November 21, 2025

It’s no secret that kitchen remodels are an investment. Planning your remodel is a balancing act of getting the work that you want within a budget you can afford. Many homeowners find that as the process begins, the decisions they need to make keep rolling in, and it feels like those decisions need to happen quickly. Every homeowner is different, and you want to make choices that are right for you. Before your remodel begins, think about all the components and decide where you want to splurge and where you want to pull back.Recently renovated luxury kitchen with large grante island and white cabinetry.

Start with a Realistic Budget You Can Stick To

Starting a kitchen remodel without a budget, no matter what your financial situation, is a recipe for disaster. Never begin your kitchen remodel without a budget, and make sure your contractor knows that number. No matter what the number is, you want to have it clearly defined, and then you can make decisions within that number. When you are setting your budget, consider the size of your kitchen, the scope of what you are planning to do, and what your priorities are. It’s also a good idea to make sure that a percentage of that budget is a “contingency budget” to cover anything unexpected. Usually, that number should be about 10-20% of your total budget. The contingency budget shouldn’t be looked at as a bonus splurge, but as a way to cover things like damage or structural issues that are uncovered during the process. Before you make any decisions during your remodel, pull out the budget sheet and make sure you are staying within your number.

How to Pick Materials That Last Without Blowing Your Budget

When you are choosing your materials, your contractor will typically present you with a few choices: good, better, and best. When comparing, think about choosing materials that are made to last. Cheap materials may look good when you first finish, but they aren’t always the best choice for a long-term investment. There are a few tips that can help guide you in choosing the best materials that won’t blow your full budget.

  • Focus on durability and materials that are made to stand up to heavy use. For most homeowners, this means splurging on good-quality countertops. Low-quality materials will chip, stain, and warp quickly, but good materials like quartz or granite will last.
  • Think about materials that work well in your home. You may love the look of genuine hardwood floors, but they can be tough to maintain in a kitchen environment, and there are still high-quality options that can give you the look of hardwood that will stand up to heavy use.
  • Be realistic about your maintenance capabilities. Different materials will have different requirements. If you know you can’t keep up with the maintenance, it’s not the right choice.

Smart Ways to Save Big on Your Remodel

There are some amazing options out there. However, not every option has the same impact. Even when you’re committed to a high-end remodel, there are still places where you can save, which allows you to allocate those resources to other places.

One of the biggest savings is refacing your existing cabinets rather than investing in new cabinets. If you’ve been dealing with a builder-grade or outdated kitchen, you know that cabinets make a big impact. However, your contractor may be able to take those old and worn-out cabinets and give them the facelift that makes them feel brand new while saving you thousands. New doors and hardware will make a huge difference, but by keeping the boxes and current layout, you’ll have room in the budget for splurges elsewhere.

Another place to save is opting for standard features instead of custom. Custom finishes or designs can add a significant amount to your budget, and often, they don’t make the impact you hope for. “Standard” doesn’t need to mean “boring” or “cheap”. There are many options that are considered standard that will be significant upgrades to your current setup.

Where Appliances Fit Into Your Remodeling Budget

If your kitchen remodel involves replacing the appliances – and many remodels do – you will find that you can quickly blow your budget when comparing options. If you consider yourself a gourmet cook, you may want to invest in the best stove available, but if you aren’t, there are many options that can work just as well for how you’ll use them. High-end features come with technology that can make cooking and cleaning easier and more enjoyable, but it’s also important to remember that the more bells and whistles you add, the more options there may be for something to break. Stylish and high-quality appliances don’t need to break the budget. Look for appliances with good ratings that are built to last.

Finishing Touches That Add Style Without Extra Cost

Little things add up. Cabinet and drawer handles, faucets and fixtures, and backsplashes and accent walls can break your budget right at the end of the project if you let them. In most cases, this is not a place you need to splurge. If you’ve invested in a high-quality countertop, let that be the focus instead of an expensive custom backsplash. Choose finishes that enhance the work you’ve done, but this can be a great place to save.

It’s hard to say no during a remodel. You want the finished product to feel like a major upgrade, but if you want to stay within your budget, you need to find places to compromise. However, you can get a stylish and functional kitchen without overspending. Creating a priority list early, knowing which materials you can compromise on, and finding smart places to save will help you navigate the project with less stress and better results.

Want a kitchen that looks brand new without overspending? Doors & Drawers of NW Ohio specializes in cabinet refacing and smart design upgrades that let you splurge where it counts and save where it doesn’t. Contact us today to start planning your budget-friendly remodel.