DIY AT HOME - Kitchen Improvements - Enjoy Now and When You Sell $$$

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Who would've ever said the kitchen could have the key to building wealth in your home? Well, it is. If you are going to increase the value of your home through improvements, the kitchen is a very good place to start.

Improvements

Obviously, making improvements to a kitchen is entirely dependent upon the current state of the kitchen. Still, there are particular areas you should focus on.

Colors

The colors in a kitchen can enhance the overall feel and worth. Neutral colors are used frequently in up-to-date kitchens. Soft shades of gray, cream, gold and earth tones turn up often. Wood in cabinets and floors tend to be in medium to light colored finishes. Sometimes it's painted and then the paint is wiped off to show the wood grain. Brushed steel hoods over ranges or cooking units are popular and practical. "Islands" are also still popular. Sometimes the material for the island and it's counter top is different from the rest of the kitchen. This can look very handsome when the materials are carefully chosen.

Two On The Ark

When it comes to kitchen improvements, Noah had it right. Having two of everything will surely add value to your home. Two ranges and two dishwashers appear in kitchens for those who entertain frequently or have large families. Built-in chopping block areas and cool marble for pastry making are often seen. Under cabinet lighting makes for shadow free work areas. Most modern kitchens have built-in microwaves, and many have warmers drawers. Many have drinks making areas with a small sink, refrigerator, and cabinets housing a variety of glassware.

Practical Matters

"Pot filler" spigots can be a nice upgrade. A pot filler spigot goes straight up a good distance above the floor of the sink before curving over. This makes it possible to position a large stockpot under it without tilting the pot. When the pot is filled to the desired height, the spigot swings out of the way and the pot is lifted out. Some ranges even have them positioned above the cook top burners so that the pot does not have to be transported from the sink to the range once it's full.

Appliances

Upscale appliance makers such as Sub-Zero, Viking, Wolf, and Thermador have come out with many innovations in recent years. Manufacturers of less expensive appliances are following suit. It's possible to buy a stove with two ovens and six burners instead of the more usual four. Wolf has come out with a gas stove that has the ultimate amount of heat control. The surface-top burners have two tiered gas rings. The upper ring is used for really hot cooking, the lower ring can keep food just barely warm, and of course there's an awful range between the two. Since it's gas, control is instant.

Cabinets

New cabinets can be expensive, but they are definitely a crow pleaser when it comes time to sell a home. Custom cabinets are definitely the way to go. If you can not afford a custom job, Home Depot and Lowe's have nice pieces at fairly reasonable prices.

Improvements to a kitchen are a great way to increase the value of your home. You might even be impressed to sign up for cooking classes.

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