(This post is brought to you by New Leaf Cabinets.)

Budgeting for your kitchen remodeling doesn’t have to be a bad situation. And you certainly don’t have to break the bank to get it done. Many people assume that they have to spend upwards of $20,000 for a kitchen remodeling, but the truth is, you can enhance the appearance of your kitchen on the cheap—without compromising quality of the kitchen’s integrity. If you’re looking to make some changes in your home—and increase your home value—here are six budgeting tips for a kitchen makeover.

Create a Budget

This first tip may seem like the most obvious one, but it’s the tip that’s most often ignored. Sticking to a budget is much harder than you think. Some homeowners falsely assume that, because they’re buying and remodeling inexpensively, they don’t have to keep up with the costs. But as you might have already learned from going to low-cost department stores like Target, the little things add up. Take a look at your income, your bills, and decide home much you can afford to spend. Use budgeting apps to help you keep track of your budget along the way.

Be Smart About Your Backsplash

Your backsplash is functional and visually appealing. After all, a tiled backsplash can prevent you from having to spend thousands replacing walls that may become water damaged from condensation and grime in this area. Depending on your kitchen, this is an area where your eyes might be naturally drawn to. One of the most important budgeting decisions you’ll make is choosing what tiles to use. High-end tile will, of course, cost more money, but you can save by purchasing a tile product that has been discounted, answering ads on seller marketplaces like Craigslist, or purchasing the leftover tiles that weren’t use for a different project.

Don’t Forget About the Lighting

The lighting in your kitchen can completely change the ambiance of your space. Overhead lighting should be bright to help you concentrate on your kitchen’s cooking areas. Under-cabinet lighting is also a great addition that won’t hurt your budget, but will prove very effective and functional in your kitchen.

For your primary lighting source, consider track lighting over recessed lighting, which costs more and is a time-consuming, laborious project. Because holes will need be cut into the ceiling, you’ll have to consider the costs of adding electrical wiring—and the hidden costs associated with repairing the ceiling.

Think About Your Counters & Cabinetry

Choosing the perfect kitchen cabinets and counters isn’t easy, as these are the focal point of your kitchen. When guests walk into your kitchen, they make first impressions based on this. As such, it should be a priority in your remodeling efforts. If you already have good cabinetry, you could simply add new doors and hardware and retain the frame. You could also save money by painting or spray painting your current doors, and simply installing new hardware pieces.

A good paint job always makes an incredible difference. For outdated cabinets that are still in good condition, consider painting them white and then priming them with a semi-gloss. White cabinetry also makes a space feel bigger and brighter than it actually is.

When you’re trying to save money, it’s important to know when to renovate and when to replace. “A full renovation of cabinets involves removing the cabinet frames and starting from scratch,” says New Leaf, a maker of kitchen cabinets and countertops in Tacoma WA. “Of course, this will cost more, but it’s often necessary when you realize that simple coat of paint won’t hide the damages and wear and tear of your cabinetry.”

Work With Your Plumbing

Each time your move your appliances, you’re likely going to add another $5,000 to your budget. Unless it’s absolutely necessary, do your best to work with your current layout—especially when it comes to your piping and utilities. You may, however, choose to decide on new appliances, which can complement all the changes that you’ve made to the kitchen. Many department stores offer stellar appliances on credit, and of course there are warehouses where you can find cheaper, high-quality appliances, too. This property blog will help you on more cool kitchen remodeling ideas.

Add or Renovate an Island

An island can do wonders for the overall appearance of your space. It doesn’t interfere with the preparation areas, creates more seating, and is also great for having help in the kitchen and turning the space into an efficient cooking area and social space. If your kitchen is already equipped with an island, you can give it a new look. If you want to install an island from scratch, you can expect to pay anywhere between $800 to $5,000—but it will likely be a worthwhile investment. To save a bit of money, consider using a butcher block countertop instead of traditional granite and the more expensive stone options.