during these times, offering compounding savings over the lifetime of the appliance.

To save even more money on appliances, consider purchasing floor-model versions. In an exclusive interview with House Digest, real estate expert and owner of Raleigh Realty, Ryan Fitzgerald, exclusively tells House Digest that doing so is an excellent option for homeowners who want to stretch their budgets. "These appliances are usually in near-perfect condition but come at discounts of 20% to 50%, potentially saving $500 to $1,500 per item. You get high-quality appliances that look and work just as well as new models, but at a fraction of the price, making it a win-win for both budget and resale value," he says.

In addition to looking at floor models, when you're browsing stores, ask if any units have been returned or cosmetically damaged. Sometimes, customers may have to return new appliances for various reasons, like simply not fitting in their space. This can pay off for you in the form of an open-box discount. The deepest discounts will likely be on models that are scuffed up or dinged. If you're adding panels to the appliance or it will be nestled in a cabinetry nook, no one is going to see its sides or edges anyway. Opting for one of these "damaged" models, as long as all the electrical components are still fully functional, may prove to be a wise financial decision. 

Because the cabinets are one of the most expensive components of a kitchen remodeling project, reducing the number that is needed can significantly reduce your costs. During an exclusive interview with House Digest, Josh Qian, the COO and co-founder of Best Online Cabinets, suggests choosing open shelving over traditional wall cabinets for those who want to maximize their savings. "This choice can reduce material costs by approximately 20% to 40% while also creating a modern, spacious feel in your kitchen. Open shelves allow easy access to frequently used items and showcase your kitchen decor, enhancing the visual appeal without compromising functionality," he says.

Before deciding to go this route, however, you'll need to consider if open shelving is the right choice for your kitchen. Upper cabinets offer concealed storage space to hold cups, plates, bowls, plastic storage containers, and so many other items. If your current cabinets are currently overflowing, you will want to think about whether there will be enough storage space for everything without making your kitchen look cluttered. So, hopping on the open shelving trend may be more realistic for those who live a minimalist lifestyle and don't have a lot of small appliances, gadgets, or other items that are often best stored behind closed doors.

Before having your old cabinets torn down and thrown away, consider whether they are still usable. Many people want to get new cabinets because their existing ones are old and have seen better days. Others may find the finish or color to be outdated or not in line with their vision for their new kitchen. However, that doesn't mean that you can't breathe new life into your old cabinets so that they will work with your newly remodeled kitchen.

"I always recommend refinishing or repainting cabinets when possible, rather than replacing them. By sanding, priming, and repainting, you can save up to 70% of the cost of new cabinets, which often runs between $5,000 to $15,000," Managing Director of Paramount Stone Specialists, Andy Taylor, shares with House Digest during an exclusive interview. Painting or staining your existing kitchen cabinets also allows you to create a custom look in the exact shade you'd like. After refinishing or repainting them, replace the old hinges with some soft-close ones, like the Konigeehre Soft Close Cabinet Door Hinges, add new handles or knobs, and it'll feel like you have brand-new cabinets.

A kitchen backsplash is an important part of the design. It can add some color and aesthetic appeal to the overall look of the room and often serves as a focal point. And it's understandable if you have a specific vision for your backsplash and want to select an on-trend material. For example, marble kitchen backsplashes are very popular. They give a sophisticated look to a kitchen and serve as a key design element. However, if you're looking to keep your remodeling costs down, you might want to rethink that marble backsplash because it will likely be a costly option.

Luckily, Taylor proposes an alternative. He says, "Using porcelain or ceramic tile instead of premium options like marble can reduce material costs by up to 50% while achieving a similar aesthetic. These tiles come in various styles and are budget-friendly, durable, and visually appealing, which adds value without reducing quality." Even if you want the look of a full marble slab backsplash, you can find porcelain slabs that will mimic the look and keep your costs down. If you can't find it in a big box store, head to a marble or stone fabricator, as they will also sell the porcelain counterparts.

If you're thinking about altering the layout of your kitchen, you might want to rethink that idea. During an exclusive interview with House Digest, Martin Boonzaayer, CEO of The Trusted Homebuyer, shares, "Altering your kitchen layout can lead to a significant rise in costs, mainly due to plumbing and electrical adjustments." For example, if you want to move your kitchen sink to a new location, it will require a new water hookup and drainage pipes, which can be labor-intensive (and thus, expensive). Similarly, an electric stove requires a dedicated circuit, which may cost $900 or more.

