Kitchen Remodel - Countertops or Cabinets?

We're remodeling our home to put it in the market for sale. Given the comparable properties in the neighborhood, our home in good condition will likely not fetch no more than $170,000. The bulk of our renovation funds will be going to be going to remodeling our bathrooms (in dire need of a remodel) and will have little funds left over for a kitchen remodel, and wondered whether what would be best to renovate to increase the value of our home for sale.

The countertops or the cabinets? We have a relatively small kitchen (10x9), the countertops equate to only about 14 linear feet and are of a wooden-type style. Our cabinets are painted white and have brass hinges and white/brass handles.

Any idea how much either renovation could cost (material and labor as we would not be doing the work ourselves)? Thanks in advance for the advice. Asked by Serenade 28 months ago Similar questions: Kitchen Remodel Countertops Cabinets Home > Home Improvement.

Similar questions: Kitchen Remodel Countertops Cabinets.

Both.....well, sort of I would replace the countertop with something that compliments your kitchen colors well but I wouldn't make it an expensive material (i.e. Granite). An inexpensive countertop can really change the look of the kitchen.

Then I'd replace the hardware on the cabinets (at least the handles). If you have the resources, painting the cabinet doors would be an additional improvement too. As far as cost, that depends on where you live and naturally what materials you choose.

Refinishing or touching up the cabinets is something you can easily do yourself. Also, don't rule out updating lighting and plumbing fixtures, they're things you can do yourself and save a lot of labor.

Kitchen renovation can get expensive, but that doesn't mean you can't make a big change for a fairly small investment. Unfortunately the price range is huge depending on what you're going to do, if you go for quality or price, and where you're located. For home resale purposes I would strongly recommend doing the counters, especially if you describe them as "wooden-type".

Like the other answer, I'd recommend at least getting some nice hardware for the cabinets. You can do that for a small kitchen for about $200 or less. FYI: If you were doing this kitchen remodel for your own pleasure, I would say do the kitchen cabinets!

Good luck! Mathis Custom RemodelingLa Mesa, CA (serving Metro San Diego) com/kitchen-renovations.

1 Without seeing your kitchen or knowing the market and cost of materials in your area, all I can do is give you my best opinion based upon the info given. As a little background, my husband and I remodel homes and build spec homes. I've done about 30 kitchens in the last few years.

Some were tight budgets for turn around for clients others were really luxe. I don't know what you're hoping to keep within, as far as budget is concerned, but I would try to put the money where it will have the most impact to those going through your home and to appraisers. If your cabinets are in good condition, leave them.

If they need some new paint, paint them. (you said they are already painted but a fresh coat always stands out). Upgrade the hardware, preferably to something other than brass.

Go with something bronzed as that seems to be the latest trend with hardware, but make sure it doesn't clash with appliances or faucet (you don't mention color or metal). Brushed nickel is out of style. If bronzed won't work, go with something simple and sized appropriately for handles or pulls.

Make sure the sizes of new hardware line up with already existing hardware holes. For counters, if you can afford it, go with a granite that isn't too dark. Granite usually ends up being less expensive than silestone.

Corian can be a bit less in cost than granite and will also work. Unfortunately, you'll need someone else to do the cutting and placing, so you can't do that yourself. Don't go to home depot or Lowe's for that.Do a little research for smaller granite and marble companies.

Since you're working with a smaller space, they may have some remnants on hand that will work for you. That often results in a discount for install. I can't price that for you because each area has a different market but think a couple of thousand as a VERY general price.

It could well be a lot lower if you get a remnant. (I just did a bathroom to sell our house for $250 because they had the remnant of the granite). Depending upon your budget, upgrading appliance may be something to increase the value of your home.

People are looking for high end appliances and, of all things, range hoods (though I find most range hoods to be particularly unattractive, buyers seem to think it's a sign of luxury. )Last, and this may seem odd, if you happen to have carpet in your kitchen (what? You wouldn't believe some of the kitchen I've seen) get rid of it.

Without seeing your kitchen or knowing the market and cost of materials in your area, all I can do is give you my best opinion based upon the info given. As a little background, my husband and I remodel homes and build spec homes. I've done about 30 kitchens in the last few years.

Some were tight budgets for turn around for clients others were really luxe. I don't know what you're hoping to keep within, as far as budget is concerned, but I would try to put the money where it will have the most impact to those going through your home and to appraisers. If your cabinets are in good condition, leave them.

If they need some new paint, paint them. (you said they are already painted but a fresh coat always stands out). Upgrade the hardware, preferably to something other than brass.

Go with something bronzed as that seems to be the latest trend with hardware, but make sure it doesn't clash with appliances or faucet (you don't mention color or metal). Brushed nickel is out of style. If bronzed won't work, go with something simple and sized appropriately for handles or pulls.

Make sure the sizes of new hardware line up with already existing hardware holes. For counters, if you can afford it, go with a granite that isn't too dark. Granite usually ends up being less expensive than silestone.

Corian can be a bit less in cost than granite and will also work. Unfortunately, you'll need someone else to do the cutting and placing, so you can't do that yourself. Don't go to home depot or Lowe's for that.Do a little research for smaller granite and marble companies.

Since you're working with a smaller space, they may have some remnants on hand that will work for you. That often results in a discount for install. I can't price that for you because each area has a different market but think a couple of thousand as a VERY general price.

It could well be a lot lower if you get a remnant. (I just did a bathroom to sell our house for $250 because they had the remnant of the granite). Depending upon your budget, upgrading appliance may be something to increase the value of your home.

People are looking for high end appliances and, of all things, range hoods (though I find most range hoods to be particularly unattractive, buyers seem to think it's a sign of luxury. )Last, and this may seem odd, if you happen to have carpet in your kitchen (what? You wouldn't believe some of the kitchen I've seen) get rid of it.

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