Kitchen Remodeling on the Cheap

Mention kitchen remodeling and people often focus first on the cost. While some kitchen remodeling projects can be pricey, there also are ways to update your space on a modest budget. Here are some ideas.

Focus on Kitchen Cabinets First

Your cabinets are a key focal point, so start by assessing their style and durability. If they are in good shape, consider painting them or doing a cabinet refacing. With a freshly painted exterior on new doors and drawers, you can turn a kitchen around for $500 to $4,000, respectively. Also consider:

Adding glass doors in a few kitchen cabinets. You can let light shine in and add some texture. Here are insights on the various styles from KraftMaid Cabinetry. Just make sure the interiors of the cabinets are clean!Adding decorative cabinet hardware. From satin nickel knobs to ornate wrought iron pulls, there are hundreds of ways to update kitchen cabinetry with unique hardware.

Pick A Few Remodeling Touches

If you’re trying to do remodeling on a budget, you need to be selective about what you do–whether it’s a new kitchen countertop, faucet and sink, or replacement windows to get rid of those drafts in your kitchen. Here’s the scoop on when to consider replacement windows. You may be amazed at how comfortable a room can feel with the right windows.

Creative Remodeling Ideas

Creativity is always a help when remodeling on a budget. Here are a few ideas:

Instead of tearing down the wall between your kitchen and dining room, create a breakfast bar cut-out instead. You save on the construction costs and get a fun new eating space to boot!Add rope lighting above your kitchen cabinets or in a special ceiling treatment. Add dimmer switches for added drama.

Kitchen Remodeling: Getting the Most for Resale

Debating whether a kitchen makeover is worth the financial effort right now? Will it boost your home value? The answers are not always clear cut, but here’s how to make the right decision for you.

While major kitchen remodeling projects take longer to provide a payback, quick kitchen design projects can provide a quicker route to boost home value. Here are some examples:

New countertops. A $1,000 to $3,000 expense, depending on the size of your kitchen and whether you go with laminate, on the low end, or granite, on the high end. Cabinet refacing. Costs $3,000 to $7,000, based on the number of cabinets and the level of finish. Cabinet refacing also takes less time–often less than a week. For a less expensive option, try painting your kitchen cabinets. You might spend $100 in supplies or hire a painter for $400 to $700 for labor and supplies.New flooring. Can add lots of pizzazz for $1,000 to $5,000.

Kitchen Remodeling: Where’s the Resale?

The good news is that kitchen remodeling remains an important focus for resale purposes, says CBS Moneywatch. Just be careful to keep it simple and inexpensive. Think about:

What level of finish fits your neighborhood? If it’s all top of the line, then you can splurge a little, but don’t go overboard. How long do you plan to live in the house? You won’t get big remodeling dollars back quickly these days, but if you are cautious about spending and plan to stay for 5 to 7 years, you should be OK with kitchen remodeling. (Besides, you can also enjoy the space during that time, so there’s value in that!)