---
title: Deciding Where to Splurge & Where to Save in a Chicago Kitchen Remodel
description: Are you trying to decide what things to spend more on and on what things you can save? Here are some ideas to help you process what might be more...
image: https://www.kitchensbathsunlimited.com/hubfs/Gallery/Album/10878/DSC_1257x.jpg
---

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# Deciding Where to Splurge & Where to Save in a Chicago Kitchen Remodel

[Ron Nanberg](https://www.kitchensbathsunlimited.com/blog/author/ron-nanberg) | Tue, Aug 21, 2018 | [Kitchen Remodeling](https://www.kitchensbathsunlimited.com/blog/topic/kitchen-remodeling)

![Where to splurge and where to save](https://www.kitchensbathsunlimited.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Gallery/Album/10878/DSC_1257x.jpg?width=300&name=DSC_1257x.jpg)Your Chicago kitchen remodeling budget begins with a specific number, but that number can be divvied up in a myriad of ways. In addition to knowing what your budget maximum is, it’s also helpful to have an idea of what is worth splurging larger chunks of money on, and what isn’t.

Along these lines, there are two posts worth reviewing:

- [5 Top Areas the Break a Budget For a Chicago Kitchen Remodel](https://www.kitchensbathsunlimited.com/blog/5-top-areas-that-break-a-budget-in-a-chicago-kitchen-remodel)
- [Questions to Ask Before Remodeling Your Kitchen](https://www.kitchensbathsunlimited.com/blog/questions-to-ask-before-remodeling-your-kitchen)

## Things Worth Investing in For Your Chicago Kitchen Design

Here are some of the things worth spending extra dollars on. These are the places where a big expense now – and the right choices or selections – save you from every having to re-do them because they’ll add to [your timeless design](https://www.kitchensbathsunlimited.com/blog/make-your-chicago-kitchen-or-bath-remodel-stand-the-test-of-time).

## A new layout

If your kitchen was part of an original, cookie-cutter design having nothing to do with how your family uses the space, it may be smart to re-think the layout. Changing a kitchen layout will add thousands (most likely) to the total price. However, [functionality is key](https://www.kitchensbathsunlimited.com/blog/chicago-kitchen-remodeling-form-over-function-or-function-over-form) to enjoying a kitchen for decades to come.

Read, [6 Most Popular Kitchen Layouts](https://www.kitchensbathsunlimited.com/blog/bid/380996/Kitchen-Renovation-Chicago-6-Most-Popular-Kitchen-Layouts), and see if any are more suited to your kitchen’s daily flow, making personalized workflow a priority.

Planning to keep your kitchen layout as is? Optimize efficiency based on layout by clicking the layout that best matches yours:

- [Galley](https://www.kitchensbathsunlimited.com/blog/chicago-kitchen-remodeling-ideas-for-a-galley-kitchen-layout)
- [L-Shaped](https://www.kitchensbathsunlimited.com/blog/chicago-kitchen-design-ideas-for-an-l-shaped-kitchen)
- [U-Shaped](https://www.kitchensbathsunlimited.com/blog/chicago-kitchen-design-ideas-for-designing-a-u-shaped-kitchen)

## The countertops

In addition to taking up a significant amount of visible square footage, countertops are used on a daily basis. If possible, splurge on granite, other hard [natural stones or quartz](https://www.kitchensbathsunlimited.com/blog/chicago-kitchen-and-bath-remodeling-quartz-is-the-new-granite). In addition to visual benefits, these countertops will stand the test of time. Quartz is the best option [for busy families](https://www.kitchensbathsunlimited.com/blog/chicago-north-shore-kitchen-design-creating-a-kid-friendly-kitchen) as it requires virtually zero maintenance, can take a beating from the kids and resists scratching, chipping, cracking, etc.

## Cabinets

For the same reasons (visual square footage and daily usage), it’s worth it to splurge on high-quality cabinetry. If you want to minimize that splurge, be willing to let go of things like [specialty saw cuts](https://www.kitchensbathsunlimited.com/blog/chicago-custom-cabinet-differences-rift-quarter-or-plain-sawn) or organizational/storage extras (like Lazy Susan’s, which can tack on a big chunk at once).

*Do* spend what’s required for soft-close doors and drawers and a recycling center.

## Smart Places to Save the Kitchen Budget

Then there are the places it’s easy to throw money away if you’re not careful. Often, these are the places you can save thousands of dollars without sacrificing quality or looks.

## Appliances

Unless you are a semi-professional chef and/or [baker who must have](https://www.kitchensbathsunlimited.com/blog/chicago-kitchen-remodel-designing-a-bakers-kitchen) top-of-the-line appliances, there’s no need to invest in the highest-price bracket. Prioritize energy-efficiency whenever you can as that pays you back in energy savings, and then choose mid-range models that look great and will do their job just fine.

## Hardware

Knobs and pulls can [make a huge difference](https://www.kitchensbathsunlimited.com/blog/tips-for-choosing-the-right-cabinet-hardware) in your overall design statement; they can also make a huge difference in the budget if you’re not careful. There are as many different prices as there are options in the kitchen hardware category since single pulls/handles can run anywhere from $1.00 to $100 a piece. You’ll find just the right look at a reasonable price, we promise.

## Ceramic floor tiles

Ceramic tiles are some of the most affordable tiles out there and they can be found in every look, style, color or pattern you’re hoping for – including versions that are difficult to tell apart from natural stone. In addition to great looks, ceramic tiles are more durable than their natural stone counterparts.

Schedule a design consultation with the pros at [Kitchens & Baths Unlimited](https://www.kitchensbathsunlimited.com/) and we’ll work with you to ensure your budget is used in all of the right places – never splurging on anything that isn’t worth it.

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