Kitchen remodeling is a popular home repair, for a lot of good reasons. We spend a lot of time in our kitchens, and it’s true that they are the heart of the home. When you remodel your kitchen, you can make the most of the space, add functionality, and refresh the look of your home. Kitchen remodeling can be pricey, though, so proper planning is important. Here’s what you need to know before you get started.

• A kitchen remodel can offer a good return on investment (ROI) when it’s time to sell the house. It’s been said that kitchens and bathrooms sell houses, which is why many homeowners are so eager to remodel their kitchens. However, it’s important to note that the type of remodeling is a big factor in the size of the ROI. Overspending on your kitchen renovation can make it hard to recoup your money, but small changes can make a big difference in the look and function of your kitchen. 
• Even a mid-range kitchen remodel can cause about $25,000. Labor and materials can be expensive, so it’s wise to take this into account when you’re planning your kitchen. Carefully plan, so that you don’t overshoot your budget. Further, it’s wise to research your financing options ahead of time so you’ll know how to get additional funds if what you’ve socked aside doesn’t cover the costs. 

So, which kitchen upgrades will give you the most bang for your buck? One thing you can do to up your ROI is plan properly, so hiring a designer to help you create your design is a great first step. Beyond that, here are some suggestions that aren’t necessarily expensive but can definitely be impactful. 

• Sometimes, a coat of paint makes all the difference. Choose your kitchen’s palette carefully, picking colors that complement the design in the rest of your home while also inspiring you. You can certainly choose a traditional all-white kitchen, but you can also use your imagination to create a kitchen that truly has that “wow” factor. Browse home decorating sites and you’ll be sure to find inspiration. 
• Upgrading the cabinetry doesn’t have to mean ripping them out. Of course, in some situations it’s best to just go ahead and replace the cabinets. Often, though, you can paint them or have them refaced for a much lower cost and the same impact. While repainting is something you can do on your own, refacing cabinets involves replacing the doors and drawer fronts and applying wood veneer to the sides. Whether you paint, reface, or replace, take care choosing your cabinet fixtures, because these can make a big difference in pulling the look of your kitchen together. 
• Refresh the backsplash. This is a project that can offer high impact for a low investment. Many backsplashes are do-it-yourself projects, and when you choose eye-catching tiles, you can dramatically change the look of your kitchen. 
• Consider quartz countertops. Quartz is a hybrid of minerals and resins that can look like natural stone but is more durable. It doesn’t scratch like solid surface countertops, and it comes in a wide range of looks, from traditional stone to trendy concrete. Quartz countertops are a bit of a spendy purchase, so make sure they don’t blow your budget. 
• Invest in good lighting. Well-designed lighting doesn’t just help make your kitchen more functional, but it also shows the space off to its best advantage. What’s more, the right kitchen light can become a focal point all on its own. Consider pendant lights to illuminate your workspaces while providing an attention-grabbing feature. 

Capitol Design Build can help. We’ve been performing custom remodeling since 1989 and building custom, high-end homes in the Washington DC Metropolitan Area for 29 years. We serve businesses and individuals in Virginia, Washington D.C, and Maryland, meeting every need from kitchen renovation and bathroom remodeling to custom home design and building. With experience spanning many disciplines, including engineering, design, remodeling, construction, and customer service, we look forward to working with you. Feel free to shop our website, call us at (703) 436-6919, or contact us online for a free, no-obligation estimate.