
5 Tips for Budgeting Your Kitchen Renovation
Whether you’re finally updating your kitchen to meet your needs, or whether you’re renovating to sell; a kitchen renovation is an investment. As such, careful planning and budgeting is required to ensure you end up with a high-quality result that doesn’t break the bank.
With international supply delays and events like the bushfires and the pandemic impacting onshore delivery, these factors have led to the cost of materials and kitchen installation in Sydney increasing over the last two years.
So now more than ever, it’s important to do your research and land on a budget for your project that’s both realistic and comfortable for you.
Here are our tips to come out on top of your finances after your kitchen renovation.
1. Set a budget – and stick to it
At the outset of your renovation, it’s time to crunch the numbers and work out what you can allocate for your project.
Factoring in the cost of the elements along with labour, come up with a number that will allow you to achieve your dream kitchen, while also fitting in with your home budget. This is a great time to approach a kitchen designer, as their experience with kitchen installation in Sydney will help you get a better idea of what’s possible within your price range.
This will help guide you through the rest of the process and make choices that will be best for you on all fronts.
2. Prioritise your wishlist
Chances are, you’ve been planning out your ideal kitchen for a while now, and have shortlisted your dream upgrades for every element in the space.
The key to budgeting for a renovation is working out which of these elements to you are must-dos, and which can maybe wait until later down the track.
Big-ticket items or changing your layout are generally best to include as part of major renovation works, while you may leave an appliance upgrade to a later date.
3. Spend now to save later
Quality workmanship and expert advice on your project may seem like an extra cost on top of the materials, but involving a professional for your kitchen installation in Sydney will save you headaches – and money – down the track.
Your chosen kitchen company will have the experience to deliver what you’re after within your budget constraints while ensuring that you’re not cutting corners on your installation and quality.
The result? A kitchen you’ll love that will stand the test of time.
4. Factor in a contingency fund
If you’ve ever watched a renovation reality show, you’ll know that unforeseen issues can have the potential to derail a kitchen project quite quickly.
If you don’t have a TV studio funding your renovation, allow for a buffer on top of quoted costs as part of your budget to ensure any unplanned expenses can be covered.
A good example of this is the recent pandemic, where interruptions to installation and delays in receiving materials impacted the timeline for many renovations and construction projects across the country.
5. Know where you can save
Data from Houzz shows that the number one reason for homeowners blowing their renovation budget is buying more expensive materials and products.
Talk to your kitchen designer about the aesthetic you’re after in your kitchen (bring inspiration photos as a visual cue) and work out how you can get the same look, at a lower price point.
Finding a similar-looking, less-expensive item will help you stick to your budget without compromising on your dream aesthetic.