2023 Inexpensive Kitchen Remodel On A Tight Budget

With average kitchen renovation prices hovering well over $25,000, an affordable kitchen remodel may seam like an unattainable dream.

However, with smart planning and a few remodeling tricks, its possible to get away with an inexpensive kitchen remodel that will still make you very happy.

So, what can homeowners do with their kitchen remodels on a budget of $10,000, $5,000, or $4,000? Surprisingly, quite a bit, especially if they plan well ahead.

If you’re planning to redo your kitchen on a limited budget, here’s everything you need to know about cutting costs.

To upgrade your kitchen, contact your local remodeling pros for FREE ESTIMATES!

How Much Savings To Revamp Kitchen Furniture Instead Of Replace

Kitchen remodeling projects come in many forms.

Sometimes it means demolishing everything, removing a load-bearing wall, building custom cabinetry, changing the floor plan, and buying new appliances.

Item	Replacement Price
Layout	$630-$780 for water line; $860-$1,050 for gas line
Cabinets	$250-$900 for custom solution
Storage	$2,000-$3,000 for new pantry
Applicances	$1,000-$2,000 for new slide-in units
Tiles	$0.20-$40 per square foot
Backsplash	$10-$90 per square foot

While it sounds like a dream-come-true kitchen remodel to some, it’s also very expensive, time-consuming, and often quite complicated.

Still, your kitchen remodel can be cheaper than you think.

You can entirely revamp existing kitchen furniture, keep some of the appliances, and still have an impressive-looking kitchen at the end of the cheap kitchen remodel.

Moreover, you can save considerably by making strategic decisions and planning well.

Use our comprehensive Kitchen Remodel Cost Calculator to quickly estimate the cost of remodeling your kitchen.

Item	Revamp/Repaint/Refinish/DIY Price
Layout	0
Cabinets	$100-$300 for full DIY project
Storage	$20-$200
Applicances	$500-$700 for freestanding units
Tiles	$50-$100 for tile paint per project
Backsplash	$2.20-$5 per square foot for peel-and-stick

We’ll review each kitchen remodel category to demonstrate the difference in prices and assess how much you can save.

Layout

You may not love the current layout of your kitchen, but as long as it’s functional, you can keep it the same. Right off the bat, you’ve spent nothing, thus leaving your kitchen remodel budget intact.

But let’s say that you do want to change the floor plan. It’s not something most people can or should do by themselves. The process usually requires relocating the gas and water lines, which only licensed contractors should perform.

Because of their expertise, the price for moving gas and water lines in your home will come with high labor costs. Materials alone are relatively cheap, but you will need to pay between $860 and $1,050 for a gas line change alone.

Moving the water line will set you back approximately $630–$780. So, planning the cheaper remodel with an existing kitchen layout can save you up to $1,830.

Cabinets

Brand new cabinetry is the number one kitchen remodel goal for many people. It makes sense because cabinets are usually what people notice first when they walk into your kitchen.

If your existing kitchen cabinets are in lousy condition, it’s understandable to want to replace them.

Homeowners have several options to consider.

Pre-Made

Buying pre-made, or stock, cabinets for your kitchen remodel are the cheapest and will cost you between $70 and $140 per linear foot, depending on materials. You can find them at many home improvement stores and even order them online.

Semi-Custom

Semi-custom cabinets are more expensive, ranging between $90 and $850 per linear foot. The difference between pre-made and semi-custom is that you can choose additional details for an additional fee.

Custom

Custom cabinetry is pricey and can cost up to $1,400 per linear foot. You might also have a difficult time finding a skilled cabinetmaker in some areas.

On the other hand, if your cabinets are in decent condition, refinishing them will save on you kitchen remodel cost. The exact price range will vary and mostly depends on the type of finish you choose.

Glazing is the most expensive and will cost between $250 and $900 per project. Staining and painting are closely priced, and the going rates range between $100 and $300.

Of course, these prices are for cheap DIY kitchen remodels, and you’ll need to add 50-60% to the total cost if you’re hiring professionals.

Did you know? The average time a U.S. resident spends in the kitchen per year is 400 hours. That amounts to approximately 67 minutes daily, though less on the weekdays and more on weekends. Also, the meal most prepared in the kitchen is breakfast.

Storage

Storage space is crucial for a functional kitchen. But you may not have the space or funds to build a completely new pantry, which can cost anywhere between $2,000 and $3,000.

Even installing additional cabinets might be out of your cheap kitchen remodel price range. Fortunately, there are excellent ways to add more storage and stay under budget.

Here are a few cheaper storage ideas to consider.

• Pot Rack – Typical price range is $100–$200, but you can also consider a DIY option.
• Open Shelves – A trendy and more economical solution ranges from $50–$600, depending on size and materials.
• Storage Baskets – Perfect for placing on top cabinets or under the kitchen island, usually cost less than $20.

