DIY Network

Kitchen Catch-Up: Value Boost and Final Tally Kitchen Value Boost and Final Tally From "Sweat Equity" episode DSEQ-107

Matt and Anita went a little over budget to complete this project but the results are worth it. They spent most of their budget in the right places; updating their linoleum flooring, choosing higher end cabinets and countertops and buying new appliances. And because they did most of the work themselves, they still made money!

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	Figure A
	Figure B
	Figure C
	Figure D
	Figure E

Sweat Equity Value Boosts:

• The Seitz’s kitchen was in need of a makeover and nowhere was that more clear than the linoleum flooring. Testing a floor for asbestos before removing it is always a good idea as demolition can cause the asbestos to become airborne and is hazardous to everyone in the household. Installing a natural stone tile right over the linoleum was a stylish solution to the Seitz’s asbestos problem (figure A).

• A kitchen upgrade can be a pricey renovation but is one of the most valuable in equity return. The highest ticket item is often the cabinets. Matt and Anita chose a higher-end cabinet, spending about half of their budget. But by installing the cabinets themselves (figure B), they offset the high price by their gain in home equity.

• The Seitz’s beautiful dark cherry cabinets were a worthwhile purchase but have the potential to make a kitchen look dark. Can lighting in the ceiling and under-cabinet lighting throughout the kitchen illuminate Matt and Anita’s work surfaces while the white tile backsplash reflects additional light (figure C).

• A natural stone countertop is durable and beautiful and is a lasting purchase. Matt and Anita chose a Silestone countertop and decided to have a professional install their countertops (figure D), a smart choice considering the price of installation often includes a warranty.

• Matt and Anita were due for new appliances, so they purchased a new dishwasher, oven and refrigerator (figure E). New appliances can enhance any kitchen, but a top-of-the-line dishwasher and industrial-sized oven don’t necessarily return their value in equity, so shop around. Look to independent consumer reporting websites for the best brands and also look for energy-saving appliances that can be tax write-offs and will save you more money in the long run.

Final Tally:

Cabinets = $7,500
Countertops = $1,900
Tile = $1,500
Appliances = $3,500
Paint/Fixtures = $1,200
Lighting = $1,400

TOTAL MATERIALS = $17,000

REALTOR’S ESTIMATED VALUE INCREASE = $25,000

NET RETURN ON INVESTMENT = $8,000

RESOURCES :

Handyman Matters
Website: www.handymanmatters.com

Thomasville Cabinetry
Website: www.thomasvillecabinetry.com

Environmental Protection Agency
Asbestos Information
Website: www.epa.gov/asbestos

American Abatement Inc.
Environmental Contracting
Website: www.americanabatement.com

Stone Systems of Colorado
Website: stonesystemsofcolorado.com

The Home Depot
Website: www.HomeDepot.com

GUESTS :

Adam Berlin
General Contractor
Maverick Home Remodeling Inc.
Website: www.RenewTheHome.com

William Thomas Bain
Colorado Department of Health
Website: www.cdphe.state.co.us