5 WAYS TO RENOVATE YOUR KITCHEN ON A BUDGET
By James Loney
James Loney
Successful renovators understand how to get maximum impact for minimum spend. Renovating for profit guru Cherie Barber reveals five ways to keep costs down and get the look you want.
Years of experience has taught me it’s not money that’s the big ace in a renovator’s hand – it’s knowing how to stretch every dollar as far as possible. For those looking to give their kitchen an affordable makeover, there are five easy ways to get results fast – and the best part is, most of them can be tackled by a competent DIYer.
1. USE THE POWER OF PAINT
There’s no better way to get an instant transformation than with a perfectly applied coat of paint – and I’m not just talking about traditional paint on plaster walls and timber trims.
Paint can cover a whole raft of sins, from dowdy timber paneling, dated tiles or discolored baths and basins. You just need to make sure you get the specialist paint required for the task.
BEFORE & AFTER: The colour of the kitchen was outdated, but the structure and layout worked well and only needed minor changes. The kitchen renovation includes a selection of materials that are contemporary, durable and well-priced.
2. LAYING DOWN THE FLOOR
Today’s flooring designs are cool, durable and cheap. Gerflor stick-on vinyl flooring is a simple and versatile solution that you can run straight over solid existing floors. It can also be used in wet areas, making it suitable for bathrooms. Another cost-effective flooring option is laminate floorboards.
3. REMODEL
Kitchens can be terrifically expensive to renovate, or you can take some nifty shortcuts. If the cabinets are in good shape, just change the drawer and cupboard fronts for a fraction of the price of putting in a new kitchen.
And if the laminate bench-tops are looking a bit shabby, just resurface them with a clever product called Rust-Oleum Countertop Transformations. It gives a granite-like finish that looks quite authentic.
4. UPDATE THE LIGHTING
Places like Ikea offer loads of creative and affordable lighting solutions, so there’s no excuse to settle for out-dated lighting.
Pendant lights over your kitchen island bench can add a bit of drama to an otherwise bland space. Just make sure you get an electrician to change the lights for you as it’s illegal to DIY any electrical work.
5. ADDRESS THE DETAILS
You’ll be amazed how much of a difference it can make to change seemingly minor things like receptacle covers, light switches, handles and faucets.
None are expensive in themselves, but together they’ll really modernize a property and lift it to the next level. A single trip to the hardware store, a few hundred dollars and a few hours on the tools will have you reaching for the bubbly when you see the results.