Unless it is absolutely necessary, you're probably better off sticking with the same overall kitchen layout, particularly when it comes to the placement of the sink and the appliances. "By sticking with your existing layout, you could save thousands — potentially anywhere from $5,000 to $15,000. A well-thought-out kitchen can be functional and inviting without needing a complete overhaul," says Boonzaayer. If you want to tailor the configuration, look for simpler ways to do so, like swapping out or removing the island or increasing or reducing the cabinetry's footprint.

While the appliances, cabinets, countertops, and other finishes can account for a large portion of the total renovation cost, you're also paying the contractor(s) you hire to install all of these elements. According to Boonzaayer, "Labor can make up 20-35% of your total renovation budget." He recommends choosing a few tasks that you could complete yourself to avoid paying contractors when possible. Depending on how much you're able to do on your own, Boonzaayer explains that you may save up to $5,000 on the total renovation costs.

"Just make sure you pick tasks that match your skill level to keep everything looking top-notch," he warns. Some tasks he highlights that may match your comfort and skill level include painting or tackling the backsplash. Look for online tutorials to learn new skills like installing tile and refinishing cabinets. Not only will you save some cash on your current kitchen project, but you'll gain the experience needed for future overhauls in other rooms.

According to Boonzaayer, shopping sales can save you money on more than just the kitchen appliances for your kitchen remodel. He says, "Keep an eye out for seasonal sales or clearance items at your local home improvement store. You can find high-quality materials for a fraction of the price — sometimes up to 50% off."

Don't forget to also compare prices between the various home improvement stores in your area, along with online retailers, to make sure you're getting the best deal on everything you need. If you find a tile or laminate floor you love on clearance, but there's not enough for your project in stock, you may need to go to various locations of the retailer to source enough. However, the time spent can pay off. "This little tip could save you between $500 and $2,000 on things like tiles and fixtures, all while keeping your kitchen stylish," explains Boonzaayer. 

Shed some light on your renovation costs by being purposeful with the light fixtures you choose. Fortunately, you don't have to sacrifice aesthetics to keep costs down. As Boonzaayer explains, "Good lighting can completely change the atmosphere of your kitchen without breaking the bank. Swapping out old fixtures or adding under-cabinet lighting can usually be done for under $500."

Opt for recessed and under-cabinet lighting instead of more expensive chandeliers or pendant lights. Boonzaayer notes, "This simple change could save you around $1,000 compared to more elaborate lighting set-ups, while also highlighting the beauty of your new space." Recessed fixtures like the Ensenior Pack of LED Ceiling Lights run around $100 for 12 and can be strategically placed to illuminate the entire space. And under cabinet options like Black and Decker's LED Kit with 5 Light Bars can provide task lighting for about $80.

Don't overlook the potential to save money by choosing a more budget-friendly countertop material. "While granite and quartz are popular for their beauty, they can be pretty pricey. Instead, think about options like laminate, butcher block, or recycled materials that mimic those high-end looks without the high-end price tag," says Boonzaayer. He notes that you could save up to $3,000 with this switch without having to sacrifice the look you desire thanks to the various patterns and designs that are available.

Home stager at ZFC Real Estate, Chenise Freidus, agrees that the countertop material you choose can help keep costs down. She highlights laminate as a top choice. "Laminate has come a long way in terms of durability and design, with options that mimic the look of marble or granite for a fraction of the cost. While granite or quartz can cost upwards of $75 to $100 per square foot, laminate averages around $20–$40 per square foot." Freidus also notes that your return on investment shouldn't suffer if you're pairing the laminate countertops with other, more quality materials.

Another important part of any kitchen renovation is the flooring. Many homeowners have their sights set on tile or hardwood. However, these are pricey options, which, according to Fitzgerald, may cost between $5 and $15 per square foot. He says, "Laminate flooring is an option a lot of people overlook, but it's a solid way to cut costs." Compared to the high cost of hardwood or tile, laminate is much more affordable, generally costing between $1 and $5 per square foot.

And, while there are some pros and cons of installing laminate floors in the kitchen, Fitzgerald says it can be a great choice. "Today's laminate flooring can look just like wood or stone, and it's easier to install and maintain. Going with laminate doesn't sacrifice quality, and buyers appreciate both the style and practicality." You can find laminate flooring that mimics the look of various types of wood and porcelain tile, so you can stick with your overall design vision while saving some money.