Saving Money With Cheap Kitchens

By Milrika Ekilski

Everyone loves beautiful new kitchens. Most of us really love beautiful new cheap kitchens! When an average kitchen demolition can easily run over $50,000 ' including flooring, cabinets, counters and appliances ' you might want to explore some options before deciding on a budget.

One of the most expensive portions of any kitchen remodeling project is the cabinetry. Even cheap cabinets can use the bulk of any remodeling budget. However, there are a few choices to consider.

First, you don't need to buy cabinets from a high end kitchen and bath remodeling showroom or designer's office. Even the usual home improvement stores still can charge tens of thousands of dollars just for an average size kitchen needing new top and bottom cabinets.

Find some discount showrooms. They are typically found in industrial parks and aren't terribly attractive, but their prices certainly are! These cabinets usually must be purchased off the floor instead of custom ordered, but there's a good chance you can find exactly what you want for a fraction of what you thought you'd be spending.

Also check out places that specialize in replacing only the doors and hardware. This option can save you hundreds of dollars in labor alone since hanging cabinets can be difficult even in the best of circumstances.

If you are going to be replacing appliances but are afraid of what the newer models will cost, don't worry. There are some great outlet stores where you can find outstanding high end appliances for about half of what you'd pay full retail. They might have a few little dings, but if you can actually buy that steam washer and dryer you saw for $1200 instead of $2800, who cares if they have a small scratch no one can see?

Also think about counter tops. Even though granite is in demand, it's expensive and high maintenance. It does scratch and the gloss fades if you don't treat it and buff it on a regular basis. Kitchens that actually get used on a regular basis should have something more durable, and more affordable. Check out the new laminates that look like granite but act like the old fashioned Formica.

With a complete rehab you'll need to think about a new floor as well. Again, everyone seems to be ordering hardwood, but hardwood isn't what it's cracked up to be. It, too, is high maintenance and almost impossible to take care of if you have kids, pets, or anyone who walks around in high heels. Choose a tile or even a laminate imposter. These not only are much cheaper, but they last longer, too.

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