If you are thinking of redoing your kitchen you'll be happy to know that it is a sound investment. A good kitchen reno can add up to ten per cent to the total value of your home, and if the renovation is done well you should recover the costs when it comes time to sell. Not only that ? you can expect your home to sell faster with a new look.

That said, you don't want to undertake this job haphazardly: the key to a successful renovation is in the planning. Do your research before you begin ? this will save you a lot of inconvenience in the long run. Start by making a budget. Be realistic in what you can afford and expect to run over at least a little.

There are several elements to consider when redoing your kitchen. You may not need to do all of them ? sometimes a few smaller changes will give your room a facelift without the excessive costs of complete reno. If you're on a budget consider inexpensive ways to update your kitchen. Sometimes a fresh coat of paint can do wonders, and online design tools will allow you to experiment with color combinations before you commit yourself.

New cabinets can be an expensive but beautiful addition to your cooking space (costing several thousand dollars, especially for custom woodwork). If finances are tight, a DIY paint job can add new life to cabinetry. It may be possible to resurface the existing cabinets. Have glass panels inserted in the doors for a change, or remove some doors altogether (this works especially well when paired with interesting dishes or various grains and legumes displayed in glass jars). Update the lighting fixtures. Other easy ways to freshen a room on the cheap include changing the cabinetry hardware or the kitchen facet. But again ? consider your budget. Don't break the bank on pricey fixtures, especially if it means cutting in areas that may make a bigger difference to the overall appearance of the room.

There are so many options for countertops ? for budget jobs, you may be limited to laminate, but today's laminate can be very attractive. Another DIY option is to tile over the existing counter tops. You can find instructions for this project on the internet or in home-improvement manuals. If you are not a handy person, you may need to hire a professional tile-setter. If you have more to spend there are endless choices including steel or concrete (for a super modern look), stone, granite and wood. These all have different selling features and drawbacks based on a number of variables including resistance to stain, heat and odor, as well as price and maintenance requirements.

The biggest costs, which may well be out of reach for those on a budget, are new appliances and structural changes. When choosing new appliances remember the additional cost of operating them ? you can save in the long run by opting for energy efficient models.

If you are planning structural changes you will probably want to enlist the services of a professional unless you are really handy. For bigger jobs you should get at least three different quotes and always ask for references. Check the references before hiring anyone and lay out the terms of the job in writing before beginning the work. With any major reno you can expect to be without a working kitchen for a week or two to month or more. Planning for this can make the transition smoother ? choose to do renos in the summer time when you can take a vacation, go camping, or BBQ outside.

Renovating can be a lot of work, but when it's all over and you are enjoying your new space you'll be glad you did it. And when it comes time to sell, you'll enjoy the financial benefits.