The kitchen is not just the heart of your home – it’s also the room with the highest return on investment in today’s housing market. So, whether you want a kitchen that ages well, or you’re planning to sell your home in a few years’ time, it makes sense to do a remodel right the first time.

Follow our guide to a budget-conscious remodel:

Slowly over time

Conventional wisdom says that when remodelling your kitchen, you should spend between 5–15% of the total valueof your home. That’s an intimidating sum, but there’s no need to rip everything out and start over. Small, gradual changes can ultimately have as much of an impact as a big renovation, and you’ll be able to spread the cost over months or even years. 

Keep it simple

‘Avoid buying more than you need, which is a mistake people often make,’ says Silvia Miles, owner of Milestone Kitchens. ‘Stick to classic, practical basics and try not to allow emotion into it – if something just isn’t practical, leave it out. Conversely, don’t put something into your design simply because you think you have to have it. Chances are, you don’t.’

Prioritise 

‘Even when on a budget, make sure you’re installing the best quality you can afford, and choose colours, textures and finishes that won’t go out of style,’ advises Megan Schumann of Caesarstone. ‘Prioritise most of your budget for the big installations, such as surfaces and hardware. Small finishes can come later.’

Don’t allocate every cent

Set aside at least 10% of your budget for the unexpected – whatever it is, it’s going to happen at some point. When you get to the countertops or messy cabinetry stages, don’t forget to budget for a lot more eating out or takeaway meals. 

Keep a log book

R100 for sealant here and R50 for a drop cloth there may not seem like much, but it all adds up. Start a spreadsheet and log every expense so the cumulative costs don’t creep up on you.

Photography: Courtesy Images