Your kitchen is the center of your house-not only the place where you prepare food, but also where the family gathers and guests gravitate to be entertained.

Making it the most pleasant and convenient place you can is not only a lifestyle issue, but it also can be a financial boon. When you sell your home, a modern, attractive kitchen is one of the biggest factors in determining its value to buyers in Santa Cruz, California.

According to a study done by Remodeling magazine, a cosmetic kitchen remodeling job pays back more than any other home remodeling project. The average homeowner who sells a house within one year of updating the kitchen can expect to recoup 80 percent of the investment in the job.