Kitchens - Home improvements increase your home enjoyment, but they also affect your home's value - kitchen renovations can yield a 75-100% return on investment at resale*. These tips will help you plan for your kitchen improvement needs with a focus on resale value:

Function - Determine optimal requirements for storage, food preparation, cooking, eating, entertaining and clean up.

Space - Consider altering the current layout for improved ergonomics, particularly before moving walls to enlarage space.

Cabinets & Counters - Understand the benefits of re-facing or choose durable and easy-to-clean replacement materials in a neutral colour and comtemporary style.

Flooring - Consider durable and easy-to-clean neutral-coloured options in wood, laminate, linoleum, ceramic, stone or porcelain tile.

Plumbing & Fixtures - Replace older galvanized steel or lead pipes and choose low-flow fixtures in a finish that compliments cabinets and counters.

Electrical - Determine if more electrical circuits and outlets are required for a growing range of appliances, ensuring outlets near sinks have ground fault circuit interrupters.

Lighting - Balance ceiling, cabinetry and countertop lighting for the right mix of energy-efficient ambient and task lighting.

Appliances - Choose energy-efficient replacements in a uniform colour and style that compliment cabinets and counters.

Ventilation - Take the opportunity to increase insulation, seal air leaks, and add a more powerful exhaust fan, if required.

Accents & Decor - Apply neutral paint and accessory colours that compliment cabinets and counters and keep decorative items to minimum to avoid clutter.

Interview at least three contractors, ensuring they are licensed, insured and agreeable to obtaining and required permits. Depending on the style and quality of materials and installation, your kitchen improvement has a minimum life expectancy of 15 years.

*Appraisal Institute of Canada Home Renovation Survey