Save vs. Splurge: Kitchen Renovations

Jason and Lauren Frye didn’t let small spaces and a tight budget stop them from gutting their 1973 Wilmington, N.C., kitchen. First on their must-have list was high-quality custom cabinetry, so Lauren’s dad — an experienced cabinetmaker — offered to help as a housewarming gift.

They budgeted the rest of their expenses by spending hours comparison shopping online for materials. "We knew we couldn’t afford top-of-the-line everything, but there were some things we just didn’t want to sacrifice," says Jason. When the new kitchen was complete about two months later, they knew they had gotten the most bang for their buck.

Sure, they saved by working with family (free labor!) on their beaded-board cabinetry, but the Fryes still spent way more than they would have on stock or semi-custom cabinets. Plus, they hired a professional to paint the cabinets because they wanted the finish to be flawless.

The new counters are a mix of materials. The Fryes replaced the 1970s Formica countertops with a sturdy, inexpensive, acrylic surface (Hi-Macs) that comes in a wide range of solid colors. They topped the peninsula with maple butcher block and the bar area with maple wood countertops.