When remodeling your kitchen, it's a good idea to think about the return on your investment (ROI), whether you intend to sell your home or not. Making strategic updates will put you in a position to not only enjoy your kitchen, but to get more for your money if you do end up selling your home down the road. And if you already know that selling your home is in your future, it just makes sense to make smart updates that give you more bang for your buck.
Without a crystal ball to predict your home's future, you can't be certain how much you'll get back from each investment. Certainly, the value of your home, the homes in the neighborhood, the housing market, the quality of the remodel, and more will factor into your ROI. But these updates are often a safe bet.
Countertops
The look and quality of your countertops can make or break your kitchen. Expensive appliances and quality cabinets next to unattractive laminate countertops won't impress anyone. Granite is the countertop of choice for most homeowners. In fact, a Zillow Digs report found that listings that mentioned granite sold for 4.1 percent more than homeowners originally expected. That's a powerful material!
Appliances
Unless you're a gourmet cook and plan on staying in your home for several more years, forego the professional-grade appliance models, and instead opt for high-quality appliances that will appeal to a wide audience. A high-quality older model is almost always better than a newer, but low-quality, model. Stainless steel is a popular look, and energy-efficient appliances are always a good idea.
Cabinets
Modern, updated, attractive cabinets make a big statement, while shabby, neglected, outdated cabinets are a major turnoff. Often, you can get beautiful results by refacing or repainting your cabinets. This is less expensive than replacement, but still pays off in the end.
Small Improvements
Sometimes, it's smarter to think small. While a completely renovated kitchen might be your desire, it probably won't pay off in the end. Think about little details that can make big impacts -- a new kitchen faucet, new drawer pulls, and better lighting don't cost much money, but they can make a big impact.
Lighting
One statement lighting piece may look snazzy, but if it doesn't adequately light your kitchen (and it's a good guess that one light isn't enough), it won't be attractive enough to potential home buyers. Instead, think of strategic lighting. Place it in work spaces, under cabinets, and more. Install a dimmer switch as well.
Color Scheme
Stick to a neutral, attractive color scheme for your cabinets, countertops, floors, and more. Avoid extremes in colors, and stay away from busy patterns. You want to appeal to the widest group of people possible.
Avoid Custom Items
You may love your built-in coffee machine or under-sink refrigerator, but it isn't going to appeal to potential home buyers in the way it appeals to you. If you intend to stay in your home for a few years, go ahead and splurge on custom items you'll love. But if not, skip them.
New Life Bath and Kitchen can help you create the kitchen of your dreams, or work with you to make smart upgrades for a great ROI. Give us a call at (805) 639-5433, or contact us online to set up a free consultation.