Crucial Kitchen Renovation Upgrades for Increased Home Value

Want to add value to your home?

Every homeowner dreams of the day their home value skyrockets. There’s one room, though, that has the greatest return on investment. That room is the kitchen.

The problem

Homeowners are wasting thousands of pounds on renovations that won’t return value. They do the wrong upgrades and have a beautiful kitchen that buyers don’t care about.

However, if you can have the right kitchen renovation services done, you can improve the marketability of your home and make serious cash back in your pocket when it’s time to sell.

In this article, we will be looking at:

• Why should you renovate your kitchen?
• The best upgrades to add real value
• How to avoid making mistakes when renovating your kitchen
• How to budget smartly to get the maximum out of your renovations

Why should you renovate your kitchen?

Kitchen renovation services can add incredible value to your home.

Why? Because 80% of homebuyers say the kitchen is one of the three most important rooms in a house.

That’s huge. Just think how much power that gives you when it comes to selling time. Buyers don’t just look at kitchens, they make buying decisions based on them.

Here’s another good bit of news…

In many cases when homeowners look to have major renovations done they need a kitchen fitter who knows what’s trending in the design world, but also knows about practical functionality. A professional can direct you as to which renovations will get you the best returns, and which may well be costly mistakes and reduce your property value.

Kitchen renovations are great when you want financial returns too. A good kitchen remodel can add between £26,000 to over £60,000 to your home. Even better, minor kitchen remodels yield a 96% ROI on average.

This means you can get back nearly all the money you spend.

Compare this to other home improvements and you will see why clever homeowners are putting more effort into kitchen upgrades. Bathrooms, gardens, even extensions and loft conversions rarely return these types of value.

The best upgrades to really add value

There are some kitchen renovations that work and some that don’t.

We’re going to talk to you about the ones that work. What to spend your money on, so it doesn’t go down the drain.

Cabinet Refinishing & Updates

When it comes to getting the best for your buck. Cabinet upgrades are where the smart homeowners start. Replacing old cabinets completely can be costly. However, just a simple refinishing or repainting on your existing ones is just as good.

A lick of paint changes old and tired cabinets into modern showpieces. Throw in some new hardware, handles and hinges, and buyers will think you have installed brand new units. The best bit is that this costs a fraction of replacement, and yet it still has a similar visual impact.

If you are going to be replacing the cabinet fronts then consider shaker doors. Timeless, broad buyer appeal and always in style. Avoid being trendy with your colors or styles that will go out of style within a few years.

Countertop Replacements

Countertops are the first things most people look at when they walk into a kitchen.

Cracked, stained, or dull countertops are screaming out to buyers “this kitchen needs work”. This alone can knock thousands off your home value or make buyers move onto the next house.

Here are some countertop tips for you:

Quartz and granite are top materials for kitchen countertops. Buyers look for them, they are durable and attractive. They can be expensive, but natural stone materials are worth the investment when it comes to selling time.

Budget friendly countertop renovations can go for the solid surface materials. Similar look to natural stone, but at lower prices. They resist stains, are low maintenance and make kitchens look that high-quality buyers want.

Steer clear of cheap laminate where possible. It will reduce your initial costs, but it is not going to wow buyers and can hurt your home value in the long run.

Modern Appliances & Fixtures

Older appliances can be deal-breakers to many buyers.

Energy-efficient appliances are a big bonus. They will save money on utility bills and buyers will know that the kitchen is being modern and well looked after. Stainless steel finishes are still the most wanted – they are clean and contemporary, and fit with most styles.

First off with these appliances are the big three: refrigerator, oven, and dishwasher. These are the ones buyers will look at and will effect daily living the most.

Don’t forget the fixtures as well. Taps, cabinet handles, lighting fittings are all very cheap to upgrade, but make a huge difference visually. Buyers notice all the details, and these all add up to that “wow” factor when buyers view homes.

Proper Lighting Installation

Lighting makes a massive difference to kitchens.

Old homes often have poor kitchen lighting – just a single ceiling fitting these days doesn’t cut it. Buyers expect layers of lighting, with ambient, task and accents types.

Under-cabinet lighting is great for task lighting, to make food preparation easier and safer. Pendant lighting over islands and breakfast bars are stylish and great for more focused lighting. Recessed lights in the ceiling for that all-over even lighting with no shadows.

What’s the secret to good kitchen lighting?

Lots of different sources of light. Layers and depths of light to remove harsh shadows and make the kitchen look more welcoming and functional.

LED bulbs are essential. Energy-saving, long lasting and a feature buyers look for when they are looking round homes.

Don’t make these mistakes that reduce your home’s value

First up most homeowners do…

They make the kitchen personal. That bright blue kitchen splashback or super specific patterned tiles might be your cup of tea, but they are only going to appeal to one buyer. When you are ready to sell, buyers will not see past the quirky color choices.

Neutral tones and timeless designs are the way to go.

Whites, greys, wood and stone tones are going to appeal to the most number of buyers. They will allow a blank canvas, and buyers can imagine themselves customizing the kitchen without needing to tear everything out first.

Buyers are put off by homeowners who spend money way over what the neighborhood is. So fitting a £50,000 kitchen into a house that is only worth £200,000 is rarely going to make financial sense. Buyers are not going to pay over the odds if all the other houses on the street have more modest kitchens.

Smart homeowners spend between 5-15% of home value on kitchen renovations. This is the amount that is going to make the most difference without going overboard of what the local market will support.

Budget Smartly for Kitchen Renovations

Planning is everything between renovation profits, and money pits.

Start with some research on the local property sales. What are comparable properties around the area featuring in their kitchens? Match or slightly better that standard, without going crazy.

Always get a few quotes from professionals. Prices can wildly vary between contractors and getting a few different quotes can find the market rates, and avoid paying over the odds.

Put together a list of what you want to do before starting:

• Necessary repairs – plumbing, electrics, structural issues
• High-impact visible areas – cabinets, countertops
• The nice-to-haves – premium appliances, luxury finishes

This will stop your money going on things that are not going to add the value first. If you run out of money at least the valuable bits are done.

If needed you can always consider phasing renovations. Get the cabinets and countertops done first, and then add the appliances and fixtures as your budget allows. This way you make progress without going broke.

Wrap up

Kitchen renovation services can provide excellent value if it is done correctly.

The key is to remember what it is buyers actually want: new cabinets, good countertops, modern appliances and perfect lighting. These features all consistently provide strong returns and make a house more enjoyable to live in before you sell.

Try and avoid making these common errors:

• Make the kitchen personal with bold and quirky design choices.
• Spend too much money over the going neighborhood standard.
• Invest in trend-setting elements that will go out of style quickly.
• Don’t use professionals for the more complex work.