upgrading your home by renovating kitchen and bathroom

　　If you’re thinking about remodeling, the kitchen and bathroom are two major areas that can increase the value of your home. Consider upgrading the following key points during your next renovation project.

　　Kitchen

　　1. Lighting

　　In an older home, a great place to start is your lighting. While visiting a local hardware or home improvement store, you may see that you have out-of-date fluorescent boxes or fixtures adorning your kitchen. A contractor can remove the old lighting and replace it with contemporary and subtle recessed lighting, or install pendants over islands, tables and sinks for a bolder, modern feel. There are many budget-friendly options that will make a big difference in your kitchen’s look and the value of your home.

　　2. Appliances

　　This one might seem obvious, but it’s one of the most overlooked options for freshening up your home’s style and increasing its value. Appliances become sleeker, smaller and more energy efficient every year, and an update is a great way to give your kitchen a newer feel. Stainless steel is a popular choice for appliances as it gives off a sleek and sophisticated look. When purchasing new appliances, beware of mismatching, which lends your home a chaotic look and will deter a buyer.

　　3. Flooring

　　Updating your kitchen flooring is essential for two reasons: the kitchen receives the most foot traffic, and may show wear and tear faster than other areas of your home; and replacing outdated material, like linoleum, will quickly increase your home’s value. Consider installing hardwood or tile, which will make your kitchen look and feel larger. If tile is your style, choose a pattern larger than 12 inches to replicate a high end, contemporary feel.

　　4. Countertops

　　Any homeowner who’s tried cleaning grout out of 4×4 tile countertops knows they’re a chore to maintain. Upgrading to a solid, low maintenance countertop will make your home more attractive to potential buyers. Natural stones like granite and quartz add a touch of class and cleanliness to your kitchen, and will increase your home’s value. Countertop replacement sounds like an expensive solution, but keep in mind that there are dozens of materials for every budget.

　　Bathroom

　　1. Wall Tile

　　Be sure to repair any chips or cracks that might be found in your bathroom tile. New home buyers will deter from purchasing a home with faded tile or dirty grout. If replacement sounds easier, a fun and easy twist on the bathroom is installing amosaic tile. This makes for a cultured, warm feel to an admittedly intimate space. A tile accent would make a great combination with a new granite countertop or sink.

　　2. Bathtub/Shower

　　An older bathtub with chipped or cracked tile certainly won’t add to the value of your home. The central object of the bathroom, the bathtub must be clean and new if you want to attract a buyer’s eye. Replacing an outdated bathtub with a bright porcelain model, especially contrasting it against a fresh earth tone tile, can instantly make the room look better. If your bathroom is small, forget the bathtub altogether and stick with a glass shower to make the room appear less cramped.

　　3. Sink


　　Calcium and rust buildup on your sink makes the bathroom feel unclean and old. Investing in a new sink will lure potential home buyers. Vessel sinks, as well as his and hers, are modern and in high demand. Take a trip to your local hardware store and compare your sink and weigh your options. For married couples, a single sink is a deal-breaker. Upgrading your sink, even if it perfectly suits your purpose, will open your home to more potential buyers, and cater to diverse needs.