Home Improvement: A Guide to Updating Your Kitchen

There are a variety of ways to improve your home while giving each room its own personality. Improving and updating your home will increase its value should you ever decide to sell. According to MSN House and Home, houseandhome.msn.com, remodeling a kitchen is one of the most beneficial improvements, providing an average payback of 90%-94% should you sell your home. This payback depends on the cost of the improvement as well as the market prices.

Renovation and Budget

There are several ways to improve your kitchen. These changes can be minor, such as changing the hardware on your cabinets or the type of faucet on your sink. These changes can also be major, like changing the cabinets and the appliances entirely. When deciding what type of renovation you want to pursue, consider your budget. Setting a budget from the beginning will help to make sure you don't get carried away. Only do as much as you can afford.

Ways to Renovate

• Hardware: If you're interested in making minor changes to your kitchen, you may want to begin with the hardware. According to Remodel or Move website, www.remodelormove.com, there are a variety of styles of hardware to choose from. Changing your hardware is an option to consider especially if you're currently unable to change your cabinets. Hardware can give your cabinets a fresh new look. When deciding on hardware, think about the style and mood of your kitchen. Rather than stand out, the hardware should accent and blend in with the room.
• Countertops: Changing your countertop may be a more intensive project than changing the hardware on your cabinets. Like the hardware, there are a variety of countertops to choose from. Some examples are tile, laminate, concrete, and granite. Currently, granite is a very popular choice. Smart Money Magazine, www.smartmoney.com, estimates the cost of granite countertops to range between $8,200-12,800. One of the drawbacks of granite that Smart Money cites is the need for the granite to be cleaned and occasionally resealed in order to prevent any permanent stains since it's a porous stone.
• Appliances: Another way to improve your kitchen is by updating your appliances. One of the trends in appliances involves stainless steel appliances. If you're considering reselling your home, this upgrade can improve the marketability of your home, so it spends less time on the market. It also makes your kitchen look sleek and contemporary. Smart Money Magazine says the finish is durable; however, this finish may require more cleaning.