Cabinets

Kitchen cabinets are one of the most expensive features of a fully functional kitchen.  Professionals agree that at least one third to one half of the remodeling project's total budget is used for cabinetry alone.  

Knowing this little tidbit of information, careful planning along these lines might be able to save you a significant amount, which can be used for other purposes.  Consider these tips for your own personal kitchen-remodeling project. 

.  Try replacing or refacing cabinet doors and drawer fronts.  If your kitchen cabinets are still structurally sound and can still withstand several years of use and abuse, you might want to try this idea.  It will give an instant facelift to any existing kitchen.  Plus, it definitely costs significantly less than installing new ones! 

.  Be on the lookout for salvaged cabinets.  Be resourceful enough.  Contact local showrooms, cabinet shops and contractors and ask neighbors, friends and relatives to help you look for salvaged cabinets that you can use for your project.  You will be surprised at the savings you can get from it!  However, consider the costs well since repairing, stripping and refinishing old cabinets can cost a considerable amount.  If you are not careful enough, these might cost more than buying new ones! 

.  Consider adding visual interest by installing new countertops and backsplashes.  Replacing new countertops and backsplashes costs considerably less than installing new cabinets.  It can also lend a more modern look to your kitchen. 

.  New cabinets can be a wise investment.  When you really need new cabinets, investing on good quality ones can be a very wise decision even if it costs considerably higher.  Just be sure that you maintain quality construction and well-engineered features as your main criteria for choosing and buying them. 

.  Consider buying cabinets from local manufacturers.  Imported cabinets costs higher than locally manufactured ones but really, you can't tell the two apart.   

.  Choose simple cabinets to pocket in great savings.  Oftentimes, within the manufacturer's product line, the simpler the design, the lower the cost of a kitchen cabinet.  So, instead of choosing an elaborately designed kitchen cabinet, it may be wiser to go for a simpler cabinet of the same quality.  The savings can be used to purchase other items that can increase the kitchen's overall allure. 

.  Go for custom cabinets.  Contrary to popular belief, having custom made cabinets does not necessarily mean incurring skyrocketing costs.  The trick here is to order the units well in advance so that it coincides with the off-season.  That way, you can get a better price for the project! 

.  Cabinet dealers can be a source of quality cabinets for almost half the price!  Remember I told you to be resourceful enough?  Cabinet dealers who are updating their showrooms generally offer their old displays for sale at a whopping 30 to 40% discount!  Just make sure that you steer clear from dated-looking cabinets! 

.  Mix and match it!  Who ever told you that kitchens need to have perfectly matching cabinets?  Go around on a treasure hunt and visit flea markets, salvage yards and antiques store.  You might find architecturally appealing and superbly functional china cabinets, hutches and buffets you can use in creating a visually interesting kitchen!