Your kitchen is one of the most lived-in rooms of your home, so it’s important to keep it up-to-date — not only for your enjoyment, but to maintain the overall value of your home.

Some homeowners want to make the investment in a kitchen remodel but are worried about the cost. After all, if you’re not diligent, costs can snowball past your initial budget.

So how can you maximize the value of your home and create the kitchen of your dreams all while staying on budget? Our expert design-build team has some tips. Keep reading to learn the do’s and don’ts for controlling costs during a kitchen remodel.

Don’t immediately hire the cheapest design-build firm

You have a lot of decisions to make during your kitchen remodeling project, but the very first one — deciding which design-build firm to hire — is undoubtedly the most important.

The firm you work with will set the tone for the entire project and ultimately dictate success; a professional and trusted design-build firm will carefully manage your budget and keep you within it! They’ll also work efficiently, keeping the project on time and limiting the number of unexpected, costly delays.

More than the quoted price, the most important factor to consider when deciding on a design-build company is the value they provide. You want to choose a contractor who fits your design aesthetic, is trustworthy, and can deliver the best result.

To make the right choice for you and your family, start by evaluating the company through the lense of these factors:

• Number of years of experience in kitchen remodeling (look for 20+ years)

• Client reviews (you can also ask the company for referrals from past clients)

• What industry leaders say about the firm

• The firm’s kitchen remodeling portfolio

Once you’ve identified a potential contender, it’s time to schedule a consultation and get some personalized feedback and a price quote. Which leads us to the next tip for saving money on your kitchen remodel...

Do choose a contractor who offers a fixed-price proposal

The issue many homeowners encounter during a kitchen remodel is being quoted a cost at the beginning of the project only to have unexpected and additional costs pop up along the way. The end result is a project way over budget, and a lot of frustration.

You can alleviate any chance of veering outside of your budget by working with a design build contractor who, once your kitchen design is outlined and finalized, offers a fixed-contract approach.

Here at Forward Design Build Remodel, we take the time during the interview phase of your kitchen remodel to learn about your budget and the scope of your project. All the project costs, such as plans, labor, and materials are set in your proposal. This allows to provide you with a firm quote that we can stand behind.

Don't settle for poor communication or anything less than full-service design-build

It’s not a given that every design-build firm will come together to work as a team. However, at Forward Design Build Remodel, design-build isn't just a buzzword. Our designers and builders work under one roof to collaborate and problem-solve. The result? A holistic approach to remodeling leading to improved communication, better planning, and more efficient construction. It all adds up to cost-savings and results other builders just can't match.

And compared to hiring separate architects and contractors, a smoothly functioning design-build team is a great investment. If you put value your time, energy, and serenity more than saving a few dollars, you'll be glad you hired a full-service design-build firm.

Don’t assume high-end materials and luxury brands are always the best option

A big part of reducing costs during a kitchen remodel is knowing what materials and appliances to invest in, and which ones aren’t necessarily worth the added cost.

One common myth is that luxury brand materials greatly boost the resale value of your home. In reality, high-end materials won’t see any bigger return beyond the increase you’d get from having any new appliance or material installed.

In these cases, it comes down to your personal style. For example, unless you love the specific look of high-end marble or soapstone countertops, options like granite or quartz can be just as beautiful. Plus, these less expensive materials are more effective at resisting staining and standing up to abrasion and heat.

Again, a trusted design-build contractor will be paramount in helping you understand where to spend and where to save on materials and appliances. Your designer can provide comparable items that will look great, function well, and keep you within your budget.

Do keep major kitchen appliances in the same spot

One great strategy for saving on your kitchen remodel is avoid major layout changes — particularly those involving rearranging kitchen appliances. Doing so will almost always add a little extra time and expense to your project.

For example, moving a stove range or sink requires altering gas and/or electric lines, which equals electrical and plumbing labor and costs.

Of course, sometimes changing the layout of your kitchen is an important part of improving the design, look, and feel. In these cases, a trusted design-build firm will help you understand the most efficient and cost effective way to do so.

Don’t skimp on cabinetry

Sometimes you have to spend to save. This is typically the case with cabinetry. Though they account for roughly 40% of your kitchen remodeling budget, new or resurfaced cabinets provide a great return on investment.

Consider that cabinets are one of the first things you see when you walk into a kitchen. They set the tone for the style of your kitchen and can completely change the look and feel of your remodel. Then there’s the fact that they need to hold up to the wear and tear of constant opening, shutting, and hands-on use.

All said, there are some ways you can keep this part of your remodel cost-conscious. Your contracting team can suggest mid-level and premium cabinet options, providing first-hand details of how well a certain model will stand the test of time and give you the best ROI.

Your design-build team can also help you choose more affordable (but still attractive) cabinet hardware.

Get better cost control on your kitchen remodel!

At Forward Design Build Remodel, we take the hassle out of remodeling your kitchen by providing start-to-finish support for the entire process. The result is lower overall costs and a new kitchen you’ve always dreamed. Not to mention, you’ll avoid the stress that a typical kitchen remodel often brings.

Our team is proud to offer free initial consultations in your home. Our goal is to understand your budget and the scope of your kitchen remodel. After evaluating your needs, we’ll provide you with a fixed-quote, allowing you to feel confident about the final total cost of the remodel.

Have questions? We’d love to provide answers. Give us a call at (734) 761-8403 or contact us online.

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