Summertime was made for beaches, BBQs and bare feet. For homeowners, it represents the perfect time to tackle those summer home improvement projects while weather conditions are just right. With wind, snow, rain and ice out of the picture, which can take their toll on respective properties, the summer months are generally the ideal time to assess, repair and make upgrades to homes.
Summer home improvements can range from small repairs to major remodeling projects. All of these projects will require some type of out of pocket costs, but the majority will enhance the overall value of the home. With a wide range of summer ideas on the block, the next question for homeowners is which project to choose from.
There may be no more reliable way to boost the value of your “property rehab” as fortunebuilders.com calls it, than to direct funds toward improving the kitchen. But here’s the thing: a full kitchen overhaul can set you back anywhere from $4,000 to $40,000. Before you clutch your wallet, updating your kitchen doesn’t mean you have to max out the credit card by breaking out a sledgehammer or filling it with every latest gadget and utensil. By looking for areas where you can make small improvements in the kitchen, you can increase the chances of making a large impression. Here are a few of the most popular and value-added kitchen improvement ideas:
- Replace old appliances: This is a no-brainer, but any appliance that appears dated should be replaced.
- Update the lighting: Nothing brightens a kitchen like modern lighting. But it’s not just overhead lights; under-cabinet lighting as well is a much sough-after feature for homebuyers.
- Spruce up the cabinets: You’d be shocked how powerful an impression your kitchen can make with new knobs and painted cabinets.
- Add a backsplash or island: These improvements may sound daunting — and perhaps a bit “spendy” — but they can go a long way toward conveying a sense your kitchen has a fresh, modern design.
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