Kitchen remodels are always popular as this is usually everyone’s favorite place in the house. The pandemic increased home improvement projects even more as people embraced the idea of staying home over the past couple years. There is so much to be considered when remodeling a kitchen and if you aren’t careful, you can definitely go way over budget.

While it’s super easy to find inspiration for remodeling a kitchen on Instagram and Pinterest, there are great ways to save money and still create a beautiful, welcoming space. Knowing what to spend on and where to pull back is essential to a smart and successful kitchen remodel.

6 Money Wasting Ideas to Avoid When Remodeling a Kitchen

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Expensive Backsplashes

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Who doesn’t love a beautiful backsplash?  When remodeling a kitchen, the backsplash can be the icing on top of a picture-perfect cake! Backsplashes can make a huge visual impact, but more expensive isn’t necessarily better.

There are many cost-effective materials that mimic more expensive quartz, marble, and glass.  You can even find “peel and stick” backsplash options now.  These can be found at your local hardware store, or you can order them online. 

The best thing about backsplash stickers (like wallpaper) is that they can be swapped out easily whereas a real backsplash installation can only be changed by a professional contractor.

Designer Appliances

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We all know designer labels look great on shoes and purses but look for style and function for new appliances. Forget the designer brands that can cost twice as much for the same look.

While having a refrigerator that orders groceries may sound like a good idea, what is the likelihood that you will actually use it?  Be smart when buying your appliances.  There are many stylish appliance options that are still affordable.

Trendy Hardware

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Hardware offers a great example of an inexpensive way to update your kitchen, but it still comes at a price. Balance personal style with price and avoid fad fixtures that will need to be replaced soon.

Steer clear of the trends when remodeling a kitchen and find something that feels elevated but still timeless.  Nothing dates your kitchen more than last year’s “hot” hardware. 

High-Tech Gadgets

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Now don’t get us wrong, tech is fun, but like we mentioned earlier, will you ever really use your refrigerator to build a shopping list or turn on your oven from the beach? Most likely, tech gadgets in the kitchen will go to waste.

They sound good in theory, but in reality they tend to equate to money thrown down the drain.

Moving Electrical/Plumbing

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When possible, work within the current layout of electrical and plumbing access. Relocating these sources is expensive, difficult and unnecessary. More than likely, if you change up the aesthetics in your kitchen, it will feel so different and refreshed that you won’t even need to move the sink. 

Open Shelving

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Displaying beautiful plates and glassware may be appealing but consider the upkeep to maintain this look. This is something that looks good in the magazines but, in reality, may be too much of a hassle to keep up.  You may end up adding closed cabinets for more money after the remodel anyway.

Cabinets are intended to be used for storage, not display. If you absolutely must participate in this trend, consider designating one or two cabinets for display and keep the rest traditional for storage. Remodeling a kitchen is about functionality just as much as it’s about beauty and aesthetics.

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Remodeling a kitchen is exciting but can also be costly and time consuming. Fortunately, there are ways to lower the cost and still have the fresh, updated kitchen you and the entire family will want to spend time in.