DIY Network

Kitchen Makeover, Pt. 4: Finished Kitchen and Final Tally A kitchen gets a fresh look with refinished cabinets, concrete countertops, new backsplash and crown molding. From "Sweat Equity" episode DSEQ-201

The completed kitchen

The Thomases underestimated their project cost by about $6,000. But because they didn't cut corners in their countertops and fixtures their project looks professional and by reusing big-ticket items like their cabinets and appliances, their equity return is just over $16,000.

Below are some tips for adding value to your kitchen, as well as the final tally for this project.

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Value Boosts: Tips for Adding Kitchen Value

Refinishing cabinets is a great idea if your cabinets are in good condition but need an updated look (figure A). Custom cabinets for a kitchen this size could run up to $20,000, but for the cost of lumber and paint, Kristen achieved the same effect by simply repositioning the cabinet boxes, sanding and painting the exteriors and adding built-in boxes and shelves. She finished the look with new hardware, hinges and under cabinet lighting (figure B).

Figure A

Figure B

Figure C

At almost $100 per sq/ft, Kristen's single biggest ticket item was the addition of concrete counters (figure C).

Though simple and modern looking, concrete counters are a tricky project and something professionals don't recommend doing your self. Kristen hired a professional, Phil Brown, to get her countertops just right and protect her nearly $5,000 investment.

	Figure D
	Figure E
	Figure F

A brick backsplash (figure D) and copper fixtures and hardware (figures E and F) are all finishing touches that give Kristen's kitchen the specific look she's trying to achieve.

A Final Thought: A well-balanced and tasteful room with modern touches can be a selling point, but be careful. Adding too much personality in a renovation can turn off a buyer when its time to sell.

Sweat Equity Final Tally

Lumber = $450
Paint = $300
Painter = $750
Backsplash = $450
Countertops = $4,400
Sink/Faucet = $1,000
Misc. = $1,615

TOTAL = $8,965

REALTOR'S ESTIMATED VALUE INCREASE = $25,000

TOTAL COST OF MATERIAL = $8,965

NET RETURN ON INVESTMENT = $16,035

RESOURCES :

Robinson Brick
www.robinsonbrick.com

Van Dyke's Restorers
www.vandykes.com

GUESTS :

Nick Blair, Brent Gates
UBuildIt
www.ubuildit.com

Phil Brown
Artisan Concrete, Ltd.