By now most of us know that the kitchen is the #1 room in the home when it comes to remodelling return on investment. But we also know that making money on a kitchen renovation isn’t a given. In order to maximize ROI and increase the value of your home you need to be smart about the choices you make.

Here are 5 things to consider when it comes to maximizing your budget in a kitchen renovation.

Choose Neutral Colors and Transitional Styles

No matter what your personal style, when it comes to maximizing your budget, opt for neutral colors and transitional styles. This means white, grey, navy, black and medium brown cabinetry, commercial look appliances (preferably stainless steel), and natural wood or stone floors. Avoid anything too colorful or bold when it comes to fixed items, and instead show your personality through accessories. If it’s in the budget I also highly recommend stone counters – preferably quartz. Something that’s durable and long lasting will always get you a better return on investment in the long run.

Add More Functional Space

The number one complaint I hear from people wanting to redo their kitchens is that there isn’t enough space. The best way to alleviate this issue without actually adding more square footage is to opt for an open concept design. Removing walls, adding an island(s), and creating multiple work areas will create a sense of openness, making the space feel larger. Use dual-purpose cabinetry such as peninsulas, bench seating, or hutches to create a sense of room division while maintaining a cohesive look. Also, if possible, create more natural light by adding or expanding windows and/or skylights.

Invest in Quality Cabinetry

Cabinetry takes up the most real estate in a kitchen, so it’s important to get something that looks good, functions well, and will last as long as you live in the house. Whenever possible I choose semi-custom cabinetry because it has many of the advantages of custom, without the price. Thomasville Cabinetry for example has thousands of color and style options so you can get the exact look you want, with premium features such as QuietClose™ that are included at no extra charge. It’s also certified by the KCMA (Kitchen Cabinet Manufacturers Association) for quality construction, and backed by a Limited Lifetime Warranty.

Include “Must-Have” Functional Features Within Cabinets

In order to really get the most out of your cabinets it’s important to think about interior storage and organization. Features such as roll-out trays, waste/recycling centres, and corner storage solutions will help keep the space organized and offer that “wow” factor people look for. And don’t just purchase trendy organizers after the fact. Thomasville offers over 400 organizational solutions for their cabinetry, which are researched and tested in order to ensure they properly manage space and make it easier to keep things organized and accessible.

Work with a Professional

While DIY remodelling can be tempting in order to keep costs down, when it comes to kitchens it’s best to work with a professional – both for the design and the installation. Your local Home Depot kitchen designer can help you maximize your budget while still achieving your renovation goals. They can create your floor plan, elevations and perspective drawings, based on a detailed understanding of your needs. They also have the cabinet knowledge to recommend door styles, wood selections, interior components and decorative trims. You won’t have to pay extra as the design service is free, measure service is included with all installed kitchen purchases, and installations are performed by fully-insured, authorized and licensed installers. This is important because cabinets that are installed incorrectly can be disastrous. So hire a professional and get it done right the first time. It will save you money in the long run.

Photos courtesy of Thomasville Cabinetry