How to Repair the Kitchen Without Going into Debt: 9 Useful Tips

Tip 1: Don't Skimp on Expensive-to-Modify Items

It's not worth cutting costs on plumbing, plumbing fixtures, electrical work, ventilation systems, and other engineering works. Choose quality materials and skilled professionals for these tasks. Mistakes in such areas can be costly. This also applies to built-in appliances: cheap ones may break down quickly, and finding an alternative that matches the size and color of your kitchen cabinet will be difficult and expensive.

Tip 2: Avoid Custom Cabinets

Spending on a kitchen cabinet typically accounts for nearly one-third of the renovation budget. Custom-made cabinets cost significantly more than those assembled in a store. Today's range of ready-made furniture is quite wide. Measure your kitchen beforehand and select already assembled modules. This approach is particularly relevant if only part of the cabinet needs replacement. Sometimes combining standard and non-standard cabinets works better.

You can also save money on custom cabinets: simply avoid additional finishing, complex cabinet filling, and opt for modules of uniform height.

Tip 3: Update Furniture Yourself

Kitchen furniture is sometimes cheaper to update than replace. There are numerous ways to do this: repaint, change the upholstery, add decorative stickers, replace handles, or add extra accessories. It's important that the furniture remains safe, aesthetic, and functional as before.

Tip №4: Reduce the Number of Cabinets

To save money on kitchen redesign, try changing storage systems. Perhaps you're using too many cabinets – they consume space and are not cheap.

If you need a spacious pantry, use one large cabinet instead of several modules. Through-wall shelves and wall-mounted racks instead of upper parts of the cabinet will make the kitchen space more open and interesting. Try switching to suspended structures or DIY attic storage.

Tip №5: Find Affordable Alternatives to Expensive Materials

You don't have to look for the cheapest alternative to reduce costs. Materials should meet basic requirements and quality standards. For example, countertops can be covered with laminated particleboard instead of expensive granite or marble – this is one of the most economical options. The material is strong, moisture-resistant, and heat-resistant, with a wide range of color choices.

Consider alternatives to flooring as well: modern laminate, linoleum, or vinyl have significantly improved in quality. They are easy to install and maintain, and cost much less than ceramic or wood. A practical concrete floor looks great on a kitchen and can be insulated and beautified with decorative treatment.

Tip №6: Purchase Energy-Efficient Appliances

Although they cost slightly more than regular ones, their cost will definitely be recovered over time due to energy-saving consumption. On average, A-class refrigerators save up to 30–50 thousand rubles during their lifespan, and dishwashers with «smart» water consumption save up to 1300 liters.

Tip №7: Leave the Wall Alone

Many people, planning a kitchen redesign, are inspired by open spaces and dream of knocking down the kitchen wall. However, before attempting such a complex task, you must consider that it will require redesigning many communication systems and reviewing the entire kitchen design. Much simpler and more economical is to drill a small hole in the wall and install a countertop. This visually expands the room, gives you an extra table, and simplifies food transfer to the living room or dining area.

Tip №8: Do Without a Backsplash

There are many materials for kitchen backsplashes. Each has its pros and cons. One of the most budget-friendly is MDF panels. However, they lose their original characteristics under the influence of household chemicals and emit harmful substances when burned. Much more durable and practical in this regard is glass, ceramic, mosaic, or artificial stone. However, they are expensive and require special installation skills. If you want to save on a backsplash, consider doing without it altogether and painting the wall with chalk paint: it's easier to clean and convenient for writing notes.

Tip №9: Make Cost-Effective Purchases

Before heading to building supply stores or markets, take the time to check their websites or browse online stores of major manufacturers. Online purchases can often be much cheaper. You'll also save time. Research available promotions and discounts offered by the stores in advance. Don't buy an item without comparing its price with at least two or three other retail locations.

Professional Tips: Making the Kitchen a Center of Communication and Entertainment

Usually, we spend a lot of time in the kitchen: cooking, entertaining guests, and communicating with family. Renovation is an excellent opportunity to designate a separate entertainment zone in the kitchen. Simply hang a flat-screen TV connected to interactive digital television.

1. Bread and Entertainment at the Same Time

Digital television easily transforms the kitchen into an entertainment center. The best series, latest films, educational programs – all of this can be accompanied not only by popcorn. A basic TV package includes over 120 channels, including HD channels, and a personal TV menu allows you to select any of more than 70 channels according to your taste.

2. The Live Broadcast Can Wait

No more timing dinner to match your favorite show. The TV broadcast can easily be adjusted to fit your schedule! Interactive features of modern digital television allow you to record programs, replay them, pause – and watch when it's convenient for you. For example, you can schedule a cooking show to air at the time you plan to prepare your next masterpiece.

3. Cinema of Your Life

Friends have come over? Not only should you treat them, but also show them your new photos and videos and play your favorite music. All in large format! Latest-generation TV boxes make the television a true multimedia hub. Additionally, you can order your favorite films in excellent quality from the special «Video on Demand» service at any time.

The most important point: during the renovation, designate a space in your apartment where the GPON subscriber device – an optical Wi-Fi modem ONT – will be placed. It is provided to all subscribers absolutely free of charge, takes up little space, and is usually located near the entrance door.

You can install a 220V outlet next to this location yourself, or the operator will do it later during the connection phase. Before the final wall finishing, run UTPcat 5 cable from the ONT modem installation point to where your TV screen will be mounted, and leave the cable entry into the apartment unsealed. It is through this cable that your digital television will be connected in the future.