Remodeling Projects that Increase Homeowner Equity
Nine out of ten house hunters want an upgraded kitchen, partly because of the work involved and partly because of the cost. But not all renovations increase revenue.
Kitchens take a considerable portion of any remodeling budget, yet more projects than funds always seem to be. It is why it is essential to be able to prioritize and select those improvements that will boost the equity in the home because they were undertaken.
Re-facing Cabinets Increases a Home’s Value
Cabinets can make a kitchen look dated and worn out, but completely replacing them can be very costly. However, if the cabinet frames are in good condition, the look of your kitchen can be changed entirely by replacing just the doors and hardware. It can be done for a fraction of the cost of what it would take to replace the entire cabinet, and it achieves the same purpose.
Installing New Countertops Increases Equity
It is yet another feature that can make or break a kitchen. Especially if the home is being put on the market or it may be listed for sale in the short term, resurfacing countertops can add lots of value. Nine out of ten house hunters name granite countertops as high on their wish list, so adding a neutral granite surface will be recouped in the sale price.
Changing the Backsplash Adds Value
A crumbling or dated backsplash can drag down the kitchen’s entire look. However, it is such an easy weekend project that leaving it undone doesn’t make sense. Instead, be sure to choose something that works with the general style of the home and compliments the other elements in the kitchen.
New Floors Can Jazz Up the Kitchen While Increasing Homeowner’s Equity
If the floors are in terrible condition, they may be taking attention away from other great features in the kitchen, like expansive countertops and a good number of cabinets for storage. To neutralize the effect of the floor, consider replacing the existing floor covering with a material that is easier on the eye. Cork is an excellent option for the kitchen, and several laminate wood options are affordable.
Paint is an Easy Kitchen Fix that Adds Instant Value
While the paint is one of the first things that come to mind when remodeling other rooms in the house, the kitchen somehow ends up being the exception. However, a coat of paint is an easy way to brighten and freshen up a kitchen for a minimal cost.
Matching Appliances Give the Kitchen a Cohesive Look
While stainless steel appliances are nice if replacing all the instruments to match is not in the budget, the mismatched effect can be off-putting. It is much better to choose a white or black model to coordinate with what is already there than to spring for a stainless steel appliance that will stick out and make the other devices look shabby, especially if the home is about to go on the market. If the goal is to replace them all eventually and the homeowner can live with the mismatch for some time, then go for it, but if a sale is an aim, then switching out one appliance will do more harm than good.
While taking a sled hammer to an old kitchen can be exhilarating, not every budget has room for such a large project. Sometimes, the little things make the difference in a kitchen remodel, but knowing where to spend limited cash can help homeowners get fantastic results on a tight budget.