Renovating your kitchen can be a slippery slope: A minor remodel tends to net the best return on your investment, and the more you upgrade, the less you stand to recoup when you finally decide to sell your house. FYI, A minor kitchen remodel (defined as new cabinet fronts, appliances, countertops and paint) retains about 78 percent of its value, while a full-blown, upscale reno hovers around 54 percent, according to Remodeling’s 2020 Cost Vs. Value Report.
With that in mind, it can be hard to know where to start. Which upgrades seem worthwhile? And which are a total waste of time? What do you want, as a homeowner? And what’s desirable to potential homebuyers down the road? Yeah, it’s overwhelming, but we’re here to help. We’ve talked to the pros and scoured industry trend reports to uncover smart ways to update your kitchen—without totally blowing your budget.