Five low-cost kitchen upgrades that pay off

The kitchen is the focal point in many homes. It is also the room that draws the most comparisons for home shoppers.

Kitchen remodeling was up 36 percent last quarter compared with the same time a year earlier, according to the National Kitchen & Bath Association. Where did that cash go?

Here are five cost estimates for some of the low-cost kitchen upgrades that the National Association of Realtors and Lowe’s Hardware often recommend to sellers:

1. Hardware
Replacing cabinet hardware, such as handles, knobs, and hinges is a quick, do-it-yourself way to enhance kitchen space. According to HouseLogic.com, an average kitchen is 200 square feet with 30 linear feet of cabinetry, which equates to about 40 handles and knobs. Averaging between $2 and $20 per knob or pull, a home owner can expect to spend from $80 to $800 for this enhancement.

2. Faucet
There are a myriad of options today in terms of height, spouts, pullout hoses, and folding necks, with quality faucets starting at around $200.

3. Lighting
Adding an LED under cabinet light can have a dramatic effect for about $40.

4. Organization
Buyers today choose functionality over elaborate decoration, says Jamie Goldberg, a National Kitchen & Bath Association-certified designer. Practical storage in the kitchen will go a long way. Over-the-door hooks, baskets in the pantry, drawer organizers, wall hooks for pots and pans, and stackable shelves for cabinets will add appeal, typically for less than $100.

5. Countertops
Laminate can mimic the contemporary look of granite at a significant discount. The cost for an average kitchen with 30 linear feet of laminate countertop is roughly $1,575; the same space in granite would be about $2,400.