You can come up with custom cheap kitchen remodel solutions, too, and choosing more than one option will add more storage and keep the overall price affordable.

Appliances

Kitchen remodels often include changing the old appliances for brand new units. If your stove is on its last leg, it’s understandable that is where you want to invest. But if your main goal is to purchase kitchen appliances for cosmetic purposes, you might want to think again.

A cheap kitchen remodel quickly becomes expensive if you buy a new fridge, microwave, or dishwasher. However, if you must purchase a new stove, consider the freestanding option rather than the slide-in range.

Freestanding options are cheaper, even though they might not seamlessly fit between your cabinets.

You can find great freestanding models for about $500, whereas slide-in options are usually over $1,000.

Finally, if all your appliances are in good condition, it’s often best, and definitely cheaper, to get the most out of them until it’s time for replacement.

Tiles

When it comes to kitchen flooring, tiles are the go-to solution for many.

Some homeowners invest in wood flooring or laminate, but while beautiful, these options don’t provide excellent water resistance.

Your cheap kitchen remodel can include tile replacement only if you stick to the most inexpensive materials.

Porcelain tiles are available for as little as $0.70 per square foot, though they can go up to $50 per square foot.

Ceramic tiling is another popular option, and they are even more affordable, with a starting price of $0.20 and maximum cost of $40 per square foot.

The good news is that you can complete a cheap DIY kitchen floor re-tiling project with some skills and perhaps a good YouTube tutorial.

However, if you want to revamp the existing floor instead of removing old tiles and installing new ones, you can always repaint it. You can find high-quality, specialized tile paint that will cost between $50–$100 for your project.

Pro Tip: A cheap way to remodel your kitchen and include an additional purpose is to create a small office nook. Perhaps there’s an empty corner or a small run of cabinets that can become a little office space. Make sure to add a comfy seat and keep everything well-organized.

Backsplash

The backsplash is there to keep the water, grease, and other spills from the wall above the stove and sink. But it also has a decorative purpose, and many people spend a lot of time choosing a backsplash that complements the kitchen design and their personal style.

You don’t have to buy a new backsplash to see a significant change. Keep in mind that the average price of a new backsplash costs between $10 and $90, depending on the tile quality and other factors.

Instead of investing that much money, you can try adding a fresh coat of paint or cover it with a peel-and-stick backsplash so you can customize your kitchen space.

There are many cheap peel-and-stick backsplash options, and you may find them for $2.20 per square foot.

Drawer Dividers

You can find affordable drawer dividers to help you organize your kitchen better. But you can also consider restoring the current dividers, especially if they are made from wood.

Some sanding and refinishing will bring out the shine and make them seem good as new.

If you’re crafty, you can even make DIY drawer dividers from the materials you have at home.

DIY vs. Professional Kitchen Remodel

Unsurprisingly, a DIY kitchen remodel is much cheaper than a professional job.

The labor cost depends vastly on your location, job complexity, and several other factors. But you can expect a general contractor to charge between $65 and $250 per hour.

Indeed, there are many benefits to a professional kitchen remodel. You have a skilled crew handling every aspect of the job, the remodel is completed faster, and you may even have warranties.

On the other hand, if you know what you’re doing and perhaps have a skilled person to help you, a cheap DIY kitchen remodel will save you a lot of money.

Keep in mind that for electrical work and gas line connections, you will need a contractor with a license.

What Is The Cost Of An IKEA Kitchen?

IKEA kitchens have a recognizable, Scandinavian style. They’re incredibly well-designed, functional, and typically a sure bet available for many different budgets.

If you’re trying to fully remodel your kitchen but want to keep everything on the cheaper side, IKEA is a fantastic choice.

However, IKEA kitchens come in different price ranges, too, as the company offers variety in terms of quality.

When researching IKEA kitchens, you’ll probably notice that nearly all their kitchen designs are displayed in 10 x 10 sizes, which is considered the standard.

The average price range for a kitchen of this size in IKEA for cabinetry alone is between $1,100 and $3,000. But if you’re doing a complete IKEA remodel, you must also consider other elements.

Here are other IKEA prices to consider.

• Design consultation – Around $150
• Appliances (dishwasher, stove, range, microwave) – $2,200
• Drawer organizers – $200
• Quartz countertops – $50 per square foot
• Hardware – $250
• Lighting – $320
• Backsplash tiles – $700
• Gas stove installation – $450

One of the most significant benefits of choosing an IKEA kitchen is that installation is included with the price if you go to their store or pay for their design services.

Committing to an IKEA kitchen remodel is also appealing because they have a well-organized system, and everything you need is in one place. Therefore, every part of your new kitchen will seem at home and complement each other.

