October 17, 2012 THE VILLADOM TIMES I, II & IV • Page 23 (ARA) - Remodeling a kitchen is still one of the best value-enhancing investments to make in a home. Remodeling Magazine’s 2011-12 Cost vs. Value Report says that even minor kitchen remodels bring a return of investment of more than 72 percent at the time of resale. Yet the cost of even a “minor remodel” doesn’t look minor at $19,588 on average, according to the report. The good news is that it is possible to completely change the look and feel of a kitchen for less than $2,000 by choosing meaningful upgrades that have the biggest cosmetic impact for the least cost. When deciding what changes will have the most value, think about changes that will be most visible in the space. Gutting a kitchen and replacing every element can cost tens of thousands of dollars. Not everyone has that kind of renovation budget. Money can be better spent - and saved - by replacing a few key elements that have the biggest visual impact. An essential functioning part of the kitchen, the sink can also be design focal point. Fortunately, replacing a sink can be one of the most cost-effective upgrades to make in a kitchen. Opting for a visually distinctive design, like an apron-front sink, can help transform the look of the kitchen. Models like Kohler’s self-trimming apronfront kitchen sinks make it easy for do-it- Refreshing a kitchen for less than $2,000 yourselfers to achieve this distinctive look. The stainless steel single-basin Vault models, and the double-basin Whitehaven enameled cast iron model, require no custom cabinetry -- only the removal of the false drawer front found beneath most traditional sinks. This makes these top-mount sinks ideal for homeowners looking to install a new sink that works with existing cabinetry and countertops for less than $1,000. Cabinets and countertops are major design elements, and can be costly to replace. It is often easier, and less costly, to refresh cabinets with a coat of paint or var- nish. Changing dated hardware for newer, more modern styles is also a simple, lowcost way to give cabinets a facelift. Laminate countertops that are scuffed, cracked, or scratched may need a new sheet of laminate, but new technologies make replacing this type of countertop easier than ever. If you have granite that has lost its luster due to staining, look into specialized cleaners that can restore its beauty. There are products that will even lift oil stains from granite. Remember that a fresh coat of paint will brighten the room, even if you are just repainting the same color. You can find excellent interior wall paints for as little as $25 a gallon at your local paint or hardware store and, unless you have an enormous kitchen, a gallon is usually enough to do the job. While painting, remember to include the ceiling and wood trim. You will be amazed at how much brighter the kitchen will look with fresh paint throughout. Adding something new to the kitchen -some element that didn’t exist before -- can enhance the cosmetic changes. For example, installing a backsplash is a simple way to introduce a new design element without spending a bundle. If you are working on the project yourself, ask your local hardware store for advice about installing different types of tile.