5 Tips To Update Your Kitchen
The kitchen, no matter how big or small is where everyone ends up gathering. It’s a very important room in every home. Presenting your kitchen in the best light possible is imperative, you want buyers to imagine themselves there and feel invited.
Complete these 5 tips in order to see the highest return on your investment.
Kitchen Cabinets
The cabinets are a big part of every kitchen and they can really impact a buyer’s opinion. Sometimes painting cabinets is an option but, this isn’t as easy as it sounds and has to be done carefully. If your cabinets have doors that aren’t functioning properly or if they’ve already been painted over this might not be an option.
If your cabinets are laminate they should not be painted over. There are companies that specialize in re-facing laminate cabinet doors and this is a great way to create a new look without fully replacing your cabinets altogether. If your cabinets need attention in the form of painting, re-facing, or replacement but, it’s not an option financially your home should be priced accordingly to account for their age along with their condition. If you want to get top dollar for your home updating the cabinets will help you achieve your goal.
Kitchen Counters
Take a look at your kitchen counters and determine if they need to be updated. Maybe they’re laminate or ceramic tile and give your kitchen an outdated look or maybe they’re just worn out in general.
All we’ve heard for years is granite, granite, granite but, granite takes a lot of maintenance. It’s porous and has to be sealed regularly, a task many homeowners don’t do at all or nearly enough. Years of neglect will leave granite looking dull and it is possible for stains to occur if not cleaned up quickly. If you’re going to replace your countertops check into Quartz, it is not a porous product and has become very popular. I prefer Quartz over granite, low maintenance and still looks very natural. Replacing counters in the kitchen is an affordable option to make it stand out to buyers.
Kitchen Appliances
This can, in my opinion, be a tricky one. Stainless steel is still sought after in my market and there are buyers who specifically want a home with stainless steel appliances. It’s also one that I tell buyers not to get hung up on because appliances are super easy to replace. For my sellers, if you are planning on selling your home soon and all of your appliances are fully functional I don’t recommend replacing them. If they’re ancient or don’t go well together (i.e. every appliance is a different color) that’s a different story and something I evaluate on a case by case basis. If you do opt to replace your appliances prior to putting your home on the market I don’t recommend going the high-end route because you won’t see a strong ROI.
Paint
Kitchens see a lot of activity and it’s easy for the paint to get stained, chipped, and just plain worn out looking. Paint is another budget-friendly way to give your kitchen (and the rest of your house for that matter) a fresh feeling. Kitchens are tedious to paint because of all the brushwork they require but, if you’ve got a little experience painting and some patience it’s a great way to see a solid ROI.
Don’t forget to look at the baseboards, they will need painting too but, also may need to be replaced depending on how much wear and tear has occurred. Paint the ceiling as well, paint on kitchen ceilings tends to deteriorate faster than other rooms in your home. Moisture, oils, and evaporation over time leave them stained and dull. Painting is one of the best investments you can make to give your kitchen a fresh and clean look.
Lighting
Lighting is another great way to give your kitchen a warm and welcoming feel without spending a fortune. Adding recessed lighting or pendant lights over your island will complement your kitchen. Above or under cabinet lighting is another option, both ensure there aren’t any dark spaces and are a nice added detail. I still see a lot of homes with one large rectangle fluorescent light in the kitchen and it gives off a dated vibe from the minute I walk in. For a nominal fee updating your kitchen lighting will do wonders for how it feels and looks.
If you are thinking about moving soon look at your kitchen and consider what should be updated or replaced. A great agent will be able to help you with your decision. It’s no secret that buyers love updated kitchens and there are some easy ways to make yours shine. Don’t forget cleaning – not just a once over. Deep cleaning your kitchen is a must before hitting the market. Clean the cabinets and drawers both inside and out. If they’re overflowing be sure to de-clutter. Buyers will be opening them and you want them to be organized. Clean the appliances inside and out as well. Think the way potential buyers are going to think when looking at your kitchen and make any necessary changes, all of your preparation will pay off when your home goes on the market.
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