My Kitchen Remodel Came in Under Budget!

<img src="https://dcr-apis.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/wp_contents/uploads/DCR-ADMIN/Article_Webp/Goccia-26-Furniture-Guild.webp" alt="undefined" style="height: ;width: "/> How often do you hear about kitchen remodels costing less than someone expected? Maybe never? I can proudly say that I came in $15,000 under budget. For one thing, my starting budget was realistic. For another, I hired a contractor who understood my goals and objectives, and we had excellent communication. Here are some other key things that helped me manage costs: 1) I set up a separate checking account for the kitchen project so I could keep track of the money I was spending every step of the way. 2) Whenever possible, I reused existing materials. For example, the contractor re-installed my old disposer and molding. That helped save money for other items I wanted to splurge on. 3) While I looked for inspiration in magazines and catalogues, I didn’t get caught up in the idea of designing a “dream” kitchen. With a friend’s help, I designed an attractive and functional kitchen. 4) When buying appliances, I relied on reviews from Consumer Reports magazine, and then looked for rebates and sales. 5) My advance planning helped the construction itself go smoothly. Also, once the once the project began, I was involved on a daily basis. 6) For some items, I shopped on-line. My knobs, for example, were $1.99 each, while similar ones were $8 each in a retail outlet. 7) This is a big one. I didn’t change my mind, forcing the contractor to undo and re-do work. Once you have a lot of change-orders, you add to your labor costs. I feel lucky to have spent my kitchen budget wisely, and now, with the leftover cash, I’m thinking about the landscaping project I’ve been putting off! I miss the daily chaos, problem-solving, decision-making and all the action! <a href="https://www.diamondcertified.org/" target="_self">Use Diamond Certified Resource to find top rated companies.</a> Local, Top Rated Diamond Certified Companies Related to Your Topic <a href="https://www.diamondcertified.org/alameda-kitchen-bath-contractors/" target="_self">Alameda County Kitchen Remodeling Contractors</a> <a href="https://www.diamondcertified.org/solano-kitchen-bath-contractors/" target="_self">Solano County Kitchen Remodeling Contractors</a> <a href="https://www.diamondcertified.org/san-francisco-kitchen-bath-contractors/" target="_self">San Francisco Kitchen Remodeling Contractors</a> <a href="https://www.diamondcertified.org/santa-clara-kitchen-bath-contractors/" target="_self">Santa Clara County Kitchen Remodeling Contractors</a> <a href="https://www.diamondcertified.org/san-mateo-kitchen-bath-contractors/" target="_self">San Mateo County Kitchen Remodeling Contractors </a>  Related Articles <a href="https://www.diamondcertified.org/Guide/Kitchen-Bath-Remodeling/" target="_self">The Homeowner's Guide to Kitchen & Bathroom Remodeling</a> <a href="https://www.diamondcertified.org/find-expert-advice/" target="_self">Get Expert Advice From Owners of Top Rated Local Companies</a> <a href="https://www.diamondcertified.org/membership/" target="_self">Become a Diamond Certified Preferred Member (Always Free)</a>

My Kitchen Remodel Came in Under Budget!

by Chris Bjorklund

October 5, 2010

How often do you hear about kitchen remodels costing less than someone expected? Maybe never?

I can proudly say that I came in $15,000 under budget. For one thing, my starting budget was realistic. For another, I hired a contractor who understood my goals and objectives, and we had excellent communication.

Here are some other key things that helped me manage costs:

1) I set up a separate checking account for the kitchen project so I could keep track of the money I was spending every step of the way.

2) Whenever possible, I reused existing materials. For example, the contractor re-installed my old disposer and molding. That helped save money for other items I wanted to splurge on.

3) While I looked for inspiration in magazines and catalogues, I didn’t get caught up in the idea of designing a “dream” kitchen. With a friend’s help, I designed an attractive and functional kitchen.

4) When buying appliances, I relied on reviews from Consumer Reports magazine, and then looked for rebates and sales.

5) My advance planning helped the construction itself go smoothly. Also, once the once the project began, I was involved on a daily basis.

6) For some items, I shopped on-line. My knobs, for example, were $1.99 each, while similar ones were $8 each in a retail outlet.

7) This is a big one. I didn’t change my mind, forcing the contractor to undo and re-do work. Once you have a lot of change-orders, you add to your labor costs.

I feel lucky to have spent my kitchen budget wisely, and now, with the leftover cash, I’m thinking about the landscaping project I’ve been putting off! I miss the daily chaos, problem-solving, decision-making and all the action!

Use Diamond Certified Resource to find top rated companies.

Local, Top Rated Diamond Certified Companies Related to Your Topic
Alameda County Kitchen Remodeling Contractors
Solano County Kitchen Remodeling Contractors
San Francisco Kitchen Remodeling Contractors
Santa Clara County Kitchen Remodeling Contractors
San Mateo County Kitchen Remodeling Contractors