It is a well-known fact the kitchen is the most sought-after room for most home buyers. So, how can you get it looking its best for cheap?

1.  You may be able to put a fresh coat of paint on cabinets. If the cabinets are wood and do not have a veneer finish, you can generally just sand, prime and paint. In a few hours, and under 100 bucks, this improvement is well worth the investment.
2. Look at handles and knobs for doors and drawers. Those outdated pieces can easily be replaced with something a bit more modern. Use stores like the Home Depot or Lowe’s to find stainless steel knobs and handles. Again, this is a project under 100 bucks and can make thousands of dollars of difference in the final sale price. As you know, appearance is a HUGE selling point.
3. If your kitchen is already a hardwood floor, spare the cost of replacing it and just refinish. For just $1.50 per square foot you can refinish the floor and have it looking like new!
4. Now we will inspect the countertops. Don’t have the money for granite? There are laminated countertops available for a fraction of the cost of stone, which yield a very similar finish. For $7-$20 per square foot you can cover those old damaged countertops with a beautiful stone-looking veneer. Go to http://www.ehow.com/how_6407175_cut-install-formica-countertops.html to learn how to install Formica in your own home!
5. Next, we will explore the appliances. A new stove, fridge and dishwasher can easily cost over $5,000. If you’re appliances function fine, you may be able to get away with installing stainless steel covers on the doors. Check with the manufacturer of your appliances to see if there are covers available for your particular appliance.
6. Chances are good, if you have not remodeled your kitchen for 30 years or more, the light fixtures would fit better in a 70’s movie set. You can upgrade these fixtures on your own and do not have to spend a lot of money. The Home Depot and Lowes carry modern lines lighting. We recommend track lighting which can be quite a nice touch over your sink.
7. Finally, there is the matter of the walls. Remove that ancient wallpaper and paint. If you have plaster or drywall, use joint compound or spackle to fill and smooth holes and cracks. Sand lightly and paint to give your kitchen the final touch and bring it to the 21st century. In the kitchen we recommend using softer, warmer colors to welcome people into the space. Look through magazines and catalogues for ideas.

So, there it is, for under $1,000 you can give your kitchen a complete facelift and have it looking like new. While this may not solve all your kitchens problems, it will bring it to life and may just be the difference between making the sale and having the home sit on the market. Encourage your homeowners to do at least a few of these items, if the home you are selling has an outdated kitchen.
If your homeowner does decide it is best to do full remodel, send them over to us. New England Design and Construction provides kitchen remodeling in Newton, Wellesley, Weston, Boston, Hingham, Brookline,  and all of Greater Boston and Eastern Massachusetts. View our kitchen remodeling page for more information about kitchen remodeling in MA.