House flipping can be a large project to tackle and often involves  updates to every room in the home. One of the best rooms to upgrade for maximum resale or rental potential? The kitchen. For many people, this is the heart of the home and the place where many, if not all, meals are prepared and enjoyed. The good news for house flippers is that there are dozens of affordable and easy solutions to update this space.

As a seasoned house flipper, there’s one project that I continue to utilize in almost every home I upgrade. Kitchen cabinets! While many people may think that the only way to update this project is to buy and install new cabinets, there’s an easier, more affordable, and very satisfying way.

As you can see in the photos below, the improvement to the area is remarkable! But what’s similar about both photos?

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I’ve kept the same cabinets but restored them to a more appealing result. Want to know the three steps to my restoration?

  1. Deep Clean
  2. Paint the cabinets
  3. Add new Hardware

Deep Clean

The power of a deep clean can go a long, long, way. While this may be the task that nobody wants to tackle, it’s the first step and can’t be ignored. To clean: fill a bucket with hot, soapy water. I like to add Murphy’s oil or Simple Green to tackle kitchen grease. Take time to clean the cabinet fronts and backs, as well as the cabinet’s cavity.

Clean with lemons

Paint the Cabinets

Remember the photo above? The cabinets were a dingy and outdated faux-wood. By painting them a deeper and rich hue, they instantly look brand new and more inviting. Dark cabinetry is an excellent choice for a kitchen. The sophisticated hue warms up the room. If you haven’t painted cabinets before, I’d advice that you de-gloss, prime, and finish with a clear coat. Just remember to remove the existing hardware before you start. While you may wish to keep the hinges and knobs for future uses, you won’t need them for the remainder of this project.

Renovate with paint

Add New Hardware

This last step is the cherry on top. After your cabinets have dried, buy and install modern pulls and handles. This will be the detail that leaves your prospective buyers and renters impressed. You can visit any hardware store and decide which option is best suited for your current project.

Updating the cabinets in your kitchen rental or house can be a wonderful solution. Not only does it increase the value of the space but it makes the room feel larger and more beautiful. This project can easily be completed in a weekend and can be a great addition on your home improvement list.