In many homes, the kitchen is the center of family life. That makes a kitchen-remodeling project a good investment for most homeowners. Home and Garden Television’s website estimates that homeowners see a return of 80 to 105 percent of the cost of their kitchen remodel when they go to sell their home. Be sure to base your budget for your kitchen-remodeling project on what you can afford, your needs, the value of homes in your area and the amount of time you plan to stay in the house, according to HGTV.com.
In many homes, the kitchen is the center of family life. That makes a kitchen-remodeling project a good investment for most homeowners. Home and Garden Television’s website estimates that homeowners see a return of 80 to 105 percent of the cost of their kitchen remodel when they go to sell their home. Be sure to base your budget for your kitchen-remodeling project on what you can afford, your needs, the value of homes in your area and the amount of time you plan to stay in the house, according to HGTV.com.
Upgrade the Lighting
Upgrading the lighting in your kitchen can have a tremendous impact on the room’s overall feel, according to iloveindia.com. Light fixtures can be very affordable, too. Think about installing fluorescent fixtures under your upper kitchen cabinets to better illuminate your countertop work spaces.
Repaint the Walls
When remodeling any room, changing the color of the walls can give you the biggest design impact for the least amount of money. Paint is the most economical option, but if you prefer using wallpaper, look for discontinued rolls offered at a sale price.
Refinish the Cabinets
Try to keep your cabinets if you can, as new cabinets can be one of the biggest expenses in a kitchen-remodeling project. Depending on the type of cabinets you have, you may be able to clean, sand, prime and paint the cabinets to give them a new look. You can also have new veneer put on the cabinets, which according to Bob Vila’s website, is more expensive. If you need to replace your cabinets completely, shy away from custom-built models and look for pre-manufactured options, suggests HGTV.com.
Choose Economical Counter Tops and Flooring
Instead of getting stone or manufactured stone countertops, use laminate or ceramic tile. Choose vinyl, laminate or ceramic flooring for the most cost-effective, long-lasting options, according to HGTV.com.
Get a New Sink and Plumbing Fixtures
If they need to be replaced, getting a new sink and plumbing fixture can be worth the money during your kitchen remodel. This change is typically fairly economical, according to Bob Vila’s website.
Choose Basic Appliances
According to HGTV.com, budget-friendly appliances are often a good bet during kitchen remodels. While fancier appliances may offer an array of useful features, you can get a reliable stove or refrigerator without spending a lot of money.
Add Window Treatments, Rugs and Accessories
Adding simple window treatments, rugs and other accessories help a room look finished, according to SouthernLiving.com. A nice rug can also help cover an unsightly floor. If your storage space is limited, add a pot rack above a countertop or island. Also, replace the drawer pulls and cabinet knobs to give your kitchen a different look.