Pro Tip: If you’re keen on having an IKEA kitchen, your best strategy is to chase the promotions and sales, as you may save a lot. If you stay alert about the promotions, you can save up to 20-30% for the entire IKEA kitchen.

How Much Should A 10 x 10 Kitchen Remodel Cost?

In 1,500 to 2,000 square feet homes, a 10 x 10 kitchen is considered standard-sized. If that’s the size of your kitchen, it’s natural to wonder what a remodel cost should be.

The problem is that the price range for a whole 10 x 10 kitchen remodel ranges significantly and mainly depends on the scope of the remodel and materials used. It’s difficult to talk about how much the remodel “should” cost, as not everyone has the same goals for their project.

However, we can look closely at three common types — minor, major, and upscale — and their prices.

Minor 10 x 10 Kitchen Remodel

Minor remodels for 10 x 10 kitchens cost between $10,000 and $15,000.

Even a minor kitchen remodel will increase the overall home’s value, as long as you know where to splurge and where to save money.

For example, a minor remodel usually involves installing high-quality countertops, a kitchen island, and modern stools.

On the other hand, you can save money on keeping the kitchen layout intact and refacing the cabinets instead of replacing them.

Major 10 x 10 Kitchen Remodel

This type of remodel typically includes structural changes, reconfiguring the layout, moving walls, and similar jobs. The price tag reflects these changes so that the total cost can be between $18,000 and $30,000.

If your kitchen doesn’t have an open floor plan, this type of remodeling can change that, and you may even splurge on a walk-in pantry.

To save on a major kitchen remodel, homeowners can consider combining high- and low-end finishes and buying less expensive hardware.

Upscale 10 x 10 Kitchen Remodel

All bets are off for an upscale kitchen remodel, though the starting price is usually around $35,000.

Most people choose brand new, high-end appliances, wood cabinetry, solid countertops, and other more expensive solutions.

However, you can save on lighting and hardware even for an upscale kitchen remodel.

Kitchen Remodel Under $10,000

What do you do if your kitchen remodeling budget is just under $10,000?

First and foremost, carefully consider everything that falls into a DIY category. Spending minimal labor costs is where you’re likely to save the most.

The same applies to cabinetry. Is it still in pretty good condition? A high-quality refinishing or repainting can make them seem brand new.

If you’re buying new appliances, go for the mid-range options, and invest in repairs if you have a high-end model several years old.

If you want new countertops, consider splurging for high-quality options.

Install new kitchen flooring, preferably a durable and long-lasting solution.

Painting the walls, installing LED lighting, and similar details will make a significant difference while keeping you under a $10,000 budget.

Can You Remodel A Kitchen For $5,000?

If $5,000 is your budget limit, you may need to forgo all, and save those necessary professional installations.

You will also need to prioritize your projects. Maybe you’ll need to decide between new countertops and new appliances.

While compromises are inevitable, here are a few other ideas to consider for your cheap $5,000 kitchen remodel.

• Replacing a few upper cabinets
• Extending kitchen cabinets to the ceiling
• Painting over the backsplash
• Installing a new sink and faucet
• Install LED lighting
• Add more storage space
• Add decoration

Did you know? In a 2018 survey, 41% of Americans chose white as their preferred kitchen cabinet color. White has been the most popular choice for years. However, black, cream, mint, and navy blue are popular options, too.

How To Completely Remodel A Kitchen For Under $4,000

You’re very unlikely to completely remodel a kitchen for under $4,000, even if it’s a smaller space.

However, with $4,000, you can make many significant kitchen improvements.

Again, it’s essential to focus on your priorities; only you know what that means for your kitchen. Choose the areas where you can splurge and those where cheaper material won’t make much difference.

Also, open shelving might require frequent dusting, but it’s visually appealing and more affordable than brand-new cabinets.

Finally, you can save considerably by shopping for items on clearance and waiting for seasonal sales.

Kitchen Remodel For $3,000

The cheap $3,000 kitchen remodel budget is modest but still gives you a chance to make some noticeable changes.

High-quality paint is the way to go if you need to update your floor tiling and backsplash.

Installing a new faucet, and sink, and choosing a butcher block countertop instead of granite will save you a lot.

Finally, don’t hesitate to shop second-hand, search for cheap kitchen elements on online markets, and get as creative as possible.

A Cheap Kitchen Remodel At Your Reach

Few people have budgets that can give them free rein in kitchen remodeling. Most of us have to plan carefully because a kitchen remodel is pricey. It’s not like you can just move your cabinets as you do the living room couch.

Instead, you allocate the budget, consider your priorities, and start the project. A cheap kitchen remodel isn’t really cheap at all when you consider that $10,000 is regarded as an affordable price.

However, many strategies will save you a lot in the process.

Choosing IKEA, waiting for discount prices, focusing on DIY, and repainting tiles are just a few frugal tactics.