Budget-Friendly Investments That Pay in the Long Run - Kitchen Remodel

Congratulations! You are the proud owner of a new home and can now add a plethora of trades to your skill set  including carpentry, plumbing and painting. You probably aren’t a jack of all trades yet but as a home owner, you know that increasing the value of your home simply by improving the look and feel of old and outdated rooms can significantly increase the homes resale value—especially when you devise a plan to update the kitchen.

According The National Kitchen and Bath Association, the average cost of a kitchen renovation is $26,000.

If you have recently purchased a home or have been saving for those much-needed kitchen renovations—you’re in luck! Here are a few simple tips and tricks to stay below budget when updating your kitchen while slowly but surely increasing the value, look and feel of your new and improved space.

How to Remodel a Kitchen on a Budget:

The most important step when preparing for any home improvement task is making a list of renovation priorities. If you have a fully functioning, out-of-date kitchen that needs a little TLC, appliances may be at the bottom of your list while updating the cabinets and adding the granite countertops you have always dreamed of will be a top-priority.

Update the Cabinets: Not all wood-work is timeless. In fact, particle board cabinets and greasy cabinet doors can deter the beauty of your kitchen, making it appear dirty and outdated.

• Resurfacing your cabinets is a great DIY task and can save you a lot of extra money although cabinet resurfacing can be done professionally as well.
• Painting wooden cabinets to make the space appear brighter and more up-to-date can take a 60’s or 70’s style cabinet and make it look new.

Granite Countertop Installation: Granite countertops are a great way to increase the value of your home. It is generally more expensive than other countertop options but granite is one item that significantly holds its value. Here are a few things to keep in mind before installing granite countertops.

• Find a granite countertop installation specialist who is willing to install the countertops at a respectable rate. This is one project that is better done in the hands of a seasoned professional.
• Choose a timeless color that will match most paint colors and cabinet finishes. Make sure the stone color is not too personalized; it will make it harder to appease the next homebuyer.

It’s all about the Detail:

• Paint is not permanent and can be changed as many times as you feel necessary. Avoid wallpaper which can deter homebuyers due to the sheer difficulty of removal.
• Lighting the space with beautiful fixtures will add a touch of class and elegance to any updated space.
• Add crown molding for a creative and unique way to update the look of your dream kitchen. Because of its hefty price tag, creating crown molding on your own might take a bit longer but the final product will be much less expensive and just as beautiful. Look into renting tools such as a miter saw if you are interested in taking on this task.

Author Bio:

Andrea is a native New Yorker with a passion for creativity and design. With interests in budget-friendly do-it-yourself home improvement projects and gardening, she offers tips and tricks based off of prior experience on how to love the space you’re in, for less!