Feb 16 2010
Home improvements are one of the best ways to upgrade your lifestyle and home resale value. Each month, HGTV's FrontDoor.com, in a partnership with DIYnetwork.com, breaks down the most effective "Maximum Value Projects" for improving different areas of the home.
Bathrooms and kitchens are the first to be spotlighted to show the cost, effort, and return on investment for each project. Plus, get expert advice, inspiration and step-by-step instructions for do-it-yourself upgrades. FrontDoor.com and DIYnetwork.com have tips for getting the most value out of kitchen and bath renovations:
Kitchen countertops:
- To add beauty, value and buyer appeal to a kitchen, consider upgrading countertops to natural stone. Granite, marble, limestone and soapstone are popular options.
- Stainless steel countertops can give a kitchen a sleek, professional appearance. And since they're not porous and don't absorb bacteria, they're one of the most sanitary countertop options.
Kitchen cabinets:
- Simply re-staining or painting outdated cabinets can make them look as good as new.
- Add stylish pulls, knobs and handles for a finishing touch; these modern enhancements are a cheap and easy way to transform the kitchen.
Kitchen flooring:
- Natural stone and hardwood floors are popular upscale options. Hardwood gives a warm feel and is easy on the feet, while stone offers an elegant look.
- For an immediate flooring fix, linoleum and vinyl tiles are inexpensive, easy to install and come in a variety of patterns.
Bathroom vanities:
- Upgrade to granite countertops or update a tired vanity with a modern glaze that matches the room’s style.
- Marble and quartz are great alternatives to granite. Choose from all kinds of luxury features, including towel-warming drawers, anti-fog mirrors and built-in lighting.
Tubs and showers:
- When replacing an outdated shower, a new fiberglass tub-and-shower unit and new ceramic tile will add the most value.
- The shower can function as a steam room or tanning area. Other high-end features include a dry sauna, dual showerheads, built-in aromatherapy and even a fireplace.
Toilets:
- A two-piece toilet, in which the tank bolts on top of the bowl, is standard. A high-efficiency, one-piece toilet with an integral tank and bowl may be worth the investment. It offers a seamless, modern look and is easier to clean.
- Wall-mounted toilets add a unique look to a bathroom and are super easy to clean. This style costs more to install and maintain because it requires a thicker wall to mount the toilet and house the tank. Focus on highly efficient, water-saving models.
Source: http://www.frontdoor.com/mvps