Bryan Baeumler on Where to Splurge and Save in Your Kitchen

An updated kitchen can often be the make-or-break factor for any potential home buyer. Whether you’re looking to do a major kitchen renovation, or just minor updates, a refreshed kitchen can add to the resale value of your home. When starting a kitchen reno, there are many ways to make the most of your budget – but the first step is knowing where to splurge and where to save.

Bryan Baeumler is one of HGTV Canada’s go-to contractors and the host of Bryan Inc., House of Bryan and Leave it to Bryan.

Repainted kitchen cabinets with mouldings

Rebecca Hay Designs

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Save: Kitchen Cabinets

While cabinets are one of the focal points in any kitchen, you don’t have to break the bank to get what you are looking for. Many ready-to-assemble kitchen cabinets can have the same effect as the high-end cabinets. To achieve the custom cabinet look with the ready-to-assembles, try adding gables and moulding to the cabinets. Even simply refacing your existing cabinets can completely change the appearance while still being cost-effective.

See 10 of Bryan Baeumler’s favourite outdoor kitchen spaces.

High-end and energy efficient appliances

Jarrett Ford

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Splurge: Applicances

I always recommend splurging on appliances. Choosing the right type of appliances can cut down your energy bill and add to the value of your home. Certain types of energy-saving appliances even offer rebates on your purchase. Take advantage of these offers and it could end up saving you money in the long-run!

Jarrett Ford

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Save: Flooring

Of all the flooring in your home, the kitchen floor is the one that gets the most spills, stains, marks and dents on it. While engineered hardwood or expensive tile might look nice, there’s not always a need for it. I’d suggest saving your money and put it towards other areas of the kitchen that are worth splurging on.

A kitchen sink with a window looking out into a yard

Jarrett Ford

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Splurge: Windows

Quality windows are an important feature in any room, as they are responsible for keeping out drafts and can be an energy-saving solution for your home. Selecting the proper windows can greatly reduce the cost of your monthly energy bill and add to the value of the home!

Anthropologie

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Save: Kitchen Hardware

Kitchen hardware is easy to switch up, and the styles are always changing. Look for hardware, such as cabinets knobs and handles, that are cost-effective and durable. If you want to get creative, I’d even suggest trying DIY knobs and handles! In the end, saving on the hardware will help your budget and also give your kitchen the look you’re hoping to achieve.

Darren Goldstein/DSG Photo

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Splurge: Countertops

This is an area where you can afford to splurge! Countertops are a selling feature in any kitchen. It can make or break the look and value of the space. I’d suggest investing more of your budget into quality, durable quartz countertops. They provide a durable, sanitary and long-lasting surface that will stand the test of time.

Tiled backsplash behind a white kitchen sink

HGTV Canada

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Save: Backsplash

If you’re looking to add a backsplash to your kitchen, try searching for a cost-effective tile. If you already have an existing backsplash, I suggest simply cleaning up the grout. A clean grout can make a lot of difference to the overall appearance and can leave it looking brand new.

Jarrett Ford

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Splurge: Faucets and Fixtures

No matter the look or age of your sink, a new faucet can make it look fresh and updated. Not only can the faucet add to the appearance of the overall kitchen, but new faucets are also designed with many beneficial features such as touch sensors. Sometimes in a kitchen reno, the smaller details can make a big impact on the resale value of the home.