You don’t have to completely tear out your old kitchen to give it a new look. If you’re on a tight budget, or are planning to leave in a few years and simply want to up the resale value, focus on making small but significant changes. You can save big by doing all or most of the work yourself. It may take you a bit longer than a pro, but the savings are notable: A contractor might charge you $500 to paint your kitchen, but you can do it for about $100, including materials. Or divvy up the jobs and save the more difficult ones for a pro and complete the basic ones yourself. In general, a simple update also takes a lot less time—you could be enjoying your refreshed kitchen in just a week's work-time. Here's what to expect if you go this route.