A kitchen upgrade is one of the best ways to increase home value. According to Home Advisor, an upgrade of $35,000 to $5000 can increase home value by $20,000 to $40,000 allowing you to recover 57% of the cost. It also makes your home more pleasant while you live in it.
However, the type of kitchen upgrade matters. A minor upgrade, such as painting and replacing appliances, may make your home slightly more valuable while a major overhaul, like changing the layout and increasing cabinet space, can significantly increase your ROI when selling.
So which kitchen upgrades should you consider when embarking on your next remodeling project - a new kitchen hood or sink? Here are a few suggestions.
1) Modernize Your Kitchen with New Countertops
New countertops are a great selling point. Find out more about how they can improve your home value.
Why Countertops are a Game Changer for Home Value
Countertops are a focal point in your kitchen. They enhance the aesthetic. Depending on the material you choose, you can give your kitchen a modern, vintage, or industrial vibe.
A home’s countertops also contribute to the culinary experience. For example, a durable countertop that holds up well to heat and scratches is a desirable feature in any home. Popular materials like granite, quartz, and marble tend to attract homebuyers.
Best Materials for Increasing Home Value
Material is undoubtedly the most important consideration when choosing a countertop. Here are some popular material choices to consider.
- Granite: Granite is one of the most popular stone countertop materials. It is made from natural stone. Granite can be prefabricated which is typically the cheaper option, or it can be customized to your kitchen. However, regardless of which you choose, the cost tends to be higher than other countertop options. Despite the high price, granite is durable, and heat resistant, and its unique appearance ensures no two slabs are exactly alike.
- Quartz: Quartz is a natural stone that has been processed and sealed into a protective resin. As a result, it can take on an appearance not found in natural stone. It can feature various colors and patterns. Like granite, quartz is a more expensive countertop material, but its stand-out appearance makes it a favorite with homebuyers and homeowners. Its resin seal also ensures it is durable and low maintenance.
- Marble: Marble adds a sense of luxury and class to your kitchen. However, it is expensive and not as durable as its high-end counterparts. It is not scratch-resistant and it stains easily.
- Laminate: Laminate countertops are an ideal choice for homeowners looking for an affordable option that comes in various colors and styles. It is also easy to clean and install. On the downside, it is not heat resistant, it’s prone to scratching, it has visible seams, and it can’t be repaired easily.
- Butcher Block: Butcher block is another name for wood countertops. They come in various wood types ensuring versatility in appearance and optimal longevity. Though not as cheap as laminate, it is more affordable than its stone counterparts and easy to clean and refinish. On the downside, it is prone to stains and scratches, it can dry out, it collects dust, and it’s not heat resistant.
2) Upgrade Your Kitchen Appliances to Energy Efficient Models
Any appliance upgrade can increase your home value, but you are best off choosing energy-efficient models that are eco-friendly and save money. Learn more about the benefits they offer.
The Appeal of Energy-Efficient Appliances
Eco-friendly appliances are a favorite for homeowners and buyers because they save the environment. They conserve energy ensuring they don’t waste precious natural resources. They also produce fewer greenhouse gas emissions.
However, the real benefit is the money savings. When people invest in these appliances, they see lower energy bills. Homebuyers will realize the potential to save money and will be willing to pay more for your home.
Look for Energy Star label appliances to ensure energy savings.
Top Appliances Upgrades That Add Value
Energy-efficient appliances are always a benefit, but you will see the largest value increase if your most-used appliances are energy-efficient. These include:
- Refrigerators: Energy-efficient refrigerators may be insulated to keep the cold air in. They may have compressors that use less heat and energy. Their defrost controls will only operate when necessary.
- Dishwashers: Eco-friendly dishwashers use less water and less energy They may increase efficiency with soil sensors, improved water filtration, more efficient jets, and dish rack designs that reduce energy and water consumption.
- Stoves: Environmental stoves provide better heat distribution, precise temperature control, and insulation to reduce energy loss. They heat food faster and waste less energy.
- Microwaves: Microwaves are energy efficient because they heat food faster than stoves requiring less energy. They also don’t heat your home reducing the need for air conditioning in summer.
You can make your appliances even more attractive by choosing ones with smart kitchen features like WIFI connectivity and voice control.
3) Refresh Your Kitchen Cabinets
Cabinets are another central kitchen feature. They contribute heavily to aesthetics. Cabinets also provide storage which is essential in kitchen settings.
Here are some ways a cabinet update can improve your home value.
The Impact of Kitchen Cabinets on Overall Aesthetic
Kitchen cabinets are one of the most noticeable features in your kitchen. If they are worn or outdated, they can lower home value. Similarly, new, modern cabinets can elevate home value.
