| Most credible contractors will tell you the best way to maximize the resale value of your house is to upgrade where the water is: the kitchen and the bathrooms. And since the kitchen is often considered the heart of the home, it stands to reason you’ll get the most bang for your remodel buck if you start there. Looking to remodel and improve without the hefty bill? Here are the top recession-friendly remodel tips to ensure you get the upgrades you want without breaking the bank.
The hallmark of any high-end kitchen is unquestionably the countertops and if money were no object, most (if not all) homeowners would certainly opt for the premium material, granite. But no doubt money is most certainly an important consideration so to get that first-class look without the price tag, choose a comparable, less expensive material such as solid-surface products. Solid-surface products (e.g. Corian or Cambria) generally are made up of mostly quartz with a small percentage of glass and other “binders” and are non-porous and scratch-resistant. In addition, solid-surface products are significantly less expensive than granite per square foot. Most people mistake such surfaces for granite, so you get the look for a lot less.
Next, cabinets are another major focal point of the kitchen and getting new custom ones installed can cost thousands of dollars. For a comparable, more budget-friendly alternative, homeowners should look into getting semi-custom cabinets that rival custom craftsmanship. Consider changing just the doors instead of the entire body or an even cheaper option is to simply reface the current ones for an entirely new look. The cost of the materials to do so is drastically cheaper than the installation of new units.
When it comes to appliances, stainless steel from name brands is all the rage. But experts say you don’t have to spend a ton to get an attractive appliance that works great. Save thousands but still get the look you want by purchasing cost-conscious labels; often dark-horse products from relatively obscure brands can bring you all the technology and style of high-end manufacturers without the cost.
Last but certainly not least, do something for your pocketbook and the environment by choosing energy-efficient appliances and low-flow faucets. Look for the Energy Star label on any new appliances (namely refrigerators and dishwashers) you purchase and faucets designed to reduce water consumption without sacrificing performance (check out the low-flow Grohe faucets). The initial cost of an energy-efficient appliance may be slightly more than a conventional one but you’ll quickly make up the difference and start seeing significant savings in your utilities bill.
This article approved by the Editor of LevelAdvice.com and Showroom411.com
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