Kitchens tend to be the hub of home life and a source of pride, so it’s no wonder homeowners spend more money on kitchen remodeling than on any other home improvement project. If done right, a kitchen remodel can recoup much of its cost. According to Remodeling magazine’s Cost vs. Value study, the return on investment of a kitchen remodel in a Fort Lauderdale home can be as high as 75.4%.
One of the great things about a kitchen remodel is you can see great results whether you spend a little or a lot. In fact, you can make great improvements for as little as $0.
A great way to update the space without incurring a large bill at once is to perform your kitchen remodel in stages. A word to the wise, be sure to tackle projects in a logical order, or you could end up spending more money than necessary. For example, if you plan on replacing the countertop, you may not want to install a new sink or faucet until after. Similarly, hold off on replacing the flooring if you plan on replacing cabinets.
Kitchen Remodel Ideas
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Things have a way of accumulating inside kitchen cabinets and drawers, robbing you of storage space and leaving you with a lot of disorganization. Clearing clutter can help you reclaim your space and bring order to the busiest room in your house. Gather items that have a years of dust and donate them to your favorite charity.
$50 OR LESS: Declutter
One of the least expensive and simplest ways to transform a kitchen is with paint. A semigloss latex paint on walls and trim will allow you to easily wipe off splashes and fingerprints. To make sure your new paint sticks to the walls, be sure to clean the surfaces thoroughly with a TSP (trisodium phosphate) or TSP substitute before painting.
$100 OR LESS: Paint
A more organized and tidy kitchen is always a great upgrade. Investing in organizers like pot racks, lid holders, baskets and pullout trays will help to keep your cupboards and drawers in order. A great way to stretch your budget is to make your own organizers!
$200 OR LESS: Lighting
Brighten up your kitchen with the right lighting. Shine a light on countertop work areas by adding under-cabinet lighting. Replace old CFL floodlights with halogen floodlights – you’ll save energy and the lighting will be a significant improvement. You can add dimmer switches to help save even more energy and your halogen lightbulbs will last longer.
$400 OR LESS: Refurbish Cabinets
Cabinets can be very expensive to replace. If yours are in good order, consider refinishing, repainting or replacing the doors. Also, adding new pulls can update a dated look. All this can be done at a fraction of what it might cost to replace the cabinets altogether, plus reusing items is more environmentally friendly.
$1,000 OR LESS: Flooring
New kitchen flooring can transform the look of a kitchen. Today there are many options from which to choose. For the budget-conscious, vinyl floor tiles may be a good option. This type of flooring is durable, easy to clean and comfortable to walk on. Plus, with styles costing around $2 per square foot, you can install vinyl flooring for around $500.
A mid-range flooring option is ceramic tile. There are many styles to choose from, the surface it easy to clean and is resistant to moisture. Before choosing this option, consider that it tends to be cold to the touch and less forgiving when items are dropped on it.
For a more natural look, choose from wood (solid or engineered), bamboo or cork materials. Cost for these types of finishes tend to run two to three times the cost of vinyl, but the look is very luxurious. Laminates tend to be susceptible to moisture damage, so try avoiding it.
$4,000 OR LESS: New Appliances
Appliances can breathe new life into a kitchen. The latest trend for contemporary kitchens is stainless steel. Check out our Tips For Upgrading Appliances for more sound advice!
$6,000 OR LESS: Countertops, Sink and Faucet
To keep within the lower range of this budget, consider economical materials for your countertops, like plastic laminate or wood. Adding beveled or rounded hardwood molding along the front edge will help to dress up the look.
Towards the higher end of this budget, you can opt for granite, marble or soapstone. These materials are more durable and exude luxury if done right.
$8,000 OR LESS: Recycled Kitchen
Organizations like Green Demolition accept donations of used building materials, including entire kitchens, from homeowners who are about to remodel. The items can then be purchased for up to 90% less than the new showroom price and proceeds are donated to a charity.
$15,000 OR LESS: New Cabinets
If your remodel budget is in this range, you should consult with a professional. In many cases, the consultation fee is deducted from your final bill if materials are purchased from a recommended vendor. Cabinets off the shelf for a modest-sized kitchen will start around $5,000.
The cost for custom cabinets start around $8,000. Solid wood, plywood and stainless steel cabinets are the most popular for creating an upscale kitchen. A more affordable option is MDF (medium density fiberboard).
If you are thinking about a kitchen remodel project, but are concerned about over-improving your home, contact us. We can provide you with a free, no-obligation home value and neighborhood analysis. Armed with the information you need, you can go about your kitchen remodel idea with confidence!
