Kitchen Remodel

Bringing your kitchen into the 21st century is less expensive than you think if you know which upgrades to invest in. With a little creativity, our experts can save you from unsightly laminate cabinets and Formica countertops without over-spending.

Just how expensive can it be? In order to compare cost, Remodeling magazine uses a 200-square-foot kitchen with 30 linear feet of cabinetry and countertops as the base for three kinds of kitchen remodels.

• Minor kitchen remodels include raised-panel wood doors, new hardware, a mid-priced sink and energy-efficient appliances. National average in 2007: $21,185.

• Major kitchen remodels include stainless-steel appliances, a 3-by-5-foot island, new flooring and custom lighting. National average in 2007: $55,503.

• Major-upscale kitchen remodels include custom cabinetry, high-end sinks, faucets, glass backsplashes and under-cabinet lighting. National average in 2007: $109,394.

If you're balking at even a minor kitchen remodel, here are five alternatives that won't have you spending five figures.

1. Paint, Paint, Paint

2. Add New Kitchen Hardware

3. Create or Invest in a New Backsplash

4. Creatively Upgrade Your Kitchen Floor
5. Light Up Your Kitchen

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