5 secrets of budget kitchen renovations

Successful renovators understand how to get maximum impact for minimum spend. Renovating for profit guru Cherie Barber reveals five ways to keep costs down and get the look you want.

Years of experience has taught me it's not money that's the big ace in a renovator's pack – it's knowing how to stretch every dollar as far as possible. For those looking to give their kitchen an affordable makeover, there are five easy ways to get results fast – and the good thing is, most of them can be tackled by a competent DIYer.

1. Use the power of paint

There's no better way to get an instant transformation than with a perfectly applied coat of paint - and I'm not just talking about traditional paint on plaster walls and timber trims.
Paint can cover a whole raft of sins, from dowdy timber panelling, dated tiles or discoloured baths and basins. You just need to make sure you get the specialist paint required for the task.
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BEFORE & AFTER: The colour of the kitchen was outdated, but the structure and layout worked well and only needed minor changes. The kitchen renovation includes a selection of materials that are contemporary, durable and well-priced.

2. Laying down the floor

Today's flooring designs are cool, durable and cheap. Gerflor stick-on vinyl flooring is a simple and versatile solution that you can run straight over solid existing floors. It can also be used in wet areas, making it suitable for bathrooms. Another cost-effective flooring option is laminate floorboards.
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BEFORE & AFTER: The old scruffy flooring and handles were one of the first things to be replaced. The timber received a few coats of paint and the tiles were updated with White Knight Tile Paint.

3. Remodel

Kitchens can be terrifically expensive to renovate, or you can take some nifty shortcuts. If the cabinets are in good shape, just change the drawer and cupboard fronts for a fraction of the price of putting in a new kitchen.
And if the laminate benchtops are looking a bit shabby, just resurface them with a clever product called Rust-Oleum Countertop Transformations. It gives a granite-like finish that looks surprisingly authentic.

4. Update lights

Places like Ikea and Bunnings offer loads of creative and affordable lighting solutions, so there's no excuse to settle for daggy or dated lighting.
Pendant lights over your kitchen island bench can add a bit of drama to an otherwise bland space. Just make sure you get an electrician to change the lights for you as it's illegal to DIY any electrical work.
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BEFORE & AFTER: The scratched benchtops needed to be replaced, while the lighting needed to be replaced with a mix of pendants and track lighting. The benchtops were resurfaced to look like real granite. Bold pendant lights are great statement pieces for a space.

5. Address the details

You'll be amazed how much of a difference it can make to change seemingly minor things like power-point covers, light switches, handles and tapware.
None are expensive in themselves, but together they'll really modernise a property and lift it to the next level. A single trip to the hardware store, a few hundred dollars and a few hours on the tools will have you reaching for the bubbly when you see the results.