Remodeling On A Budget---The Kitchen

by Michele Cheplic | More from this Blogger

17 Feb 2007 09:25 PM

I love strolling through home improvement stores and taking mental notes of all of the luxuries I hope to add to my own home... when I win the lottery. Kidding aside, I often bemoan the fact my house lacks the luxurious updates that my friend's enjoy. I figured it would take nothing short of a financial miracle for me to add the improvements I dreamed of. However, last month I learned how wrong I was. One of the dad's in my daughter's playgroup is an architect who happens to have the inside track on how to make remodeling more affordable.

Here are some tips on how to add "luxuries" to your home without breaking the bank:

Granite Countertops. Granite, marble and soapstone countertops are not only luxurious but they will last longer than most kitchens. However, their durability is reflected in the price. When installed in solid pieces granite is the most expensive countertop option. A less expensive option is to have the stone installed in pieces and apply it to your countertops like ceramic tiles with grout. An even cheaper option is getting a granite overlay on your existing countertops.

Custom Cabinets. Custom-built cabinets are a wonderful way to personalize your kitchen, but they can put a real dent in your wallet. If you want the look of custom-built cabinets at a lower cost consider ordering semi-custom cabinets. You can also try mixing cabinet heights throughout your kitchen to create a customized appearance.

Wood Flooring. Oh, how I would love to gut our home and add wood flooring throughout, but alas, it is not in our budget. However, if you have ever watched TV's "Trading Spaces" you know that laminate wood flooring, such as Pergo, is an affordable option and is available in a variety of wood grain patterns.

Crown Molding. Crown molding adds interest to a room, but it can do a number on your pocketbook. You can save money by substituting large, expensive moldings with smaller molding, which you can stack together to create the illusion of more ornate pieces.

Related Articles:

Tips for a Safe and Healthy Kitchen

Want To Lose Weight? Paint Your Kitchen Blue

Kitchen Guide-Food Storage Part 1

In Your Kitchen: Protecting Your Family From Dirty Produce

Purging Your Kitchen Cupboards

Learn more about Michele Cheplic

Michele Cheplic was born and raised in Hilo, Hawaii, but now lives in Wisconsin. Michele graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a degree in Journalism.

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