Our first post in this series was on Remodeling the Bathroom, and last week's post concerned Updating the Landscaping.  This time around, we've moved on and the kitchen is getting the makeover. 

Now is probably not the time to spend enough money on your Wilmette home to create a whole new floor plan in the kitchen. Even refacing the cabinets, adding a new wall oven and cooktop, putting in a new sink and fixtures, and installing laminate countertops and resilient flooring can cost around $15,000. If you're planning on staying in the home for a while, this might be necessary to get the place the way you want it. 

What if you are upgrading with the idea of selling within the next year or two? Statistics show you'll probably recoup about 98.5% of what you spend on this remodel, but $15,000 is a lot of out-of-pocket cash. A better idea at this point may be to do some cosmetic work, maybe upgrade old appliances, and leave the big stuff for the new owner.

So what to do? Painting the cabinets is something you can do yourself if you're so inclined. It does take some work, but it is not expensive. Go to your local Home Depot or Lowe's and let them show you the perfect primer and paint. Get a small spongelike roller, some small sponge brushes and you're on your way. After a good cleaning, light sanding may be necessary to smooth out bumps, nicks, and any grease spots from cooking. Replacing the door and drawer handles is another great way to add lots of zip at a very nominal cost, probably less than $3 per handle. 

You'll probably want to have new countertops installed if the old ones are stained or have small cuts in them. In many North Shore areas, granite counters are a desirable (in fact, almost mandatory) upgrade. Paint or wallpaper the walls and you'll hardly recognize the place. Add new curtains in a co-ordinating pattern and paint the window moldings or even change them out for new ones. (Given the federal energy credits available for adding new windows, this might even be a good time to replace the kitchen windows.) Laminate floors can go right over the old flooring, eliminating the need and cost of removing it. 

Now ask yourself, do I really want to move and leave behind this lovely kitchen? Of course you do and the Marla Schneider Team can help you sell this one and find a new house to fit your family in just the right neighborhood. Have a look at some of my beautiful listings in Wilmette, Glenview, Northbrook and on the North Shore.