Remodeling a Kitchen for Added Resale Value (On a Budget)

By Rose Stanford

Experienced chefs know that a well-stocked kitchen is the ultimate place for indulging your culinary creativity. But even if you’re not into cooking, an updated kitchen helps you get excited about this daily chore. Remodeling your kitchen gives it a much-needed facelift. Newer appliances, lighting, and cabinetry affect resale value when it’s time to put the house on the market. Buying repurposed kitchen items made from sustainable materials not only helps you stick to a budget, it also cuts down on landfill waste.

The cost of a kitchen remodel varies, depending on your tastes, room size, labor rates, and the work that needs to be done. But you don’t have to spend a lot of money on making the kitchen a more pleasant place. Repurposed items cut down on remodeling expenses.

Cabinets

Replacing cabinets may seem necessary but often, a simple paint job or new doors will refresh their worn-out look. Veneer overlay provides a cleaner appearance. Open shelving units give off an airy look — somewhat like commercial kitchens.

Ready-to-assemble kitchen cabinets don’t have to be new, they just have to look fresh. Why not buy the pieces and install them yourself? Add a new set of knobs or drawer pulls to make it your own.

Lighting

Upgrading kitchen lighting helps you see better, and energy-efficient products can reduce your electricity bills. Lighting with halogen incandescent, LED (Light Emitting Diode) and CFL (Compact Fluorescent Lamp) are great choices for brightening up the kitchen and come in a myriad of colors. Plant lights pump up the kitchen’s glow, especially when you’re bringing native varieties inside to dress up the décor.

Live Decor

Speaking of plants, you can breathe new life into your kitchen by adding live greenery. A small jade plant or kitchen herb garden is trending right now.

Flooring

Ceramic or stone tile is often a draw for homebuyers, but it can be expensive. If you can’t afford new tile, consider replacing the kitchen floor with gently used tile.

Countertops

Granite, marble or Corian are great choices for kitchen counters, but vinyl is typically more cost-effective, especially when you lay the sheets yourself. Formica is a less expensive way to make a counter look like granite. Choose from a variety of patterns and colors that will enhance the room’s decor. Before buying any product, consult with a professional for some DIY advice.

Extras

Stainless steel gives off a smooth finish, especially when you pair it with an arched, curvy faucet. Cabinet liners help to keep stored dishes clean. Pantry doors are more convenient when they slide open from side to side. If you can’t install sliders, try hanging a few racks inside the doors to increase storage space — you can never have too much of that!

Buying repurposed materials is the best way to keep remodeling costs low while helping to reduce landfill waste. And an updated kitchen will make every meal better.

Rose Stanford is a former real estate agent who enjoys fixing up and staging older homes. Her specialty is renovating backyards and patios.