Kitchen renovations are known for tapping wallets. According to Remodeling Magazine the national average for kitchen renovation costs is $62,000 and the average remodel leaving the cabinets in place can cost $20,000. In some cities, like New York, that number can be even higher. Before you rip out your hair, there are a couple of things you might want to consider before starting this project.

CONSIDER HOW LONG YOU WILL BE LIVING IN THIS HOME.

If you planning on living in your property for no more then 2-3 years and want to renovate your kitchen, it would be wise to renovate with resale value in mind. It would be wise to know where your home falls regarding the market value and how renovating your kitchen can affect its value.

TIPS: Focus on the basics. Clean natural color cabinets and new appliances.

If you were planning on living in the space for more than five years, it would be wise to focus on personalization.

CONSIDER YOUR CONCEPT

Do you want your kitchen to be open or hidden away? This question will determine the future dimensions of your kitchen. The open layout is currently in trend and depending on when you plan on selling it, it might be a good idea to start moving in that direction. With less walls means less cabinets, which might mean less money. Might be something to consider!

DON’T FORGET A PANTRY

Depending on your layout, try to designate a little room for storage. This might skyrocket the value of your kitchen. Many people forget about storage when it comes to building a kitchen. Most people only think about cabinets when they think of storage. There are many creative ways to design new and alternative storage areas.

CHOOSE YOUR CABINETS WISELY

Remember there are two magic rules when it comes to cabinets. Choose a clean style and make sure the space is as functional as possible. You can have a bunch of cabinets for plates and cups but if your microwave and toaster look like they are having a tug-a-war for counter space those cabinets will be little to no help.

NAME BRAND APPLIANCES DON’T ALWAYS WORK BETTER

If you are on a budget it would be wise to stay away from large brand names. Most refrigerators work great and come in many different styles. Pick one that works best for your space, most appliances come with long warranties.

BUY COUNTER DEPTH APPLIANCES

Want to make a space look larger? Get a refrigerator that doesn’t pass the length of your counter top. It’s cheaper and looks better!

DON’T STRESS THE LIGHTING

Lighting is important for any space but most quality cabinetry comes with some type of LED attachment. There is no need to go wild and spend thousands here. Get the basics and make sure people are not cooking in the dark.

AVOID CHEAP CABNETS

If you are anything like me you will be opening and closing cabinets thousands of times a week. It’s a good idea to have something that will last. Make sure the material is durable and looks good.