It doesn’t take much to make a big impact in a small kitchen. Just talk to MHI Construction President Ed Morgan. From countertops to floors, cabinet faces to lighting fixtures, Morgan says that homeowners who work with skilled builders in Nashville, TN, don’t have to spend a fortune to achieve the look of a custom home.
When it comes to the kitchen remodels that Morgan’s home builders have done for their Nashville, TN, clients, he says that many of the best projects are the ones that were done while working within a budget. When a homeowner wants a big change in his or her kitchen without having to spend a bundle in the process, Morgan recommends doing one thing, and doing it big.
For instance, a homeowner could spend $50,000 or more to change out the cabinets, countertops, sinks, and appliances in his kitchen, and there’s no doubt that the outcome would be amazing. However, that same homeowner could just as easily pick out one thing in the kitchen to replace—such as the countertops, for example—and achieve a great new look without spending nearly as much money.
As for getting the most bang for your buck, Morgan says the best thing a homeowner can do to give his kitchen an updated look is to change out the countertops. Having laminate countertops removed and replaced by a granite or quartz material is a project that should only cost a few thousand dollars, as opposed to the $50,000 or more that a homeowner could expect to spend on a full kitchen remodel.
Another relatively inexpensive upgrade that homeowners can make to a kitchen is to change out all of the faucets, door pulls, and lighting fixtures. Unlike countertops, these are all fixtures that will not cost much money to buy from a local hardware store or an online retailer. Morgan says that recessed lights are also very popular with homeowners right now, while a pendant light is another classic option that is unlikely to go out of style anytime soon.
Although the recent boom in DIY culture has left many homeowners feeling like they can tackle tough remodeling projects on their own, Morgan says that it can be difficult for people without previous remodeling experience to emulate the work of a professional. When it comes to achieving the best possible finished product, Morgan says that many people are better off going with a less expensive countertop or cabinetry option and having it installed by a professional company. Cabinets and countertops that are put in by professionals are not only more likely to have a longer lifespan, but they are also more likely to increase a home’s overall value. Shoddy craftsmanship in a kitchen remodel can turn an otherwise beneficial project into one that is a waste of time and money.