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You may think that custom cabinets are out of reach if you’re on a budget, but that’s not the case. If you’ve been dreaming of adding custom cabinets to your home but putting it off because of budget concerns, this is the post for you. With a little creativity and focus on priorities, you can stick to your budget and get custom cabinets you love. Here are some ideas to consider.

Opt for Stock Cabinets

Stock cabinets are the cheapest way to update your space. Since they’re already finished and come in standard sizes, they don’t cost as much to produce. And if the term “stock cabinet” conjures up cheap pressboard covered with veneer, be reassured that’s not the case for all stock cabinets. At Edgewood Cabinetry, we only offer all wood stock cabinets, so you can rest assured your new cabinets will be high quality and durable.

If you want to go with stock cabinets, you’ll need to choose cabinets that fit into your existing space. But stock cabinets can be an affordable option that allows you to choose a style you like. And remember, you can always add elements to the inside of your cabinets later on. They just won’t be built-in.

Choose Semi-Custom Cabinets

Sometimes, you want more customization than stock cabinets offer. That’s where semi-custom cabinets come in. With semi-custom cabinets, you can choose stock cabinets you love and add custom accents and accessories. So if you really want spice racks in your kitchen cabinets or a makeup organizer in your bathroom, you can add those options.

Instead of having custom cabinets built to specification, semi-custom cabinets allow you to include the elements you want most while saving money by working within stock cabinets. This is a great option if you want to get a few custom touches while saving on overall expense.

Add Fully Custom Cabinets in Select Spaces

One of the most frequent reasons homeowners want to install custom cabinets is to make better use of their space. It can be frustrating not to have adequate storage, especially in areas like the kitchen and bathroom, where accessories and appliances often just don’t fit. You don’t have to choose all custom or all stock cabinets. Instead, try working with stock cabinets where you can and adding custom cabinets where you need them most.

Maybe you can get away with stock cabinets in your laundry room, for example, but the single vanity in your bathroom just isn’t cutting it. In that case, it may make sense to invest in a custom vanity that has spaces for all your small appliances while saving money by using stock cabinets in another area of your home.

Choose More Affordable Options

Custom cabinets come in a range of options. The species of wood, style, size, stain, paint, hardware, and accessories you choose all impact the overall price. So if you want custom cabinets but need to lower the overall pricetag, consider choosing more affordable options. For example, instead of choosing a more expensive wood species, like cherry or mahogany, you may find that stained oak or maple could give you the look you love while being more cost effective.

Cutting out some of the frills, like specialty hardware, choosing simple shaker doors, and being selective about the custom accessories you include will also help you stick to your budget. Don’t be afraid to explore your options. You may find that some simple adjustments to your design will make your new cabinets much more affordable.

Custom cabinets don’t have to be out of reach just because you’re on a budget. Prioritizing your needs and working with your designer will help you choose the cabinets that work best for you. And remember, we don’t charge for design consulation, so it never hurts to explore your options.

Ready to learn more? Contact us today.

kitchen remodel budget-raleigh nc-edgewood cabinetry

You’ve decided to remodel your kitchen, come up with some great ideas, and set a budget.

Unfortunately, going over on a remodeling budget is a common complaint.

How can you avoid those kitchen remodel budget buster blues and keep your budget on track?

Here are ten of the most common reasons for a kitchen remodel budget going bust:

Starting in a rush

This is a major project with lots of decisions to make. Budgeting time for design and decision-making beforehand will prevent costly mistakes later.

Not hiring an experienced designer

A good designer can help you get the kitchen you want at a budget you can afford.

Dilly-dallying over decisions

Not choosing paint colors, tile, faucet, cabinet hardware, etc. is like throwing a monkey wrench in the works. The tile guys can’t finish their work on schedule if you decide that you just have to have that special-order tile for the backsplash, after all. Remember, delays equal money!

Changing your mind – a lot

Everyone changes their mind about something during a remodel. However, making frequent changes can cause a domino effect. Changing your mind about the sink at the last minute might mean rescheduling the plumber!

Oh, and make sure everyone knows about any changes you’ve made. Otherwise, you may discover you’re paying to have things undone.

Stretching the budget with the contingency fund

Every remodeling project needs a contingency fund. Any time you’re dealing with electrical, plumbing, or even walls, there will be surprises. That’s why you need a contingency fund.

If you raid the contingency fund in order to buy that fabulous (but pricey!) apron-front sink or antique light fixture, what will you do if a nasty surprise shows up?

Distracting the workers

Talk to them about the job, of course, but don’t just chit-chat or get in their way. Especially don’t let your kids and pets get in their way! Not only is it dangerous, but do you really want to pay them for helping you catch the cat that darted out the door while the drywall was coming in?

Not keeping track of what you’re spending!

It is so easy to spend a few dollars more for an upgraded faucet or prettier light fixture or… After all, it’s just a few dollars more – until it isn’t! A few dollars here and there can add up to hundreds or even thousands if you don’t keep a running total.

Accept the reality that if you want to spend a little more on one item on your wish list, you’ll have to spend less on another.

Adding extras

If you didn’t need a wine fridge at the beginning of the project, you probably don’t need it now.

As long as you’re here…

Contractors carefully schedule their workers’ and subcontractor’s time. If you ask the plumber to fix the leaky faucet upstairs, you’re throwing off that careful schedule. Guess who’s going to pay?

Not listening to your designer and contractor 

You hired them because they have the experience and expertise that you lack. Their suggestions will often help keep your project on budget – and on time!

 A lot of different elements must work together harmoniously in a kitchen. If you want your new kitchen to come together as a beautiful and functional workspace, contact us. We can help you achieve that – and stay on budget in the process!

bathroom vanity-edgewood cabinetry

Before considering if it is worth it to remodel your bath, scrutinize other aspects of your home first. Does your roof leak? Are your windows energy-efficient? Does the air-conditioning system work? Is your septic tank revolting your neighbors? If so, then an outdated bathroom should wait, especially if you are considering remodeling as a selling point. But, if the basic features of your home are in good working order, then investing in a new bath is one of the best investments you can make in your house.

Another factor to consider when thinking about remodeling your bath is how much to invest. Sinking $20,000 for a bathroom in a home worth $75,000 is not smart spending, so the ratio of investment to home value can pay dividends with the right budget. Not only is the value of your home important to consider how much you invest in your bath, but the value of houses in your neighborhood and quality of material you propose to purchase for your bath are as well.

Once a budget is set, determine what is most crucial for your upgrade. Ensure you basic rough-in plumbing does not leak and your drywall or underlayment for your flooring is not molded or deteriorating. The interior structure of the bathroom will establish the finishing building material’s endurance. If you decide the interior plumbing and wall board are sufficient, then more of your budget can be put towards cosmetics or higher quality cabinetry, fixtures, toilet, shower, and tub.

A new bathroom can make an older home modern besides provide a more functional living space. Count the costs and see if it is worth it to you to remodel your bath. If so, contact us, and we will help you work out the details concerning the style of your cabinetry, while providing good advice about your investment.