Upgrading Kitchen Will Add Value to My Richmond VA Home
Currently, I happen to be undergoing a kitchen addition at my own home right outside of the Fan District. Although I plan to remain in my home at least for several years after the completion of my kitchen addition and renovation, the process helps remind me what Richmond VA area home buyers really look for in a home.
Above is a work-in-progress photo of the foundation and joists in my kitchen addition project.
One thing that local home buyers tell me they like is a nicely updated kitchen. After all, who doesn't? Updated kitchens often boost functionality and the home's appeal to buyers. Also, they offer years of enjoyment for homeowners who, for example, may like more energy efficient appliances, updated cabinets and upgraded countertops.
Explore Energy Star as a Guide to Higher Energy Efficiency in Appliances
What is helping me in the process of my own kitchen addition and renovation is that energy effiency does make a difference. One way to measure energy efficiency is by ratings that an Energy Star label provides for a particular appliance. For example, it's amazing to see how much energy efficiency has been improving over the last decade, and I'll be so glad to see my old 18-year-old energy hog refrigerator to be replaced by a better and highly efficient one! Plus the Energy Star sticker really helps give a comparison of estimated annual energy cost---one of the major factors in my appliance decision process.
Besides getting a refrigerator, I also plan to purchase a new electric range, an over-the-range microwave and convection oven, and an energy efficient dishwasher. It really helps to do some comparison shopping before making final decisions on appliance purchases. One thing I've done is ask friends about their experiences at various local kitchen appliance stores. If you already have picked out a particular brand and model of appliance, remember to be consistent in making price comparisons between stores. It also may help to check the Consumer Reports ratings for a specific name brand and model of a major kitchen appliance. Plus, purchasing muliple major appliances can help boost total savings. I found that to be true in at least one Richmond VA home improvement store.
Above are the rough openings for a window and door already apparent in kitchen addition project.
Upgrading a Kitchen Can Mean Different Things to Different People
Upgrading a kitchen can mean different things to different people. Although my own home right outside the Fan District in Richmond VA is an actual kitchen addition to make a galley kitchen larger and more appealing, types of kitchen upgrades can vary widely. Some examples are: refacing cabinets, reconfiguring a kitchen, new cabinets, upgraded kitchen countertops, and of course, a kitchen addition to allow for more space for cabinet storage, appliances and counter space. According to an online article by This Old House, having an upgraded kitchen, depending on how it's done and the total cost, can offer one of the best returns on investment from a long list of home improvement choices. Plus, according an article in U.S. News & World Report by Daniel Bortz, prospective home buyers look first at the condition of kitchens versus attics, for example, when purchasing a home.
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Are you looking to buy or sell a home in the Richmond VA area that offers a beautiful kitchen with upgraded features? Call me today, and let's get started on your plans right away!
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