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Modernized Kitchen: Value Boosts and Final Tally Modernized Kitchen: Value Boosts and Final Tally From "Sweat Equity" episode DSEQ-112

The Larneds new kitchen is everything they were hoping for with an open floor plan including new flooring and cabinets, slab granite countertops and a travertine backsplash. They went just over their $20,000 budget but still made over $6,000 in the end. And with their renovation complete, they can focus on their new addition to the family.

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

Sweat Equity’s Adding Kitchen Value Tips:

• Demolishing an entire wall (figure A) opened the Larneds kitchen to the dining room and the rest of the house creating a better flow from one room to another. Opening a closed space is a great way to make rooms appear larger (figure B). Before tearing out any wall check with a structural engineer to ensure that the wall isn’t load bearing.

• The Larneds chose hardwood flooring to replace their old linoleum (figure C). Hardwood flooring is a very popular material and has lasting value, is easy to clean and is easy to install (figure D). Daryl saved some money by installing the floor himself and he saved some valuable time by purchasing a slightly more expensive, pre-finished wood.

• Consulting with a designer when planning your kitchen renovation is an excellent way to see a kitchen come together before you spend a dime. Margaret is thrilled with her cabinetry, choosing a semi-custom cherry cabinet system (figure E). The Larneds may have gone all out for their cabinets but by installing the cabinets themselves, keeping some of their appliances and choosing inexpensive but modern hardware they were able to recoup some cash.

• The Larneds outdated kitchen was single handedly bringing their home value down (figure F). Removing an obtrusive wall, adding a breakfast bar, installing wood flooring, installing new cabinets, adding a granite countertop and a decorative backsplash gave their kitchen an updated look that corresponds to the rest of the house and instantly increases the equity.

Final Tally:

Appliances = $3,975
Granite = $2,931
Wood Floor = $3,500
Sink/Faucet = $800
Drywall = $400
Misc. = $660
Cabinets = $11,347

TOTAL = $23,613

REALTOR’S ESTIMATED VALUE INCREASE = $30,000

TOTAL COST OF MATERIAL = $23,613

NET RETURN ON INVESTMENT = $6,387

RESOURCES :

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

MacDonald Hardwoods
Website: www.macwoods.com

GUESTS :

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

Mark Emsbach
Above & Beyond Flooring
Hardwood Installation Pros
Website: www.aboveandbeyondflooring.biz

Kathy Fischer
Home Clearance Center
Website: www.buynewkitchen.com