Homeowners are deciding to refresh and update their homes in growing numbers. Over the past couple of years, kitchen remodeling projects have been on the rise by approximately 17 percent. With a few updates in the kitchen, you can definitely expect the greatest return at 80-85 percent, on average. There are many factors that should be taken in to account, before you begin. The following will explain just what you need to know before you begin with the construct of your new kitchen design.
First you will want to think about the materials that you will be utilizing. If you intend on owning your home for years to come, a savvy shopper will consider products that will last a lifetime and still prove to be comfortable and functional in the years ahead. However, if you plan on selling your home within the next couple of years, you should keep prospective buyers in mind. For those who are in the market to buy a home, they will not give a second thought to a home with kitchen that is too fancy and luxurious.
To begin, you should think of the basics and evaluate the color. Fresh paint, in modern colors, can do a lot to update the look and feel of your kitchen. Paint is also an inexpensive purchase, so when considering the look and feel of a kitchen remodeling project, you can begin with a few gallons of paint. You can also make a few easy updates by just replacing dull and outdated appliances such as a tarnished toaster oven, stained sink or an ancient microwave. These small updates will still add value to your home.
Bigger investments would include updates such as, replacing your cabinetry. This type of remodel would cost anywhere from $5,000 to $50,000. If your budget does not allow for this type of kitchen design update, then you may want to consider refacing your cabinets as long as the box of the cabinet is in good condition.
Another kitchen design idea to consider would be floor replacement. It is another costly yet advantageous expense that will bring a considerable amount of value to your home. There are many options that turn your ordinary kitchen in to an aesthetically pleasing living space. Linoleum, exotic hardwood, and laminate flooring are all popular materials that vary in price. The trick is to balance your taste with a floor that will resist wear and tear and also fits your budget.
Updating your countertop will be the most important kitchen design decision that you will make. They are considered the heart of the kitchen, so you really don’t want to cut corners on this investment. An average kitchen has about 23 feet of counter space, so, replacement can be costly. There are many textures and materials to choose from, including stainless steel, granite, Formica, glass and ceramic tiles. They all vary in price range, for example, ceramic tile will cost you about $10 per square foot, while granite can cost about $150 per square foot. If you think that you can get away with resurfacing the countertop you currently have, you can think about painting with latex paint, which comes in a variety of colors, or, overlaying with ceramic tiles to give a fresh look to your kitchen.