The kitchen is the heart of the home and when it comes to getting the most out of your home improvement investment, it doesn’t get much better than the work you can do in the kitchen. Here are some of the things you can focus on (big and small) to improve your home’s value.
1. Kitchen cabinets – This is important. It can be expensive, although doing the work yourself is much more cost effective. You can get standard or custom cabinets. You could even just replace the doors or repaint them and still get a visual upgrade.
2. Add a kitchen island: This one can be fun, but only if you have the space for it. If the center of your kitchen isn’t big enough, or the layout just doesn’t lend itself to this, then you might as well get a kitchen island cart and get extra storage and workspace without doing anything permanent.
3. New Kitchen Sink: Your old one might have stains that you don’t even know are there because you just got used to that gross color. You can take out your sink and put in a nice new one, stainless steel is all the rage.
4. Cabinet Knobs: If you’re broke but still have a burning desire to do something, then consider replacing all the cabinet knobs in your kitchen. They cost a dollar or two each, and can surprisingly give you an amazing face lift. Change designs, colors or both and watch what a transformation it gives you.
5. Kitchen Faucets: Sometimes this is necessary if you have a leak, but maybe you’ve always wanted a gooseneck faucet, or you’re tired of having two separate knobs for warm temperature and want to get to just one. As long as it works fine along with the holes in your sink, do what you want. If you don’t have enough holes, make some. If you would end up with too many, try putting a removable wand in one of the holes.
6. New Dishwasher: Okay, if you don’t have one, then you need to get one. they’re wonderful. If you have one that’s old, leaking, or just doesn’t match the rest of your appliances, you can get another one for $400 or so. The more expensive ones are quieter, do a better job of cleaning, and have better shelf designs.
