Kitchen Makeovers on a Budget
Any real estate agent can tell you that the most important room for homebuyers is often the kitchen. A beautiful kitchen can add thousands of dollars in value and added livability to any home. Unfortunately for homeowners, a total kitchen remodel can be one of the most expensive home improvement projects to undertake. If your kitchen is looking tired and in need of an update, there are several projects you can undertake to give your kitchen a facelift without breaking the bank. Here are some ideas:
o Cabinet Refinishing – Many older cabinets are perfectly functional, but unattractive. If this is a good description of your cabinets, consider repairing them. Cabinet refacing is the process of adhering a new coating to the visible front of your cabinets and refacing or replacing the cabinet doors. Relining the cabinets can make the most dated kitchen look updated. There are hundreds of different styles that can be incorporated into a cabinet lining, and there is sure to be a style to match any decorating taste. Even better, cabinet refinishing is significantly cheaper than cabinet replacement, which is a great way to stretch your renovation budget.
o New Hardware: Think of hardware as jewelry for your cabinets. Sometimes the subtle touch of a change in drawer and cabinet handles can give a dated kitchen a fresh look. Replacing hardware is simple and there are literally thousands of different options available, from traditional to sleek and modern. Replacing existing hardware is so simple that most homeowners can do it themselves in an afternoon with just a screwdriver. If your cabinets lack hardware, installing new pulls is a great way to add character and charm to your kitchen.
o Paint: It’s amazing what a coat of paint can do to a kitchen. Old, worn cabinets can gain new life once they get a fresh coat of paint in a modern color. Best of all, painting is one of the cheapest ways to update your kitchen cabinets. Check with a professional when shopping for paint to make sure you’re buying a type of scrub that will hold up well in a kitchen. You might consider hiring a painting professional to strip and spray paint your cabinets to ensure a very smooth and long-lasting resurfacing.
o Countertops and Backsplash – If your cabinets are fine, but you can’t stand Formica countertops for another day, consider replacing your countertops. New Formica is very affordable and can be cut to order at most home improvement centers. If you have a craving for granite, you can sometimes find a contractor or fabricator who has a remnant available at a deep discount. Custom tile work can also change the look of your kitchen, whether it’s on the countertop or backsplash. Many home improvement centers offer free weekend classes on tiling, making it a great project for a do-it-yourself adventurer.
To have the kitchen of your dreams you don’t have to have an unlimited budget, instead use your creativity and you may find that your old-fashioned kitchen has more potential than you ever imagined.