How to Update Your Kitchen on a Small Budget

In Canada, kitchens are one of the most well-used and dynamic spaces in a house. Whether you have a small condo kitchen or a home with a spacious eat-in, it’s likely to have been the heart of your house, and potential buyers will be picturing it that way for their own needs too.

This is why it’s a great place to focus on if you want to do some basic upgrades to prep your home before selling. The kitchen can really make or break a purchase decision. With that in mind, here’s what to focus on if you have a small renovation or upgrade budget:

Cabinet Doors
Unless your cabinets are in terrible shape through and through, it’s often enough to just swap out or enhance the doors themselves. A quick coat of paint can hide wear or give your kitchen an entirely new mood. Even replacing the doors entirely is not that expensive. Another quick trick is to replace the hardware, opting for something more luxe and contemporary to catch the eye of buyers.

Countertops
Replacing a countertop or the surface of an island can be another simple way to enhance an older kitchen. Quartz and granite are popular with modern buyers, but you can also opt for durable laminate. Big box stores like IKEA and Home Depot often have many selections available for pretty reasonable prices

Lighting
Lighting can make or break the ambience of a room, and kitchens are no exception. If you’re using lighting that’s too dim, or too harsh, you’re not showing your home to its fullest advantage. Modern potlights, under-cabinet lighting and a contemporary overhead light fixture can be great additions. Make sure your bulbs have warm tones and are LED. Don’t forget to make sure none of them have burnt out, especially before showing your home to buyers!

Make your kitchen appealing to buyers and the rest of the home will follow! Even with a limited budget, small upgrades can really pay off and will help you reap the rewards when it comes to offer day.