TigerChef

Almost every woman dreams of her ideal kitchen. Then again, the recession has forced many a woman to rethink her dreams. Good news! Your dream can now become a reality. Here’s a plan that will transform any kitchen from depressing to dazzling in ten days or less- without breaking the bank.

• For the cabinets, you can’t be any more economical than by painting or staining them. If your cabinets are gone, head to the lumberyard for replacement doors. Custom cabinets are totally unnecessary.
• If you thought granite was way out of your league, think granite tiles since they cost half the amount of the solid slabs. You don’t even have to get rid of the existing countertop since any professional tiler can apply the tiles right over it. If the granite tiles are still out of budget, opt for ceramic tiles that resemble stone. Use the same tiles for the backsplash and counter to create a neat look.
• As for appliances, you don’t have to buy new ones. Refrigerators can be sprayed and you can buy a new panel for the dishwasher. All appliances should have the same finish or color- either white, stainless steel or black. In the event that you have no choice but to buy new appliances, purchase them all from the same place and have them installed on the same day.
• The key to flooring is to find something that can be placed over your existing floor. It will save lots of time and money. Cheap flooring can last just as long as the expensive flooring.
• The sinks and faucets do not have to be replaced if they’re working just fine. However, if they are not, buy them off-the-rack in a discount lumber store.
• The same painter who paints the cabinets can paint the walls. The framing around the windows and door should be the same color as the cabinets while the rest of the walls should be slightly darker.
• If you want to replace your fixtures, do not spend too much money on it since the $200 fixture and the $50 fixture serve the same purpose and work the same way.

Once you have all your plans down pat, schedule all workers for ten consecutive days. It is awfully important to get written contracts delineating the cost, labor and time frame for the completion of the job. Make it nice and clear to them that you are tight on time and budget.

Start with the painting, continue with the tiling, then the flooring, the appliances and lastly the finishing touches.

Enjoy your ‘new’ kitchen and the satisfaction that comes from knowing you have spent wisely.

Filed under: How-To • General • Resource Central • Cost Savings

Tags: remodeling