Author: Creative Programs and Systems - page 313

Whenever you are going to do a Kitchen Remodel or Bathroom Remodel, there are some things that you need to do to save money. Below, you will find a comprehensive list of my favorite DIY suggestions that can save you a great deal of money during a renovation. These are suggestions that revolve around countertops, flooring, cupboards, sinks, faucets and all sorts of other components to a kitchen or bathroom.

Instead of replacing, sand and stain the kitchen or bathroom cupboards
When you are doing a kitchen remodel or a bathroom remodel, you should always consider sanding and staining your old cupboards instead of just replacing them. Replacing cupboards can be one of the most expensive things to do. It often takes a ton of money, sometimes even tens of thousands of dollars. This is not money that you want to spend during a kitchen remodel a bathroom remodel. It’s unnecessary when you could just remodel your old cupboards to make them look like they were brand-new once again. Fortunately, sanding cupboards is fairly easy to accomplish and once you have done it, you can easily apply a coat of paint or stain to make them look fresh and exciting.

Consider laminate rather than hardwood
A lot of homeowners today are looking to install hardwood in their homes. The problem with hardwood is not that it is a bad product, it’s that it is very expensive. Instead of putting hardwood in your home, why not use a high-quality laminate? You can purchase laminate at very affordable prices online, there are many online sites that can offer you great discounts and savings. The benefit to laminate over hardwood is that it is very inexpensive and it can sometimes be just as durable. Laminate can hold up very well, provided that you take care of it. It’s a perfect flooring option for a kitchen or bathroom, especially if you purchase a high quality laminate instead of going with the cheap stuff.

Find a nice backsplash for the kitchen and bathroom
A backsplash can make the kitchen and bathroom look drastically different. It will make your kitchen and bathroom look like a completely new environment. Pick out a good quality backsplash to use while you are renovating. This will help you substantially and it will make you feel great about what you have accomplished. Try to find colors for the backsplash that are going to match the room and the decor. Make sure that it matches your cupboards, countertop and other features of the room.

Granite is not always necessary when you can go for an alternative
Granite is a very expensive product to put in your home. When you’re using granite as a countertop, you can expect to pay thousands of dollars. Fortunately, there are actually alternatives to granite that can still look great. Some alternatives include sprays that you can get at your local hardware store that you can spray onto your old countertop that it is designed to replicate granite. It will add a nice texture to the countertop and it will make you look brand-new.

The first steps in any home remodel begin at the heart of the home, the family living in it.  With this said there are a few steps to take before you call in the pros that begin with your family.  With any kitchen remodel or bathroom remodel start with looking at exactly what you are looking to achieve out of the project.

Look at putting together a stylebook that combines pieces that each member in the family has input on.  This gives the designers a good starting point at creating the ultimate design to work for your family.  A style book works for any room in your home be it a kitchen remodel or bathroom renovation.  Gain inspiration through magazines, the internet and television.

The next thing to come up with as a family is the goal of the remodel and what the function of the room is intended to be.  For instance, if you are completing a kitchen remodel you need to think about if the space and consider if it will be used for formal eating or casual eating.  Do you want a cozy warm space or a space that is open and inviting?  All of these details are used by the contractor to design a room that is desired by your family.

It is wise to come up with a budget right from the start of any home renovation.  In setting a budget make sure your expectations are in line with it.  You can’t expect brass fixtures on a stainless steel budget.  The same is true with flooring options and counter tops. Corian counter tops are not happening on a linoleum budget.

The same is true when creating a realistic time budget for your project.  Remember that if you change your mind a hundred times throughout the project your contractor will never accomplish a remodel in the initial projected time.  As with any project it is best to approach with realistic goals including the space in question, the time and the budget.  It is a time that can be quite stressful, it will be messy and cluttered the important thing to remember is the end goal, a beautifully remodeled room.