Spending at least $14,000 to remodel a Sacramento kitchen is not practical after all – especially when you have to make ends meet for your family.

Luckily, big-ticket spending on a complete kitchen makeover is not your only recourse. You can budget for minor renovations and go for green remodeling – a trend which accounted for 17 percent of last year’s overall residential construction activities.

Below are some eco-friendly and affordable ideas to get you started:

Tip 1: Maximize natural lighting.

By keeping your kitchen windows free from dark drapes and solid covers, you are able to save on power during the day.

Tip 2: Switch to energy-efficient bulbs.

Californiaphased out the 100W incandescent bulbs earlier than the rest of the nation’s January 2012 kickoff. Incandescent oldies easily get busted, making frequent replacements expensive.

Tip 3: Accessorize with native plants instead of purchasing synthetic décor.

A tiny pot of greens or flowers by the window sill can add interest to your kitchen and allow you to compost some food waste for fertilizer. Gardening enthusiasts hint that Chinese evergreens make great indoor décor since the plants also double as a dehumidifier.

Tip 4: Have contractors use lead-free paint.

Changing the wall color is one of the quickest and painless ways to pull of a Sacramento remodel masterpiece in your kitchen. The low to zero volatile organic compound content ensures that you and your family do not have to breathe in unhealthy air after the job.

Not all kitchen remodel Sacramento projects have to come at a steep price. Tell your favorite green home improvement contractor what your plans are. Chances are the pros can cook up something that’s nice and easy on your budget, your health, and your environment.

One of the very first things that real estate agents recommend is that you update your Sacramento kitchen. A remodel can reportedly increase the resale value of your unit and facilitate a higher return of investment.

The Remodeling Cost vs. Value Report for 2011 to 2012 however suggests that the picture isn’t that rosy. While you may not be able to recoup 100 percent of the amount you invested, kitchens that are renovated just right will allow you to dispose of your property more quickly with minimal losses on your end.

Minor versus Major Improvements

Now is actually the rare time when minor renovations pay off better than full makeovers. These days, minimal alterations on your space allow you to recoup 75.7 percent of your investment, compared to 63 percent for a complete kitchen remodel.

Note: If you had a hard time coming up with the money for the home improvement, chances are buyers will have a difficult time meeting your price too.

Simple versus Complex Designs

When you have reselling in mind, keeping things simple is still the best way to attract buyers. Neutral designs and fixtures not only come cheaper. They also allow second-home owners to redecorate the space easily and “erase” the previous occupant’s footprint.

Note: There are no rules against wacky kitchens so long as the space is safe, energy-efficient, and functional. For the most part though, extremely unique kitchens can be hard to dispose of. For a timeless kitchen remodel, try sticking to Sacramento grays, a clean look, and a transitional design.