For all the evolution that’s affected the modern home, one thing has not changed. The kitchen is still its heart. It’s a natural gathering spot for the family, where people come together to eat, laugh, and even do homework. And if your home’s kitchen doesn’t fit your family’s needs or lifestyle very well, it can be renovated.

Of course, kitchen renovations can come with exorbitant price tags. The good news is that you don’t have to spend a fortune to reimagine your space. We’ll cover several key tips to help you get a reasonably priced kitchen renovation in 2021.

Refresh Your Cabinets

One of the most common renovations for today’s kitchens is to replace the cabinets. However, new cabinetry can be incredibly expensive. Instead of replacing your old cabinets, go the refresh route, instead. If your cabinets are in good physical condition but just look a little dated, there’s a lot that can be done with a coat of paint, resurfacing, and changing out your pulls and knobs.

Don’t Alter the Layout

With some kitchen renovations, altering the layout is the goal. You might want to move your oven from one wall to another, or take your kitchen sink from the wall to a brand new island. Those moves can help create a more useful, beautiful space, but they can also be very costly. This is particularly true when it comes to layout changes that require additional work like plumbing or electrical wiring to be installed in new areas. By keeping your layout the same, you avoid those high costs.

Choose the Right Materials

One of the most significant costs involved with kitchen renovations is for materials. You can save money by being savvy here. Rather than going for the highest-grade materials, look for those slightly lower on the pricing tier that offer a good mixture between aesthetics, durability, and value.

For instance, if you wanted to install granite countertops, you’ll find that commercially available granite is graded on a scale from 1 to 5, with 5 being the highest (and most expensive). For your countertops, opting for a grade 2 or 3 would give you the look and feel that you want without the budget-busting price of grade 5 (or the low quality of grade 1). Note that granite grading scales can vary by manufacturer, so you might be presented with different specific options, but the point remains.

Use a Statement Piece

Want the look of a high-end kitchen without the high price tag? Use a statement piece. To use our granite countertop example once more, rather than installing granite throughout the kitchen, you could opt for high-grade granite for the kitchen island, and then use laminate that mimics the look of granite for the other kitchen counters. A statement piece draws the eye, sets the tone, and leaves a lasting impression while allowing you to stretch your budget in other areas.

As you can see, there are many ways that kitchen renovations can be done without spending a small fortune in the process. From reusing your existing cabinets to creating a single, high-end focal point, there’s an option for any budget.