Fixing up the Kitchen

1. Painting. Yes, we like the bright orange but it needs to be changed to a neutral tone -- the walls AND the cabinets.

2. Cabinets. These are the originals from around 1962. The wood isn't bad - I painted them a few years ago and changed the hardware because I was sick of looking at it - it's time to go back to the original wood or paint it a neutral color.

Even if selling, I won't invest a lot because the buyers will probably rip it all out and put in more modern cabinetry -- I would, too, if I were staying.

3. Countertops. OMG the countertops. Also originals from when I moved in, a hideous lineoleum I kept meaning to change when I changed the cabinetry.

But I never did the cabinet change -- the countertops MUST go before I sell. Look for yourself. I rest my case. Nothing fancy as again, I am sure the new owners will be ripping it out.

Even if renting - they need to be replaced.

4. Floor. What a story on the floors. Several years ago my first Daughter In Law was coming to visit - she's a neat person (she irons underwear, OK?).
The flooring I had was really awful, off green single sheet of lineoleum.

I took it upon myself to change it to these squares, which are really pretty. But I did a hasty and amateur (which is what I am) job. It needs to come out.

I'd like to put in hardwood flooring to match most of the rest of the house.

What I do if renting will depend on the cost ...

5. That awful cabinet. That used to be the island. I pulled it up and moved it when I was doing the flooring, because I wanted the dining area and the kitchen to be one area.. I hate feeling confined (that's why I put in a sliding door).

It has to go... the top isn't even fixed, it's just a sheet of wood set on the top. It can't go until I clean out the stuff inside, I use it for storage... has to go if renting because it could probably hurt somebody!

6. Garbage disposal - doesn't work. I am not going to bother replacing it, the new owners can. Renters may have to do without. Or ... I can wait til after it's rented and fix it then. I think the expense of fixing it would then be depreciatable.

7. Oven hood -- I'd like to replace it -- a small thing that could look nice.

8. Electrical wiring. This should probably be number one on my list -- a month ago the outlet used for the stove and microwave stopped working - there's a hillbilly extension cord run into the living room - if you want to use either item, you unplug the other. I don't think that's a good safety or selling feature, but electricians aren't cheap. Needs to get fixed ASAP, though - obviously whether renting or selling.

9. Pantry --
Whatever happens, the pantry needs to be cleaned out. Right now it's a storage room and is also home to the cat's food and litter box (charming, eh?).

If selling, I would love to change this to a second bath. It's tiny -- maybe 6 x 6 if that - but that's the size of my other bath.

One wall goes to the Master bedroom - so the plan would be to close the kitchen opening, and make it a Master bedroom bathroom. Tiny, yes, but private.

The main bath only has a shower, so this one could have a bath and shower, plus of course a vanity/sink and toilet. It's also next to the main bath and has the tubes because it used to have the washing machine in there... so it is doable.