DIY Network

Kitchen Upgrade: Value Boosts and Final Tally From "Sweat Equity" episode DSEQ-102

Marc and Kim Chaney added some serious class to their kitchen by installing pre-fabricated granite countertops and a unique stone backsplash. The kitchen nears completion with other value-boosting items they added during the course of their project.

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	Figure A
	Figure B
	Figure C
	Figure D
	Figure E
	Figure F
	Figure G

Adding Kitchen Value Tips:

• Colored finishes on faucets have a tendency to date themselves quicker than more traditional finishes like chrome.
  
  
• Make sure that you have enough money to do the renovation right. Many people regret short changing on their project, when they could have got what they wanted had they saved up a little longer.

• Shop around, including online, to find the best deals on your fixtures. This is true even if you are working with a contractor, who may not have time to hunt for the best deal.

• Buy the highest quality materials and fixtures you can afford. Buying lower quality to save a few bucks will usually cost more in the long run when the item needs constant repair or replacement.

Safety Alert: Always turn off your power source before installing new light fixtures or light bulbs.

Sweat Equity Extras:

• The Chaneys add a splash of color to their kitchen by painting the walls and ceilings. They mask around the cabinets, baseboards and windowsills, and then paint using a roller (figure A). Remember, while color selection can change the feel of any room, an outrageous color can turn off some buyers at selling time.

• After reattaching the cabinet doors, Kim determines positions for doorknobs and drawer pulls by using a special plastic template and marking with a pencil (figure B). Next, she drills a hole into the door and attaches the hardware (figure C). Available in a wide assortment of styles and prices, selecting the right cabinet hardware can quickly update the look and add value to any kitchen.

• Moving out of the kitchen, Adam suggests adding more appeal to the Chaney's foyer by swapping out a dated light fixture (figure D) with one of more modern tastes. Upgrading a home's first impression is a sure fire way to improve value.

• After cutting the electricity to the light, Marc removes the old light fixture by disconnecting the attached wires and removing the existing support bracket (figure E).

• Next, he uses a screwdriver to screw in a new bracket included with the new light. He splices the new wires, and then rotates the new light's base into the bracket until it is attached (figure F).

• After screwing in new light bulbs, he attaches a glass dome, wrought-iron cover and final base piece that holds everything together (figure G). This expensive looking fixture adds value to their home for a mere $140.

In their minor kitchen remodel, Marc and Kim Chaney minimized professional labor so they could splurge on more expensive materials, but did their investment pay off?

Final Tally:

cabinets and hardware = $3,689
countertops = $1,703
sink and faucet = $475
backsplash = $568
floor tile = $417
microwave = $295
paint and mscellaneous repair = $595

TOTAL = $7,742

REALTOR’S ESTIMATED VALUE INCREASE = $30,000

TOTAL COST OF MATERIALS = $7,742

NET RETURN OF INVESTMENT = $22,258

RESOURCES :

Maverick Home Remodeling, Inc.
Website: www.maverickhomeremodeling.com

Aristokraft
Website: www.aristokraft.com

Granite Marble Slab Warehouse
Website: www.granitemarbleslab.com