Storage space is another kitchen cabinet consideration. If your cabinets offer optimal storage, they can increase home value and desirability. Smaller cabinets are not as desirable.
Cost-Effective Ways to Update Your Cabinets
Cabinet replacement can be expensive, but there are ways to update your cabinets without breaking the bank. Here are some recommended suggestions.
- Repaint: New paint can revitalize your kitchen cabinets. Go outside the box with bold color choices. Consider the latest trends and existing features and paint your kitchen accordingly.
- Refacing: Refacing involves removing cabinet doors and drawer fronts and applying a new veneer over the surface. You must sand down the cabinets to get them ready for the veneer application. Once completed, your cabinets will have a rejuvenated appearance.
- Changing Hardware: Something as simple as changing hardware can give your cabinets a new look. Consider adding modern, glam, or vintage hardware to improve aesthetics and functionality.
- Open Shelving: Open shelving is a modern kitchen trend that makes the kitchen look more open and spacious. You may choose to remove your cabinets and replace them with shelves or remove the doors for a similar effect.
4) Install a Stylish Backsplash
You may be surprised to find how much a new backsplash can improve your kitchen design. Here are some ways you can give yours an update.
Why a Backsplash is a Key Design Element
A backsplash serves a functional and aesthetic purpose. In addition to enhancing your kitchen design, it also protects your walls. Several materials contribute to a lovely backsplash including subway tiles, glass tiles, and mosaics.
Best Backsplash Materials for Home Value
You may be tempted to choose a trendy backsplash material suited to your unique personal taste. However, if your goal is increasing home value, it’s best to play it safe. An attractive yet timeless design will be a crowd-pleaser.
Your backsplash should also complement your kitchen style. For example:
- Subway tiles produce a clean white look ideal for modern kitchens.
- Mosaic tiles have an ethnic appeal enhancing cultural styles and vibrant designs.
- Glass tiles are luxurious. They will add an upscale appeal to any kitchen style.
5) Enhance Your Kitchen Lighting
Lighting is an integral part of kitchen design. It ensures you can see what you are doing in culinary applications. The right lighting will also add ambiance to your kitchen.
Here are some tips that ensure your lighting increases home value.
The Role of Lighting in Your Home Value
Lighting impacts your kitchen’s ambiance and functionality. Here are some lighting design schemes that will enhance your kitchen appeal.
- Layered Lighting: Layered lighting adds interest to your kitchen design. It also provides illumination at different levels ensuring you can see what you are doing.
- Task Lighting: Task lighting focuses light in one area. Position it so it illuminates areas where you do most of your kitchen work.
- Ambient Lighting: Ambient lighting refers to your overall kitchen lighting. It should be bright enough to support culinary needs yet soft enough to produce a sense of warmth.
Types of Lighting Upgrades to Consider
Popular fixture styles include:
- Pendant Lights: Pendant lights hang from the ceiling serving as an alternative to conventional overhead lighting. It provides a softer lighting option so you can set a mood. Choose from small pendant lights and large statement lights to create the ideal aesthetic.
- Undercabinet Lighting: Undercabinet lighting is installed under your upper cabinets to shed light on the counter area below.
- Recessed Lighting: Recessed lighting is a modern choice. It sits compactly inside the ceiling to provide a sleek look.
Regardless of the fixture you choose, ensure your bulbs are LED. LEDs cost more than conventional bulbs, but they make up for the expense offering optimal durability and energy savings.
6) Open Up the Space with a Kitchen Island or Bar
Islands and bars are preferred kitchen features. They are ideal for open-concept kitchens. The islands also provide additional seating, eating, and workspace supporting the culinary process just as much as kitchen hoods.
Why Open Floor Plans Are So Popular
Islands and bars are often featured in open floor plan kitchens with no walls separating the cooking area from living and dining spaces. They are included in these designs because they provide additional counter space which may not be available due to the lack of walls.
People prefer open floor plans because they make the home seem more spacious and open and they are conducive to entertaining. They allow hosts to communicate with guests while they prepare food.
Types of Kitchen Islands and Bar Areas That Add Value
There are several features to look for when choosing a kitchen island or bar for your kitchen. These include:
- Movable or Fixed: A fixed island stays in one place offering optimal stability. A movable island can move around with you as you cook so you can position it where you need it most.
- Multi-Purpose. Kitchen islands can be multi-purpose featuring built-in storage, seating, and integrated appliances. These islands can save space and money in kitchen environments.
Now you know the various types of kitchen upgrades that will add value to your home. Which will you include in your next remodeling project?