The best way to improve a home you are looking to sell is with a kitchen remodel. As the most used room in your home, this will provide the biggest return on investment. Here are some ways to determine what upgrades will have the most impact when it comes time to sell your property.
Kitchen Remodel Goals
What is your goal in upgrading your kitchen? There are a few things to consider when making upgrades, the first being whether you are going to use your kitchen regularly before you sell the home. This could affect the appliances you choose or the layout of the space.
Another thing to think about when planning a remodel is how to make the kitchen appealing to a wide range of buyers. Because the kitchen is the most frequently used room in the home, it should be attractive, comfortable, and functional.
Take a Look at your Neighborhood
When you are planning a remodel, begin with a look at comparables in your neighborhood to make sure it’s a worthwhile expense. Know how much your home is worth and the potential value it could gain with a kitchen remodel.
If your home is appraised at $350,000 before the upgrade, but the average cost of a home in your neighborhood is $295,000, the return on investment to do a total renovation likely won’t be worth the effort. If this is the case, look at some less expensive kitchen improvements.
What Repairs are Needed?
When you are thinking about remodeling your kitchen before listing your home, look around the property to see what other repairs are needed. If you have a high-end kitchen, but the home needs additional work, you will probably not get the return on investment that you hoped for with your remodel.
Plan your budget for improvements carefully. If you’re ready to invest a lot in a kitchen upgrade, make sure you take the time to fix smaller issues. Repair the bathroom faucet that drips, replace the stained carpet in the guest bedroom, and repaint the faded front door.
Choose a Classic Style for Your Kitchen Remodel
While it may be tempting to complete your renovation in a style that suits your own needs, if you are hoping to sell your home, choose colors and features that attract a wide range of homebuyers. Generally, you should stick to neutral colors for the space.
Best Kitchen Remodel Options
When upgrading a kitchen, choose projects that are popular with buyers. You’ll make your space more attractive and increase the overall value of the home. Some of the best choices for your kitchen are listed below.
- New countertops are popular with any buyer. Choose quartz countertops, which are actually an engineered stone, for an inexpensive, durable, and high-end finish.
- Install ENERGY STAR® appliances. Buyers will appreciate knowing they’ll save money on the utility bills with newer, energy-efficient machines.
- Add an island. A kitchen island provides more space for food preparation, storage, and gathering, which makes the kitchen more functional.
- Paint the kitchen. Even if you’ve only lived in the home for a short time, the kitchen walls will get dingy. Cooking, grease, and food particles will take a toll on the walls. Choose a neutral tone to appeal to potential buyers.
Before listing your home for sale, it’s smart to make some upgrades so that the property attracts more buyers. Spend time learning about the value of your home so you can budget thoughtfully and get the best return on investment.
Premier Home & Building Inspections provides home inspection services to Eastern Connecticut, Rhode Island, and Massachusetts. If you’re selling your home, contact us to book an appointment.