Selling a Home? 12 Stand-Out Kitchen Upgrades that Maximize Value

To get the most out of a home when selling, many homeowners focus their attention on the kitchen, replacing outdated appliances, updating countertops, and adding storage and pantry space. The kitchen is the most commonly used room in the home, and adding style and convenience to its design is a great way to make it stand out. Most buyers agree that the kitchen is their most important focus in the search for a new home, and many buyers are willing to pay a premium for an updated, spacious look. Below are some innovative ways to add value to a home’s kitchen that will ensure a high return on homeowners’ investment. 

1. Countertops

 Replacing older countertops will provide a kitchen with a fresh new look while assuring homebuyers that it’s functional and stylish. Countertops are one of the most visual kitchen elements, so they need to look updated and ready to use. Many homebuyers will pay more for a kitchen with granite, quartz, or marble countertops, but stone may not be a realistic budget option for some homeowners. For those on a tighter budget, solid-surface, butcher block, tile, or even laminate countertops with a faux-stone or faux-wood design will appear fresh and functional. 

2. Cabinets

 New cabinets are an important item in many kitchen remodeling designs. Custom-designed cabinets are impressive to homebuyers and often allow for the addition of bonus drawers and shelving that make the most of every available inch of kitchen space. Homeowners who opt for stock cabinetry will find tremendous value and countless options for materials, color, and style. Cabinet re-facing is a relatively inexpensive alternative to cabinet replacement and is still a fresh, modern update that provides both style and value. 

3. New Grout

 As many homeowners know, the grout between tiles decays if not properly sealed and maintained. When older grout becomes stained and worn, tiled floors, countertops, and backsplashes start to look gray and dirty. Re-grouting is one of the easiest, most inexpensive ways to brighten a kitchen and create an updated look. A kitchen remodeling professional in Royal Oak can provide an estimate for re-grouting and a timeline for completing the work. 

4. 4. Island Installation

 A kitchen island is an easy solution to a variety of issues experienced by homeowners with older kitchens. A kitchen island adds countertop workspace. When combined with a few barstools, an island can also add extra seating, which can be very valuable to homebuyers who enjoy entertaining. Islands also provide extra storage space, a bonus that nearly every homebuyer will appreciate and that many older kitchens lack. A kitchen design professional in Royal Oak can help plan an island’s functionality, recommend island size, and help select appliances such as range tops or convection ovens to be installed. 

5. Second Sink

 Homeowners who are installing a kitchen island may want to consider including a task sink in the island for rinsing produce and washing dishes. A second sink will make any kitchen stand out, but it can be especially suited for a large kitchen where a family works together to prepare meals. A kitchen design professional in Royal Oak can advise whether a second sink is right for a homeowner’s kitchen island, accounting for the size of the kitchen and any plumbing needs. 

6. Appliances

New appliances are definitely an attention-grabbing feature of a kitchen remodel, and homebuyers are usually willing to pay more for them. If older appliances are inefficient or on the verge of breaking down, replacing them will appeal to homebuyers who are environmentally conscious and want to save money on energy bills. A kitchen remodeling professional can help budget-conscious homeowners select energy-efficient appliances that are both stylish and functional. An energy-efficient microwave, water-saving dishwasher, or ENERGY STAR^® certified refrigerator will make a kitchen look sleek and modern. These appliances may also save homebuyers money in the long run.

7.   Paint

 Painting is a relatively inexpensive update that can create a fresh, modern look in a matter of days. A coat of fresh paint in a light-colored hue can add light and a feeling of space to any kitchen. Whether homeowners are interested in experimenting with bold color or going back to basics, a coat of paint can brighten and renew. 

8. Lighting

 Installation of additional lighting will often make a kitchen more appealing to homebuyers. Lighting adds both functionality and brightness, and multiple lighting options in a kitchen will better meet the needs of separate workstations, including stovetop cooking, dish washing, and counter prep. Under-cabinet lighting or pendant lighting above an island will add additional utility and style to any kitchen. Natural lighting is always a boost, making a kitchen feel larger and adding airiness and charm. Homeowners may want to consult with a kitchen remodeling professional to see whether installing additional windows or a skylight is possible or affordable. 

9. Storage

 Kitchen storage is a highly sought-after feature of any modern kitchen, especially now that more homeowners are preparing meals at home. New cabinets, a kitchen island, or added pantries can provide additional storage areas, even in smaller kitchens with limited space. Open shelving can also create the appearance of space in a smaller kitchen and is a trendy, modern look that will appeal to many homebuyers. A kitchen remodeling professional can help identify additional storage opportunities and design a remodeling plan that works to maximize all available space. 

10. Open Floor Plan Conversion

 The kitchen is the most important room in a home, providing a place for family and friends to gather. For this reason, open floor plans are very popular and make a home more appealing to today’s homebuyers. Smaller mid-century homes may have small kitchens walled off from dining rooms and living spaces, creating a closed-in look and feel. In many cases, removing a non-load-bearing kitchen wall can create an open floor plan that maximizes space and better meets the needs of homebuyers interested in entertaining guests. In general, homebuyers are looking for large kitchens with plenty of space which means kitchen renovation should be a top priority for homeowners who want to maximize the value of their home. A kitchen design professional in Royal Oak can assess remodeling needs, address budget concerns, and create a remodeling plan that’s right for every homeowner.