A kitchen remodel is one of the most expensive home renovations. Considering the hefty price tag, knowing what improvements are worth the investment down the road can mean more money in your pocket today--and tomorrow.
When considering a sensible kitchen remodel it's a good idea to break improvements down into two categories: projects that add value to the home and projects that are personal design choices. A larger, open kitchen floor plan falls into the category of adding value. Exotic stone countertops may be attractive, but may not add more value, falling into the personal design choice category.
If sorting your kitchen upgrade wish list into the two categories feels like a challenge, consider these top five remodeling trends that are most likely to give you the most resale value for your investment.
- A New Tile Backsplash
If you really want your kitchen to noticeably pop, a tile backsplash is one of the least expensive yet most effective kitchen upgrades you can do. Kitchen backsplash tiles come in all different shapes, colors, materials and styles. Even better, a new tile backsplash is a manageable weekend DIY project.
- New or Refaced Cabinets
Cabinets are often the most outdated element in a kitchen. The problem with old cabinets is that they take up serious real estate in the kitchen, making them a major focal point (or eyesore) for future home buyers.
Cabinets are usually the most expensive kitchen remodeling upgrade, ranging in price from $1500 to more than $50,000. It's important to consider all the options to make the right choice. Skipping the expensive replacement of the cabinets and giving existing cabinetry a new look by refacing the surfaces with a veneer and changing out the doors and drawers is a less expensive option.
If refacing costs more than you want to spend, the fastest and least expensive way to give your kitchen cabinets new life is by painting them. Eco-friendly, low-VOC paints are less toxic and a good selling feature for future house hunters.
- The Latest Lighting
A dark kitchen appears to be a small, gloomy kitchen. A properly lit kitchen will not only look bigger, it will be more functional for cooking. The latest lighting is energy efficient and fairly inexpensive. The price of a licensed electrician is nominal, considering the value this small improvement will add to your home. Undercabinet lighting, new pendants over a kitchen island and LED task lights are three of the most popular lighting upgrades for a kitchen.
- New Floors
Kitchen floors take a beating. Luckily, there are lots of heavy-duty options nowadays that are long-lasting, inexpensive and beautiful. With flooring options like tile, stone, wood, vinyl and laminates, the trick is choosing flooring that suits your kitchen's style while going easy on the wallet.
Hardwood flooring is at the top of a homebuyer's list, adding maximum resale value to your home. But faux hardwood floors in the form of linoleum or laminates may hold up better than the real thing. And often, faux wood laminate floors are easy to install yourself, thanks to their snap and lock technology, making the project time and budget-friendly.
- Modern Countertops
Think of your kitchen's countertops as the finishing touch in your kitchen remodel. Granites and manufactured stone countertops add maximum value to your house because they're popular while having a low to midrange price tag. They're also a snap to clean up compared to outdated tile countertops with grout seams.
Adding as few as two or three of these five budget-friendly kitchen upgrades to your remodel will make a dramatic difference to the look and value of your kitchen. You'll enjoy these kitchen upgrades for years to come and get a nice return on your investment when you decide to sell your home.