Remodeling Your Kitchen on a Budget

Remodeling your kitchen is often a massive undertaking that's expensive, extensive and exhausting. Having the materials you need on-site at the start of a project is going to save you both time and money, while buying the right products will save you money in the future.

With proper planning and purchasing, you can do it. You simply need the right knowledge to tackle the job with confidence.

To learn how to buy what you need for your kitchen remodeling, keep reading for 7 tips on the right materials to order and how to get them quickly and cheaply.

1. Always ask for the builder's discount.

Don't be afraid to ask a supplier for a builder's discount. If he can't give it to you, look elsewhere or ask your contractor to do the purchasing for you. Builders and contractors can save anywhere from 20-60% on the cost of their materials.

2. Go right to the supplier.

This mantra holds especially true for tiling. Remember, an inexpensive tile will cost you about $2 per square foot, $8-$20 for more upscale materials like ceramic and granite and up to $50 or more for hand-painted or high-end tiling.

Going directly to the supplier or a tile warehouse means you can save big money on overstocks and returned or canceled orders, saving yourself anywhere from $5-$30 per square foot.

Buying direct from the supplier or an outlet retailer also means you can usually take the product home right then and there. No long waits for back-orders to finally come in.

3. Go custom-made.

It's surprising, but you can actually save a lot of money by having your cabinets custom-made by a local carpenter. Have a look through commercial catalogs to get an idea of cabinet designs and layouts that you like.

Then get quotes from at least three carpenters and have the cabinets of your dreams custom-made. You can order them unfinished and then paint and lacquer them yourself.

4. Look for a multi-flow tap.

Many taps and faucets on the market today are available in dual-flow or tri-flow format, meaning they come equipped with changeable water filters. Using one of these, you can eliminate the need for bottled water or cumbersome purification systems.

5. Know your counter tops.

If marble or granite counter tops are out of your financial reach, try products like Corian or Formica, which are both known for being hardy and scratch-resistant. Luxore is a new product that's non-porous and heat resistant, meaning you can put your hot pots right on the counter.

Finally, Swanstone is another new alternate stone product which provides a seamless and moisture-resistant surface that's easy to install.

6. Save in the right places.

You can usually save money on items like sink basins, cabinetry hardware, faucets, lighting and discounted appliances. By looking for areas where you can safely save money, you'll free up more money for your splurge fund.

7. Buy energy-efficient appliances.

Just as it's important to splurge in the right places, energy-efficient appliances are another great investment. You'll not only be living a greener lifestyle, but you'll be saving money on future water, gas and electricity bills. In expensive times, these appliances pay for themselves very quickly. Remember to go for the stainless steel.

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