3 Tips for Creating a Custom Kitchen on a Beer Budget

by Jeffrey Anderson
Face Your Kitchen Columnist

It's not unusual for a custom kitchen in a luxury home to cost $20,000 to $50,000, but not many homeowners have that kind of money to spend in this difficult economy. So does that mean you'll just have to keep dreaming about a custom kitchen rather than having your own? Not if you don't mind getting your hands dirty with a little DIY work.

Creating a Custom Kitchen on a Beer Budget

The three main components most people notice when they first enter a kitchen are the cabinets, countertops and appliances and with some DIY labor and inexpensive materials, you can have a custom kitchen, too.

• Cabinets. Refacing your cabinets is an economical way of making your kitchen look new again and if you choose unfinished cabinet doors, drawer fronts, and veneers, you'll save even more money. Unfinished cabinet parts are available in woods such as maple, cherry, and oak and you'll be able to finish your cabinets in your own unique color scheme. Expect to pay in the neighborhood of $21-$22 per square foot for raised panel maple doors.
• Appliances. Manufacturers such as Frigidaire and General Electric have warehouses full of scratch and dent appliances at a fraction of the cost of new items. In many cases the damage is a slight scratch that was done during delivery and may be hidden after the appliance is installed.
• Countertops. Try installing your own ceramic tile countertops; pricing can vary depending on the tile you choose, but you should be able to build a nice top for about $20-$40 per square foot.

Custom doesn't have to mean expensive, and you may enjoy the kitchen more knowing you did the work yourself.

 

About the Author
Jeffrey Anderson has a Degree in English from V.M.I., and served as an officer in the Marine Corps. He worked in Residential and Commercial construction management for 25 years before retiring to write full time. He spends his time writing, remodeling