Ways to Save Money on Kitchen Remodeling

Fri Oct 03 2025

Home Improvement

A kitchen remodel is one of the most transformative home projects you can undertake, but it can also be one of the most expensive. For many homeowners, balancing dreams with budget is the key challenge. The good news is that with thoughtful planning and strategic choices, you can save money on your kitchen remodel without compromising on style or functionality.

In this guide, we’ll lay out practical ways to reduce costs on your kitchen remodel, share trade-offs worth considering, and help you get the biggest impact for your budget.

Start with a Realistic Budget and Priorities

Before buying materials, appliances, or hiring contractors, set a clear budget and list your must-haves vs. nice-to-haves. Decide where you want to invest, for example, a premium countertop but standard cabinets, or a high-end sink but mid-tier hardware.

When you have priorities, it becomes easier to make choices that cut costs with clarity.

Reuse & Refurbish What You Can

One of the most cost-efficient strategies is to reuse existing elements when possible:

Cabinet boxes: Instead of replacing entire cabinet systems, consider refacing doors or replacing doors/face frames only.
Appliance locations: Keeping appliances where plumbing or gas lines already exist avoids costly relocation.
Electrical layout: Keeping outlets, lighting, and wiring paths largely the same reduces labor and materials.
Fixtures: Clean, re-chrome, or refinish existing faucets or hardware when practical.

Refurbishing rather than replacing cuts costs significantly.

Choose the Right Appliances

Choosing your appliances early in a kitchen remodel is one of the most important decisions you’ll make. Appliances don’t just influence how your kitchen looks and functions, they also shape the layout and the size requirements of your cabinetry and other kitchen design elements.

The size and specifications of appliances dictate how your cabinets are designed and built.
Appliances such as wall ovens or built-in microwaves must be measured precisely so they fit seamlessly within the cabinetry.
Where you place each appliance will affect how smoothly you can move around the space. Many designers follow the “work triangle” principle, connecting the refrigerator, sink, and range for maximum efficiency.
Specialty or luxury appliances often call for custom or semi-custom cabinetry. Tailored cabinet designs not only accommodate the exact dimensions but also elevate the overall look of your kitchen with a polished, contemporary style.

Use Cost-Effective Materials That Look High-End

You don’t always have to pay premium prices for a premium look. Some smart material choices include:

Laminate or engineered quartz countertops instead of expensive natural stone.
Semi-custom cabinets instead of custom-built.
Tile backsplashes in modular kit form instead of custom mosaic.
Laminate, vinyl plank, or engineered wood floors that mimic hardwood durability at lower cost.

Material selection is where you can make the largest savings without necessarily sacrificing aesthetic appeal.

Be Smart About Your Layout Changes

Changing your kitchen layout, moving walls, relocating plumbing, or redoing ventilation, makes costs soar because of the hidden systems behind walls. To save:

Try to keep sink, stove, refrigerator locations consistent with the existing plumbing/gas/wiring.
Limit major structural changes unless they’re absolutely necessary.
If you want an island or peninsula, see if it can connect near existing utility lines to avoid long plumbing runs.

Every foot of utility relocation adds labor, material, and time costs.

Mix Premium and Value Items

A balanced approach often gives the best outcome. Spend on focal points; economize on secondary items.

Splurge on standout pieces like a designer range hood or statement faucet.
Use value hardware, hinges, or under-cabinet lighting.
Pick one upgrade (e.g. a pantry pull-out or big drawer base) and keep the rest simple.

This layering lets your eye go where it matters and your wallet stretches farther.

Shop Sales, Overstocks & Closeouts

Keep an eye on clearance appliances, discontinued lines, or floor models at Cullen’s Home Center. Big savings are often hidden in:

Discontinued color lines
Scratch-and-dent models
Floor display packages
Closeout stone slabs

These deals can offer high-quality materials or appliances at a fraction of full price. Our team can help you spot these opportunities.

Do Some Work Yourself (DIY Where Safe)

Labor often accounts for a large share of remodel costs. If you’re handy, there are tasks you can do or assist with to reduce expenses:

Tear out old cabinets or flooring (if not structural).
Paint walls or cabinet interiors.
Install trim, moldings, or baseboards.
Assemble flat-pack cabinetry.

Be realistic, don’t bite off more than you can handle. Improper installation can cause more cost down the road.

Phase Your Remodel if Needed

If your budget is constrained, consider phasing your remodel. Start with the most urgent areas (cabinets, counters, appliances), and add features (backsplash, lighting, decorative touches) later. This spreads cost and gives you flexibility to adapt as you live in the space.

Choose Durable, Low-Maintenance Options

Invest in materials that last so you don’t pay frequently for repairs or replacements:

Scratch-resistant quartz or solid surface counters
Hard-wearing tile or waterproof flooring
Quality cabinet hardware and drawer slides
Seamless backsplashes that resist grout buildup

Spending a bit more upfront on durability saves money (and frustration) later.

Work with Trusted Local Suppliers & Contractors

Using local suppliers like Cullen’s Home Center can reduce shipping, lead times, and markup. Local contractors are familiar with regional codes and often offer better after-sales support. When homeowners use full-service national chains, sometimes the markup or hidden costs become significant. Using local resources lets you ask questions, get face-to-face support, and negotiate custom packages.

What You Should Avoid Cutting Too Much

While cost savings are important, avoid cutting foundational elements:

Quality cabinet construction (dovetail joinery, solid frames)
Proper ventilation (hoods, ductwork)
Correct electrical wiring and code compliance
Good subfloor or leveling prep

Sacrificing these can lead to regrets, repairs, and expense long term.

Discover Kitchen Remodeling Solutions at Cullen’s

At Cullen’s Home Center, we’ve guided countless customers through their kitchen upgrades and have seen what works. A kitchen remodel can’t be done properly without the right appliances to fit. We’re proud to offer a wide range of home appliances from top brands in the industry. Whether you're looking for dishwashers, cooking appliances, refrigeration, or even laundry appliances for other parts of your home, our catalog of appliance units ensures you can find the perfect ones for you.

Ready to remodel your kitchen smarter and more affordably? Visit our home appliance store in Alexandria, MN to browse cabinetry, countertops, flooring, and appliances that fit your needs. Our design experts will help you plan a kitchen remodel that fits your budget without sacrificing style. We offer personalized kitchen and bath remodeling services to help you discover the difference in remodeling services and elevate your living space in function and aesthetic. Contact us today to learn more.

FAQ: Saving Money on Kitchen Remodeling

How much does a kitchen remodel typically cost?

It depends heavily on size, layout changes, materials, and labor. On average, many homeowners spend between $15,000 to $50,000+, but smart choices, reuse, and phasing can dramatically lower that amount.

Can I stay in my home while remodeling the kitchen?

Yes, though it may be inconvenient. Phasing tasks and using temporary workstations (microwave in another room, disposable dishes) can help you stay functional during the remodel.

Which areas give the most bang for your buck?

Cabinet refacing, hardware upgrades, good lighting, and updating appliances often deliver significant visual impact for reasonable cost.

Is it cheaper to tear out everything or keep some original components?

Keeping existing plumbing, wiring, and cabinet boxes reduces labor and material costs. Don’t remove what works well.

Should I pick custom cabinets or semi-custom/off-the-shelf?

Semi-custom often hits the sweet spot: more design flexibility than stock, but less expensive than full custom. Reserve custom for unusual layouts or premium finishes.