Even if you have significant money to spend on residential kitchen renovations, you'll still want to have solid control of the overall costs. Cost control on a remodel isn't as simple as finding a contractor who can offer a good price, though. Homeowners should do these four things to take control of the cost of remodeling a kitchen.

Complete a Plan 

One factor that makes residential kitchen remodeling costs skyrocket is the lack of a plan. While many people feel like they'll know what they want when they see it, the time that approach adds to the process runs up costs. If a homeowner modifies a remodel mid-project, that leads to dramatic shifts in materials costs, too.

Residential kitchen remodeling works most efficiently when you complete a plan before you commit to a contract. Having a plan in place makes it easier for you and a contractor to commit to cost-saving measures. If a contractor can buy materials at scale and early, for example, that's going to reduce their bid.

Think Long-Term About Costs

Understandably, people often focus on the cost of the project in the near term. However, you should also think about the long-term implications of specific choices. If a slightly more expensive plumbing and fixture setup can yield significant efficiency improvements, then you can save money on utility bills over the life of the kitchen. The same goes for cost trade-offs for appliances and lighting systems. Maintenance-reducing features like backsplashes also can save money in the long run.

Substitute Materials

Especially with the advent of high-quality engineered materials in recent decades, substitution is often a great way to control residential kitchen remodeling expenses. Using quartz countertops instead of marble ones, for example, can yield the same visual results while also netting a more durable work surface for your kitchen. Flooring product lines also include similar materials that offer excellent tradeoffs that often provide better long-term value.

Use a Priority List While Budgeting

Finally, a priority list can control costs. You should start with must-haves. For example, fixing the plumbing in a kitchen with leaks is a must. You can then set a second tier of nice-to-have items and a third tier of like-to-have features.

Between your cash on hand and available financing, you can figure out how far down to go on the priority list. Set aside a portion of the budget, though, to address anything unexpected. For example, you might need a little extra money to fix a rotted floor under the sink.

Speak to a contractor for more information. 

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