Besides impressing your friends and family, or making the space more comfortable, remodeling your kitchen does indeed increase the home’s market value whether or not you plan on selling it.
It should come as no surprise that buyers are willing to shell out more cash for properties with nice, upgraded kitchens.
However, not all kinds of kitchen remodeling projects are guaranteed to do this, so you have to make the right moves to ensure you reap the benefit of this investment.
6 Kitchen Upgrades That Add the Most Value to Your Home
As mentioned, it’s not automatic for a kitchen remodeling project to translate to a higher appraisal of your house.
The key is picking the right upgrade to appeal to the widest range of future buyers possible.
Here are six of the most value-adding projects you can consider.
1. New Cabinets
If you’re looking for an obvious way to update your kitchen, new cabinetry is a great option because it adds instant curb appeal to the room.
There’s nothing like new cabinets to give an old house a fresh new look.
The only downside is that this might also take a significant chunk of your remodeling budget.
2. New countertops
Countertops are often the first thing buyers notice when they step into a home.
Although pricey, natural stone options like granite, and marble are some of the most popular among homeowners right now.
But if budget is an issue, you can always go for more cost-effective options like polished concrete that are equally appealing.
3. Updated Lighting
Updating lighting in the kitchen can instantly change its mood without costing you too much.
If you have fluorescent lights or dimmer switches, they can make an immediate impact on how bright and inviting your space feels.
Smart light switches that can be manipulated by voice or via your phone are also interesting options you can explore.
4. Upgraded Flooring
The flooring in your kitchen is probably one of your biggest styling tools as it can help tie together all of your other design elements and make them feel cohesive.
Needless to say, you need to choose a flooring material and design carefully to make sure the kitchen elements are truly in harmony.
The flooring in most kitchens is usually made from laminate or vinyl which isn’t very attractive or durable.
If you want to give your kitchen an instant makeover, consider installing tile or ceramic flooring instead.
Not only will it look beautiful and modern, but it will also prevent water damage by making sure that moisture stays away from the baseboards and walls behind the cabinets.
5. New Backsplash
Are you sick of doing the dishes while staring at an outdated backsplash with yellowish grout?
Think about replacing a backsplash with contemporary glass, mosaic, or timeless white subway tiles, which are always in fashion.
It is now available in a variety of sizes and shapes, and for a modern and contemporary aesthetic, it can be set in a herringbone or soldiered layout.
Also, you and prospective buyers will see the kitchen as being larger and brighter thanks to its neutral colors.
6. New Appliances
Ever so often, the first item on any homeowner’s wish list is new appliances.
Whether you’re looking for a sleek stainless steel refrigerator or a cutting-edge induction stovetop, there are plenty of options available at all price points.
The most important thing?
Make sure the appliances match your existing cabinetry and countertops so they blend seamlessly into your kitchen design scheme.
It is also important to consider the specifications and the features of the appliances you intend to buy.
Some of these features are genuinely useful while others are absolute gimmicks that nobody really cares about.
Furthermore, when choosing a new set of appliances, always go for models with energy-efficient technologies.
What should you not do in a kitchen remodel?
Before you begin any type of kitchen renovation, there are some things that you want to avoid.
Don’t use cheap materials.
The quality of the materials used in your kitchen will have an impact on its appearance and functionality for years to come.
Make sure that they are durable and high quality so they last longer than expected.
Don’t keep aisles too narrow.
A narrow aisle between counters can make it hard to work in your space.
When designing your new kitchen layout, make sure that there’s enough room for people to pass through without bumping into each other or getting caught on things like drawers or cabinet doors.
Remember, your kitchen is more than just for cooking; it’s for get-togethers too.
Don’t put beauty before function.
Don’t let your desire for a gorgeous new kitchen get in the way of what’s really important – making sure it meets all your family’s needs.
If you’re planning on selling soon, remember that buyers want kitchens they can be comfortable in – not just pretty cabinetry and countertops like a luxury kitchen.
Don’t forget storage space.
You don’t have to be an experienced chef to need a lot of storage space in your kitchen.
Even if you’re not a foodie, there are plenty of other things that need storing – from dishware to cleaning products.
If you’re short on storage space now, plan for more cabinets or drawers before getting started on any other aspect of the project.
If you don’t plan for storage, that beautiful countertop or stunning kitchen island surface will soon be littered with different products and kitchen tools.
Don’t overcrowd.
There are some things that are hard to alter after they’re done.
For example, if you’ve got a lot of cabinets, you might regret it when you crave a more open feel afterward.
It’s easy to get carried away when designing your dream kitchen layout.
But remember that if you go overboard on features or appliances, it could make your kitchen feel cramped and cluttered.
A well-designed kitchen should feel spacious without being empty or underutilized.
Don’t make hasty design decisions.
If you’re thinking about remodeling your kitchen, take the time to think through your design choices carefully.
Don’t rush into anything.
A poor design decision can be costly and may even make it harder for you to sell your home later on.
A home improvement project like this one is not in any way cheap, so take your time and don’t make any rash decisions.
Don’t make kitchen remodeling a DIY endeavor.
You may be tempted to do it yourself for the savings, but unless you have experience with various facets of kitchen remodeling like plumbing and electrical work, it’s best to leave this kind of project up to professionals.
Many parts of the job require licenses or certifications that only professionals have obtained through education and experience.
They also have access to tools that would cost you thousands of dollars if you had to purchase them yourself.
Does A Kitchen Remodel Increase Home Value? – Conclusion
So do kitchen remodels add value to a home? Definitely.
In an ideal world, all types of kitchen remodel would have a universally positive effect on a home’s value, but by now you know that there are also things that can limit this.
To ensure that you get the most out of this home improvement project, make sure to do your homework, plan meticulously, and employ the help of a qualified home improvement contractor to make your dream kitchen renovation a reality.