6 Kitchen Upgrades Worth the Money
Though most homeowners being their kitchen remodeling projects with a set budget in mind, it's easy to get carried away once you're presented with the hundreds of beautiful options (and upgrades) that can be potentially incorporated into your design. You might have started out thinking you were set on a subway tile backsplash...until you spot the marble tile in a kitchen showroom and change your mind (a decision could add hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars to your bottom line depending on the size of your space). Even seemingly minor upgrades, like adding designer fixtures and cabinet hardware, or choosing lux lighting can add up...and end up blowing your budget.
So how do you get everything you want from your kitchen renovation without breaking the bank? The key is to focus on the upgrades and additions that are truly worth the money. Here are five enhancements that'll add value (and convenience) to your kitchen.
1. Soft-close cabinets (and drawers). Not only does soft-close cabinetry stop the unnerving slamming noises that seemingly occur every time your kids reach for a cereal bowl, but they preserve the life of your drawers and cabinets, too. An essential if you're spending a lot for your dream kitchen.
2. A convection oven. Convection ovens are a true innovation in the kitchen appliance industry. They've been proven to cook food faster and more evenly, and many of the latest models can be wirelessly controlled via your smartphone.
3. An induction cooktop. Like convection ovens, induction cooktops a kitchen innovation that will save you time: the magnetic technology heats up and boils water faster than traditional cooktops (even gas ranges). Plus, they're more energy-efficient.
4. Quartz or engineered countertops. If you're not one for maintenance, consider choosing quartz or engineered stone countertops over granite or marble. Unlike granite, quartz and engineered stone aren't porous, meaning you won't have to worry about staining or sealing it.
5. Built-in storage. From an appliance garage--a specially designed cabinet for housing large appliances--to built-in drawer storage for plates and glassware, saving room in your budget for organization is an investment that will pay off in a clutter-free kitchen for years to come.
6. A proper layout. Though some big-box retailers make it possible to DIY your kitchen design on your own, it's more than worth the extra money to hire a professional, like a design-build firm, to do the job. A well-laid out kitchen, with a proper work triangle, ample counter space, and thoughtful storage will