When you’re longing for a kitchen makeover that won’t exhaust you of all your money, a retro makeover is usually at the top. There’s just something about old-fashioned cabinetry, granite countertops, and gas stove tops that make a kitchen feel more beautiful and functional all at once. With that said, retrofitting your kitchen on a budget isn’t as easy as you might think. However, it doesn’t mean it’s not possible to replace affordable kitchen countertops. You need to consider just a few factors that can help you keep within budget.

If you’re looking to update your kitchen without it getting costly, here are five helpful tips to help you do so without your wallet suffering.

Decide What You Want

This stage is usually the most difficult part of kitchen renovations. The best thing you can do for yourself is sit down with a pen and paper and write out precisely what you want your new kitchen to look like.

Some questions you should ask yourself include:

  • What colours will I be using?
  • Is there anything specific I want to do with the cabinets?
  • Do I want subway tile or marble countertops?
  • Will I be replacing my appliances at the same time?

Once you’ve answered these questions, you’ll have a clearer idea of your budget. And then, if possible, make sure that the contractor understands your vision, so they know exactly what they need to do.

Measure First, Then Cut

When buying your new countertops, measure first to know how much material you need to purchase. Cutting the granite yourself can be a difficult job, and it’s always better to have someone who is experienced do it for you.

Check for Wholesale Options

Many homeowners turn to kitchen stores to source retro-looking kitchen pieces, but you can get many of the same items for less at wholesale warehouses. For example, take a look at this 48″L x 24″W x 36″H Cherry Wood Cabinet. You can get this cabinet in your choice of finish at wholesale prices. This item is typically priced at $2,500 in retail stores and can be sourced from wholesale warehouses for as low as $1,400 (plus shipping) when ordered in bulk. If you’re looking for a specific colour or finish, moving forward with retail might be your best option.

Don’t Pay More for Granite

Many people believe that granite is the best countertop material. It’s durable, tough, and looks great with almost any decor. However, if you don’t have a lot of money to spend on your kitchen makeover, it might not be worth the investment.

You can get the same look and feel at a fraction of the cost of buying quartz countertops. Quartz is a natural product made out of sandstone or calcium carbonate. The downside is that they aren’t as tough as granite and are more susceptible to scratches. But if you’re on a tight budget, it might be a better option than spending thousands of dollars on granite countertops.

Choose an Installer Carefully

Many people mistake choosing the first contractor they find or the one with the most affordable price. Although doing some research is always a good idea, this is especially true for kitchen remodelling because it can be a big investment.

When you’re shopping around for an installer, make sure you do your research and choose a company that has been in business for more than ten years and has at least 50 reviews on Yelp. The reviews will give you an idea of what kind of service they provide and how well they’ve done with other projects.

Make sure to ask for references from past customers so you can speak with them about their experience with the company as well.

You’ve decided to replace the countertops in your kitchen, but you want to do it without spending a fortune. Replacing kitchen countertops can be a daunting task. However, with the right preparation and patience, you can do it without breaking the bank. Hopefully, these budget-friendly tips will help you when you’re ready to replace your kitchen countertops. Don’t let lack of money hold you back from glitteringly nice kitchen countertops, and see how a contractor can make that vision come to life!