Remodeling a kitchen may sound like a big, expensive project. But the truth is that there are ways to breathe new life into an old kitchen without spending much money.
"A kitchen remodel can be done on any budget," says Lowe's spokeswoman Jaclyn Pardini. "The secret to success lies in careful planning. Conduct research ahead of time, find your inspirations, and know which projects you can complete yourself and which ones you'll leave for an expert."
Naturally, there are limits to what you can do on a budget. But many home-remodeling experts stress that moderately handy homeowners with just a little cash to spend can make a big difference in their kitchen. And if the work looks good, you're adding equity to your home, according Erin Davis, lead designer for Mosaik Design & Remodeling in Portland, Ore.
Here are some kitchen remodeling projects that cost $500 or less.
1. Spruce up walls with fresh coat of paint. 2. Freshen up cabinets by adding or replacing hardware or get more involved and paint them. 3. Give the kitchen sink a makeover with a new faucet. 4. Update the lighting. 5. Add a backsplash. 6. Install more storage.