Kitchen Updates for Every Skill Level

Kitchen updates go a long way in increasing the overall value of a home. There are some easy DIY projects that can get you a decent ROI (return on investment), and there are other updates that require a higher level of skill to complete. Depending on your skill level you might want to consider taking on one of these projects.

Beginner

If your DIY skills are minimal don’t worry, there are a few easy kitchen updates you can do yourself to increase its value. These simple fixes won’t make you a ton of cash, but they’re definitely worth the cost and effort you put into them.

  • Paint – The standard upgrade for beginner level DIYers is to add a fresh coat of paint to the walls. It doesn’t just freshen up the space, depending on the color you choose it can create a dramatic transformation for very little cost.
  • New Hardware – Hardware is like jewellery for the home. Change the hardware and you change the look. Damaged or dated hardware can make the whole kitchen feel that way, so invest in knobs and pulls that look and feel good.
  • New Faucets – Changing a faucet is a DIY job that most people can accomplish fairly easily in a couple of hours, and its great for building your DIY confidence.

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Intermediate

For people who are a little more confident with their DIY capabilities I recommend the following upgrades.

  • New Backsplash – Installing a new backsplash is a great job for people who have moderate DIY skills. Tiling requires patience and precision, so while I don’t recommend tiling a huge area as a DIY project, a kitchen backsplash can usually be completed over a weekend.
  • New Counter – The complexity of switching out a countertop will depend on the shape of your counters and the material you choose, but if all you need is a single piece it should be doable for most DIYers. And when combined with a new backsplash it will give your kitchen a whole new look. (If you’re replacing a u-shaped counter with something delicate like marble this moves up to the advanced category.)
  • Lighting – While messing with the electrical is something you should always have a qualified electrician do, simple jobs like switching out light fixtures or installing dimmer switches are doable as long as you take the appropriate precautions. Replace anything that looks dated with something clean and new.
  • Painting CabinetsPainting kitchen cabinets is a fantastic update that is totally doable for most people. It’s a big job, but as long as you’re willing to take the time and put in the work it can be accomplished to great effect. This job is ideal for anyone whose cabinets are looking rough but don’t have the budget to replace them.

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Advanced

These next kitchen updates should only be done by professionals and those with supreme DIY skills.

  • Cabinet Refacing – Some people will tell you that cabinet refacing can be a DIY job, but I only recommend it if you have supreme skills. Otherwise cut the risk and hire a professional. Refacing can get you a great return on investment, but if it’s not done properly you’ll lose money in the long run.
  • Replacing Cabinets – Replacing your dated or damaged cabinets can get you a great return on your investment, but installation can be tricky so I only recommend it if you’re particularly handy and skilled. It’s essential that you know what is behind the wall you’re mounting them on and that you locate all the studs accurately. Otherwise you could be in for a nasty surprise.

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Photos courtesy of Skit Inc.