CHARLOTTE – As you look ahead to a new year of possibilities, you may have created a few resolutions or vision boards. It’s a great idea to take this approach with your home, too!

To keep your home updated and working well in the new year, just follow these simple steps to see if your kitchen should be out with the old and in with the new.

1. Scan your cabinets, countertops, and backsplash. Normal wear and tear should be addressed to stop further deterioration. Backsplashes near cooktops should be cleaned professionally annually—or more if your backsplash is a daily recipient of food and oil debris from cooking. Taking care of your backsplash helps it last longer and look new.
2. Are there cracks in your floor, are tiles broken, or are wood/laminate boards lifting? Normal use, as well as the settling of a house, can cause grout lines to become uneven or tiles to crack. Wood planks might lift in some spots. A home improvement professional can look at the problem to let you know if it’s an easy fix (replace a tile or two or a plank), or if there’s something bigger going on (subfloor has issues).
3. If your budget allows, you may opt for cabinet painting or new cabinets, an upgraded backsplash, new countertops, or better appliances. Quick kitchen upgrades include: a new backsplash, upgraded cabinet hardware, or a more modern faucet. From simple and relatively inexpensive, to a complete overhaul for a new look in the year, a local contractor can help keep your home in top shape.