How To Budget Your IKEA Kitchen During COVID-19

Tips for saving money and time during your IKEA kitchen remodel

As we all know, COVID-19 affected a lot in the way we live our lives. One thing it hasn’t changed is the need to be smart with your budget when designing and installing your IKEA kitchen.

As design professionals who specialize in all things IKEA, we know how important this is to our customers. (In fact,we’ve recently been referenced by Martha Stewart Living as experts on how to reduce kitchen renovation costs.)We also know that COVID-19 has created a strong desire among our customers for spaces full of style and comfort — without breaking the bank.

Luckily, there are plenty of ways to save money (and time!) despite COVID-19 and still have the IKEA cabinets that you want for your project. Most are straightforward, like making a list of “must-have” IKEA products from your design wish list; or making sure you work with a qualified IKEA design professional or installer. Once you have that groundwork established, you can make clearer decisions about your IKEA kitchen cabinets and the overall layout you want.

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So, there are ways you can be in style and stay under budget with your IKEA kitchen (and other rooms as well) during COVID! That said, IKEA customers who’ve been researching examples of IKEA kitchens on design Web sites like HOUZZ and Pinterest and who are looking to save some time and money in the process will definitely appreciate the following information.

Make a List

Let’s start with the fundamentals: Make a list of “must have” items for your IKEA kitchen.

We can assure you this is one of the best things you can do for your budget!But what does it include? The checklist should include your preferences for IKEA cabinets or custom cabinetry from third-party cabinet front manufacturers like Semihandmade; your appliance, backsplash and countertop choices; or if you want to keep your existing footprint or renovate the space entirely (which might involve moving electrical and plumbing).

But more than anything, it should take into account how you and your family intend to use the space. Do you entertain often? Do you have small children and need a safe, durable space? Perhaps you’re an avid baker and really relish the idea of a center island to roll out dough. Or maybe you simply want more storage options.The key is to think about how you would like to use your kitchen and start your priority list accordingly.

Work With a Professional

Working with design professionals (like us!) or a professional IKEA cabinet installer can save your project in the long run.

Yes, there are DIY IKEA success stories.However, working with kitchen design and installation experts who specialize in IKEA cabinets will help you avoid costly mistakes. (Our signature Extra Items List, for example, provides vital information on all of the items necessary for your installation that aren’t included in IKEA’s Home Planner. This alone will save you lots of unnecessary trips to IKEA.)

Likewise, an independent qualified IKEA kitchen installer — which you can find here — will make sure that your kitchen looks and functions properly. It will also cut your installation costs down significantly. This includes handling any additional labor beyond the cabinet installation, such as moving plumbing, electrical, aligning cabinets, legs, doors, drawers, aligning the rail (where cabinets hold against the wall), drilling into the cabinet itself, installing appliances, countertops, etc.

If you’re not entirely sure what you’re doing as a first-time DIYer, then you really can end up over spending and buying things you don’t need or that won’t work in your IKEA kitchen. That’s not very budget friendly!

Keep Your Footprint

Another simple way to save money is to keep the existing footprint of your kitchen.

Choosing to not move the big stuff in your existing space will save you thousands of dollars during your renovation. And that’s money you can spend on things you prioritized on your priority list. So, if you have your heart set on that center island, or perhaps a stainless steel refrigerator, then keep that in mind when you decide what type of layout you want.

If you do opt for a new layout, remember that may mean changing the location of appliances. That also may mean moving the gas, electrical or plumbing which will incur additional costs.So,consider the costs of the countertops (source them locally if possible) and backsplash materials; the cost of accessories, such as hardware and faucetry; and any additional IKEA lighting and paint you may want.

Believe it or not, you can also consider not using upper wall cabinets at all.IKEA offers a lot of solutions from rails to open shelves of different kinds that create storage options and the flexibility to accommodate your needs. Likewise, a majority of IKEA appliances are affordable models from Maytag, Amana and Whirlpool and include ranges, dishwashers, and refrigerators, as well as cooktops and over-the-range microwaves.

Stick To Your Budget

Determining your budget and understanding how you want to spend it is vital, of course.

Once you’ve established some research you should begin to have a clearer idea on all the costs related to your IKEA kitchen remodel. This includes cabinetry, finishes, and appliances, for instance, as well as costs associated with shipping, tax, and installation. (Remember: Research and budget are intertwined and will change as you become more educated and able to determine what you can afford.)

Take Advantage of IKEA Sales

The last tip is to stay prepared for IKEA kitchen sales.

We’re not affiliated with IKEA, but we do have a knack for knowing when IKEA sales events may be coming and how to navigate them once they are announced.We can’t stress enough how important it is to be prepared for the next IKEA kitchen event. These events may pop up with little notice and normally run about six weeks.

Typically, the IKEA kitchen sales discount can range anywhere from 15-20% off a kitchen purchase of $2,000 or more and applies to anything you need to design a new kitchen, including cabinets, appliances, countertops, lighting, and storage organizers.Some IKEA stores will refund you with the original form of payment, while others will only refund you with store credit. (Sales and terms vary by store, so be sure to check with your local IKEA when managing your IKEA sales strategy.)

Ultimately, now is a very good time to begin (or continue) research for your IKEA kitchen design.IKEA customers want their kitchen to reflect their lifestyle in an affordable way and these tips will go along way toward making that happen for you.

Learn more about how we can design your IKEA kitchen, bath, laundry room and other rooms at inspiredkitchendesign.com.