Debating whether or not to remodel your kitchen in Los Angeles? You’re not alone. Remodeling areas like kitchens and bathrooms is on the rise and not just because it can boost the equity of your house. However, Los Angeles is known for its high real estate value and remodeling your Los Angeles kitchen can cost significantly more than anywhere else in the country. On an average, kitchens can cost $77,000 for a mid-range remodeling, according to Remodeling’s Cost vs. Value report.
However, the good news is that there are several ways to remodel your kitchen without having to sell an organ.
Choose Your Style and Budget
Set up a reasonable budget that you can stick to for your kitchen remodeling. You may choose to bring in a designer who may charge you a flat rate or you could consider a DIY design. If you decide to bring in a contractor to handle your remodeling project, invest some time in looking for someone like Handyman Connection of Pasanda (Located in Los Angeles & Pasadena) who comes with recommendations. While contractors may initially feel expensive, they can pay off in the long run with their knowledge of materials and wholesale deals. If you’re not a pro, you might end up buying material that will have to be replaced sooner rather than later. Also save a part of your budget for unanticipated expenses that you might face later while remodeling your LA kitchen.
The Floor Plan
If you don’t want to end up paying an arm and a leg, consider keeping the basic layout of the kitchen the same. Structural changes like knocking down walls end up using a big chunk of your budget. Keeping the current layout saves you money that you can instead, splurge on new appliances or lighting.
Cabinetry
If your existing cabinet structure is sturdy and durable, consider giving them a makeover by painting them a new color or even changing the look of the doors by incorporating some stained glass in them. Often changing the hardware like knobs and hinges on kitchen drawers and cupboards can completely change them into something more modern.
Splashback
If you’ve saved yourself some money by keeping the layout, investing in a trendy splashback is a great way to change the look of your kitchen. You could save additional money by keeping the splashback to the space directly behind the stove instead of going all around the wall. There are multiple options to consider with materials ranging from the good old tiled splashback to a more contemporary toughened glass one that you can buy in an infinite number of shades to suit your color scheme. Toughened glass is a breeze to clean and can even be customized by having images printed onto the back of the glass.
Countertops
The easiest way to change the way your kitchen looks is to change your countertop. While laminate will be the cheapest, consider investing in more solid materials like granite. Spend some time hunting around supply yards in Los Angeles and with any luck, you could end up with a great deal on granite remnants. Granite is also one of your best bets when it comes to cleaning and maintenance.
Appliances
While buying appliances, the biggest thing to consider is how long you intend to live in your home. If you don’t intend to sell your house in the near future, invest in more high-end appliances that will last longer. For example, a good stove should last at least 20 years, if not more. Your local Los Angeles ReStore can also be a great place to look for bargain deals. Recently, a Philadelphia ReStore sold a 42-inch-wide GE Monogram fridge (retail, approximately $7000) for only $2000 (source). If that isn’t a steal deal, what is?
While there are many more cost saver tips for your Los Angeles kitchen remodel, if you lead a busy life and need someone to help you turn your dream kitchen into reality, call Handyman Connection of Pasadena on (626)-744-0402 to take that load off your shoulders. We bring a wealth of experience to every job we start and can assist in anything from plumbing to painting to electrical work.