💰 How We Saved Over $2,800 on Our Remodel (and You Can Too!)
Modern luxury living room remodel by Wrecked & Refined in Great Falls, Montana—featuring warm textures, designer finishes, and custom built-ins.
Real Tips. Real Numbers. Real Luxury Results.
At Wrecked & Refined, we believe that luxury design doesn’t mean overspending. Whether we’re renovating a custom vacation rental or flipping a full-time residence, we treat every dollar like a tool—not just a spend. On our latest C-More Remodel project, we unlocked over $2,860 in savings just by using smart strategies that any homeowner, designer, or investor can replicate.
In this blog, we’re pulling back the curtain and sharing exactly how we did it—from exclusive builder pricing and cashback stacking to smart credit card use and high-value rebates. 🙌
🛠️ The Remodel Project: High-End on a Smart Budget
We’re outfitting this home with a stunning GE Café matte white appliance package—known for its modern, timeless aesthetic that instantly upgrades any kitchen. But instead of paying full price (or even retail sale price), we sourced smarter.
🔑 6 Ways We Saved Thousands on Appliances (and You Can Too)
1️⃣ Builder Pricing via AJ Madison
We buy direct as a builder/designer through AJ Madison. Not only did we skip the markup, we gained:
💵 Wholesale pricing
🚚 Free nationwide shipping
🧑💼 A dedicated rep for bulk orders and model swaps
📌 Pro Tip: Request AJ Madison’s builder access using your business EIN or LLC, or partner with a local pro who has one.
2️⃣ 2% Cashback via Rakuten Browser Extension
Before we even checked out, we activated Rakuten (free Chrome extension) to get 2% back just for clicking through their portal.
🧾 On an $8,000+ order = $160 back
💡 Rakuten is the #1 passive cashback site for home goods and appliance orders.
👉 Sign up for Rakuten here and earn even more with double cash back events.
3️⃣ Visa Cash Premier Card – 2.5% + $1,500 Bonus
This project had its own dedicated credit card. Why? Because tracking remodel expenses is way easier when everything lives on one card. Plus:
💳 2.5% cashback on every purchase
🎁 $1,500 sign-on bonus after spending $10,000 in 90 days
🛒 Spoiler: We hit that in the first month with appliances, materials, and tools alone.
📌 Credit Card Tip: Create a new card for each property or flip. You’ll track faster, earn more, and simplify tax season.
4️⃣ GE Café Rebate – $1,000+ Visa Gift Card
When you buy 3+ GE Café appliances in a single transaction, you can qualify for a $1,000+ prepaid Visa rebate card.
🎯 We’re using this rebate card to fund final design touches:
Cabinet hardware
Decor accents
Barstools + open shelving
📝 Don’t skip this rebate—it’s a game-changer if you’re already planning to buy quality appliances.
5️⃣ Stack Your Rewards (Cash + Cards + Rebates = 💥)
Let’s break it down:
💸 Strategy💰 ValueRakuten Cashback (2%)$160+Visa Card Cashback (2.5%)$200+Visa Sign-On Bonus$1,500GE Café Rebate Card$1,000+Total Remodel Savings$2,860+
6️⃣ Bonus: Use Smart Systems for Smarter Tracking
We keep all remodel purchases in their lane by:
💳 Using one card per project
📂 Tagging receipts by project name in QuickBooks
📊 Comparing actual ROI by tracking savings, rewards, and resale value
🛎️ Want our Remodel Expense Tracker template? Drop your email below and we’ll send it!
🚨 Caution: Café Appliances = Delays if You Don’t Plan Ahead
GE Café is a dream brand—but one downside? Delays.
Some models can take 6–12+ weeks to arrive if they’re backordered. Always:
Ask your AJ Madison rep to check current inventory
Be flexible on model numbers (the finishes stay similar!)
Build in buffer time for delivery and install
💡 Ready to Remodel Like a Pro?
Whether you're renovating your own home, designing a luxury vacation rental, or flipping your next property—your project can earn money back while it's being built.
✨ This is more than a remodel. It's stewardship. It's strategy. It’s building beauty without burning through your budget.
📩 Want My Exact Source List for This Project?
Join our email list and we’ll send you:
Full Café Appliance model numbers
Direct AJ Madison builder info
Our go-to hardware + finishes
Affiliate links to everything we use (and love)
