Tips On Cost Effective Kitchen Renovation - Saint Louis MO Rental

[Account Closed]

Hello All, 

I recently purchased my second rental property. It is in a ready to rent condition with the exception of the kitchen that is very outdated (See picture below).  I have a total budget of around $3,500. 

The kitchen is around 200 square feet in total. The appliances I would like to replace are: New Refrigerator $600, dishwasher $350, electric range $400, under cabinet of range hood $150 = $1,500. I have found updated laminate counter tops and a contractor willing to install them. The all in price is approximately $950. $1,500+950 = 2,450.

I would like to update the cabinets and am thinking of creative ways to update them with the remaining $1,050. My question for the BP community is given by budget constraint of $1,050 should I stain the cabinets, replace and stain new cabinet doors, try to install new cabinets on my very limited budget or wait until I have a bit more $ and have the contract replace new cabinets and counter tops all at one time. 

I am not dead set on one of my options so if you have any creative ways you have saved money on any of the above items please let me know. Also, any general kitchen remodel experience would be much appreciated. Thanks for your help!