I absolutely agree with htsung. The 50mm f1.8 II has great optics. It's just a shame that they are contained in such a cheap, plastic housing.
A few years ago, despite my reservations regarding the construction, I purchased the 50mm f1.8 II as it was quite inexpensive and I knew the optics were good. Well, the initial pictures were very sharp — and that was on a full-frame camera — but I soon got spooked by how loose and plasticky everything felt. It felt like just the act of attaching and removing the lens could possibly damage it.
I don't consider myself to be a 'heavy' user, but after a few outings I decided to trade it in before it fell apart on me. I wound up getting the 50mm f1.4 which was definitely a step or two up in overall construction. Yes, it was a little more expensive, (but not unreasonably so) and a little larger and heavier, but the optical quality was just great (pretty much equal or better than the 1.8 II) and it was very quiet and decently-made. I should have bought the 1.4 in the first place, but I guess I had to learn for myself.
The 50mm f1.8 II has the best glass you're going to get for the money. No question. But that great glass won't do what it's supposed to if it's not held snugly in it's mount, exactly perpendicular to the sensor/image plain. —You did say that you'd like to move away from your 'kit' lens. Why go to another one?
Take what I've said for what it's worth to you. We all perceive things a little differently. Have fun with whatever choice you make.
Ken