A professional working in home improvements will likely tell you that if you are considering selling your property, the standard of the kitchen can make or break a sale. Here are a few ideas of ways you can improve your kitchen and add long term value, especially if you are to benefit from the renovation personally.

Quality materials work best

If you have ever experienced drawers that won't slide properly or hinges that won't let you open a cabinet door, you will know that choosing to go with better quality kitchen furniture can reduce the stress in your life. If you are able to, you should stay clear of particleboard for drawers and corners that are stapled together. You will always find that a good wood veneer is far more hard-wearing than laminates, MDF, melamine or the unpleasant particleboard, but it is all down to your budget and making it stretch as far as you can.

If you want to choose stained wood finishes on your cabinets, you should be aware that the finish can date relatively quickly. If you choose a brush painted finish, you will see a longer lasting effect that looks new.

Which cabinet height suits you best?

If your floor to ceiling height is around eight feet, you should consider choosing cabinets that go all the way to the ceiling to maximise your storage space. If your ceiling is more than eight feet, it might be best to leave one to one and a half feet above the cabinets, because you won't be able to reach the heights required to take items out of your storage space without a ladder. Those 12 to 18 inches provide the optimum recommendation for space to relocate those kitchen items you rarely use.

Choose your home renovations for the best island

If you have watched those million dollar home programs on television, one common item links the entire range you see; they all have an island to provide extra working space in your kitchen. There's no point having a large open kitchen that doesn't serve you as well as it could.

The island should not be too large to make passing around it difficult, especially in a hot food environment that might include children as occupants or guests. The more open an island is the more effective and useful it can become for you. The overall impact of your kitchen will be better if you don't stock the island with appliances, but some people have a preference for working only at the island and only you will know what works best for you. Some people place their cook top here, while others just require an open space.

Keep the maintenance easy

If you don't overdo the plaster mouldings, the cabinet fronts and the excess decorative detail, dust and dirt won't find such an easy regular home. You will need to balance the use of natural surfaces which can be difficult to clean, but hide a crumb or two. At the other extreme white laminates or floors might be easier to clean, but they will show every mark. Stainless steel, often a favourite requested of experts in home additions, isn't easy to keep free of smudges but brushed stainless steel is a bit more forgiving.

If you're interested in maximising your kitchen space and want to upgrade your home's appeal for real estate staging, investing in a new or upgraded kitchen could be a great idea. Talk to a local home renovation specialist about your options.