While Realtors have differing opinions on the amount of value added, most think kitchen remodeling is a definite plus, especially for homes in the higher end of the market.

"A kitchen remodel adds a lot of value. I'd say you could double the value of the cost. So if you put $100,000 in the kitchen you could possibly get an additional $100,000 in return. It enhances the overall desirability of a home, and additional square footage adds true value," said Chuck Nunnally of Alain Pinel Realtors in Los Gatos.

Nunnally said buyers expect a quality kitchen in an upper-end home and are willing to pay more for a home that has been remodeled. "To live through a kitchen remodel can be extremely difficult. Thus to find a home with a cool kitchen, one with all the bells and whistles—well, that's a hot commodity," he said.

When remodeling the kitchen, Nunnally said, it's important to select the highest-quality features the homeowner can afford.

"You've got to have the best appliances. Don't cut corners or use cheap finishes and hardware. People know the cheap stuff. Granite is the number-one finish for counters, and custom wood cabinets like cherry and ash are popular," said Nunnally.

While some people may have gone over the top when remodeling during the tech boom, Nunnally points out that quality builders are still spending money on kitchens because it is the focal point of a home. He remembers that his Sicilian grandmother had a porcelain plaque hanging on her kitchen wall that said, "No matter where I serve my guests, it seems they like my kitchen best."

"We had many a great meal in her wonderful big kitchen. Today, it's the splash with wood floors, high ceilings, big slab granite counters, dual sinks and dishwashers and the sub-zero fridge," said Nunnally, who added, "But can they cook?"

Whether the kitchen is for cooking or not, Margot Lockwood of Coldwell Banker in Woodside said a remodeled kitchen can add value. In her opinion, the house's potential selling price should be one of the main factors in determining a kitchen remodel budget.

"The kitchen remodel is probably the only remodel that might be of value," said Lockwood. "I have remodeled two houses in the last two years and sold one last year myself. I do think you get the cost back from construction for kitchens, but anything else is questionable. It was very interesting listening to the comments from buyers."

Lockwood said that some buyers expected slab granite in a house for $900,000 instead of granite tiles, for instance. "In the best areas there is no limit to the expense of the appliances. In the $2 million price range you need sub-zero refrigerators and the high-end appliances. In areas where homes are priced under $1 million, you can get away with putting in lesser quality, perhaps stainless steel that looks like it's state of the art," she said.

People seem to be interested in remodeling their kitchens in spite of the dip in the economy. Roya Navid, owner of Kitchens of Los Gatos, said her showroom on Main Street has been busy with customers who want to remodel.

"Everybody wants to stay where they are and make improvements. There is also a lot of new construction in the area," said Navid, who finds the "Old World" look a popular trend in today's kitchens.

"The brand-new 'old kitchen' is in. Glazing, the distressed look, and always the traditional cherry or even the white kitchen is popular. It depends on the style of the home," said Navid.

It can also depend on the tastes and style of the individual homeowner. That's why Roz McIntyre, a broker with Bugati Royale in Sunnyvale, recommends homeowners consider the resale factor when remodeling.

"I tell my clients that if they expect to get 75 percent to 80 percent of their remodeling investment back, it is important to do the remodeling not just to suit themselves. They need to think about what others would like in terms of style and quality. Most buyers would rather get a better price on the house and remodel themselves," said McIntyre.

How much to spend and what to remodel are important questions homeowners need to ask. If a homeowner is planning to live in a home for 10 years or more, the National Association of the Remodeling Industry advises spending as much as can be budgeted on the remodeling project. However, if plans might include a move within three years, remodeling should be limited to keep in line with the average home sale price in the neighborhood. The association also confirms that kitchen remodeling can increase resale value, although there is no specific formula for a dollar to dollar return on a remodeling investment.

Before beginning a remodeling project, it's wise to consult professionals to understand all the issues. Budget, appliance choices, style matters, contractors, timing and inconvenience are just a few of the factors involved in a remodel. For tips on getting a remodeling project started, check out the National Association of the Remodeling Industry website at www.nari.org.

Ultimately, the resale value of a home depends on the current market status. A professional Realtor who knows the local neighborhood market is a good resource for determining how much a kitchen remodel is worth when it's time to sell. For a listing of local Realtors, check out the Silicon Valley Association of Realtors website at www.silvar.org.