An updated kitchen can go a long way towards increasing the value of your home. Even if you don’t have the money for a complete kitchen renovation, there are still many improvements you can make that will increase your home’s value. Organize it, make it seem larger or brighten it up! Whatever it needs could be just a few ideas away. Your family probably spends the most time in your kitchen. Because of that, wear and tear is usually prevalent in the kitchen. Many homeowners determine whether they should remodel their kitchens based on whether their cabinets are worn, their appliances are dated or their countertops are crackled. But there are other reasons, more important than cosmetic, why a kitchen needs to be remodeled. Here are a few suggestions to look for in your kitchen.
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- Before – YIKES!
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- After – AHHH!
Not Enough Space
If it’s not the space but the clutter that’s the problem, larger cabinets or deeper drawers will increase storage so you can reclaim your counters. If your counters are covered with appliances, utensils, and food, you need an upgrade. Ideally, your counters should always be clutter-free, and everything should have an easily accessible place. Adding more counter space doesn’t have to mean tearing down walls and rehauling the layout. If your floor plan allows, installing an island is a great and relatively simple way to add counter space. When replacing a countertop or changing the shape of your kitchen, keep in mind that a total of 158 inches of countertop frontage, 24 inches deep with at least 15 inches of clearance above, is needed to accommodate all uses, including preparation, work area, and storage.
Outdated Appliances
Outdated appliances are usually less attractive and drain more energy than newer models on the market. Have they been there since you moved into your home?? Or maybe they came with the purchase decades ago. When you do upgrade, consult a professional electrician to make sure everything is wired properly and up to code. Technological advances in dishwashers, disposals, and refrigerators could save you a considerable amount of money and may be well worth the investment. For example, buying a dishwasher with low energy consumption, delay timer, and economy cycle or half-load button will save both water and money.
Backsplash
An updated backsplash is a quick and easy investment to add visual value to your home. These days you needn’t carefully plan a tile pattern; in fact, you shouldn’t if you are simply trying to update your home for selling — leave those intricate details to the new owners. Do add some backsplash tiles that coordinate with your kitchen’s theme. These are usually large adhesive tiles that emulate other finishes, such as stone, wood, or pressed tin or copper. A newly finished backsplash ties a room together.
Wear and Tear
Nobody expects your kitchen to stay in like-new condition forever, but damage beyond normal wear and tear needs addressing. Think about the amount of traffic a busy kitchen encounters — the constant flow of traffic as folks grab food and drink from the refrigerator, the preparation and cooking of daily meals, the washing and storing of dishes, the final steps trod after a visit to the grocery store, and much more. Look for water damage from a leaking fridge or dishwasher which can cause mold on and underneath the flooring. Check for peeling on the countertops, floors, and walls, depending on the materials. It may be wise to consider a newer countertop made from a durable material like granite. A new floor may also be a good investment. If you’re most interested in durability paired with attractiveness, it’s hard to beat ceramic and porcelain floor tiles for kitchens. They’re made to be waterproof, hard, easy to clean, and unstainable.
Unorganized Kitchen
Plan a place for everything. There is a lot to be said for precise planning when thinking about organizing cabinets. If you have a home for everything in a drawer or pullout, then there’s really no reason to leave much on the counter. Do you look forward to cooking or dread the time commitment? How much time is actually spent on food prep versus searching for the right utensils, appliances, and dishware? A disorganized kitchen makes it difficult to find anything, which can cause anxiety over cooking and render your kitchen useless. A fresh design and organization is a worthy investment to get you eating in your own home again and enjoying the cooking process.
Planning to Sell
Saving for your new home is often the priority when moving. But upgrading your current kitchen before you go is an investment that may very well pay for itself. Home shoppers often gravitate first toward the kitchen. So, if you’ve been having trouble selling your home and the kitchen’s outdated — that could be the reason. Buyers are usually more interested in move-in ready homes that require little or no remodeling. A more appealing, upgraded kitchen can be a motivating factor for buyers, hopefully resulting in less time on the market and a better selling price.
Conclusion
Your kitchen is likely the most loved room in your home — and the wear and tear proves it. It’s the hangout for hungry teenagers, the conversation station during the holidays, and the catch-up room after a busy workday. A functional and appealing kitchen is important not only for your family but for your guests, and your potential buyer. After all, a delicious meal is only so appealing in a messy cluttered and outdated kitchen.
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Tom Reese has 20+ years experience in helping his clients sell their homes for a price that sells and makes them a profit. Tom has helped his clients buy and sell property in every neighborhood in Northern Kentucky and Cincinnati.
About Tom Reese
Helping my clients attain their dreams has been the foundation of my success. With my strong attention to customer service, I have earned my clients continued support and referrals. Put my enthusiasm and dedication to work for you!
Call Tom anytime at (859) 393-1293
Tom may be new to rapping but he’s not new to real estate!