While $5,000 may sound like a lot, it can quickly disappear when you’re redoing your kitchen. In fact, you could easily blow this budget on a single high-end appliance. But, if you’re like many homeowners, a few thousand dollars may be all you have for a much-needed kitchen overhaul.
The good news is, while you may not be able to afford a full reconfiguration and designer finishes, there is still plenty you can do for $5,000. However, exactly what you can achieve will depend on a few key factors.
It all comes down to location…
As with everything in real estate, location will determine how far your renovation budget stretches. More specifically:
- Where you live could affect the cost of materials – this is particularly true for those living in regional areas, where delivery fees are often higher.
- Where your property is located could affect the cost of trades – for example, if you live in a top floor walk-up apartment, your tradies will add the time it takes to get up and down the stairs to their bill.
- The location of your services could affect the total cost of your renovation – any changes to your water, electricity, and gas supply will need to be made by a qualified professional and are usually quite expensive.
… and the size of the space
While a massive gourmet kitchen may be the dream, the general rule is, the bigger the space, the bigger the renovation budget. This is because, at the most basic level, a larger floorplan requires more materials (cabinetry, benchtops, flooring, paint, etc.), and more work to fit it out.
That being said, even if you do have a larger kitchen space, a small budget can still go a long way.
By focusing on a few key changes (like replacing cabinetry), you can create a big impact while still keeping the cost down. Also, making minor adjustments to address your main pain points can make working in your kitchen a much more enjoyable experience – which, in many ways, is the real reason you renovate.
But good planning will always help stretch your dollar further
The real secret to renovating on a budget is being clear about what you want to achieve and making careful and considered choices. Keeping your desired end result in mind will help you choose what work you should prioritise and what you can compromise on.
Other ways to maximise the return on your renovation investment include:
- Doing some of the work, like kitchen removal, yourself – not only will this help you save on trades; you’ll get a greater sense of accomplishment knowing you helped build your new kitchen.
- Choosing more cost-effective versions of designer finishes – cost-effective alternatives (like laminates) have come a long way and are now almost indistinguishable from the real thing.
- Getting free design advice – taking advantage of the free consultations offered by most kitchen companies is a great way to get a designer finish for a fraction of the cost.
Need help planning your budget kitchen renovation?
If you’d love to update your kitchen but aren’t sure where to start, Smart Kitchen is here to help. We can supply fully assembled cabinetry starting from $4,000. We’re experts in getting the most out of a small budget, and our professional designers are always happy to offer advice on the best way to get the look you want for the price you need.
We have options for every budget, and all of our materials are manufactured locally. Our showrooms are located throughout Barbados, and we offer free design consultations, which can be booked and completed online.