The kitchen is one of the main factors a homebuyer will consider when looking at your house. As a result, updating this space can make your home more attractive, allowing you to raise the price and sell quicker. However, you need to be careful when choosing renovations, as certain ones will give you more bang for your buck. Here’s what you need to know about kitchen remodeling before selling.  

Why Renovate Your Kitchen Before Selling? 

First, remodeling the kitchen will boost the overall home value, allowing you to make more money on the sale. Buyers will be willing to pay more as long as they see thoughtful updates. For example, 40% of buyers will spend more for an eat-in kitchen, 48% will pay extra for a kitchen island, and 41% will shell out an additional $1,850 for stainless steel appliances.

In addition to raising the price, updating the kitchen will attract buyers and help you sell quicker. You’ll stand out from other homes in the area. In particular, modern homebuyers want a kitchen that incorporates the latest design trends, such as eco-friendly appliances. 

An updated kitchen will help you show off the home’s beauty during the staging process, and it’ll be easier to advertise the space online, as you can show stunning images of the cooking space. Finally, homebuyers often envision themselves living in the home, and a new kitchen will provide a wow factor, helping close the deal. 

What Are the Best Kitchen Updates for Selling? 

Energy-Efficient Appliances

Putting in fancy appliances may attract buyers, but the costs won’t pay off when selling. Instead, install energy-efficient ones that are practical and easy to use. Your appliances don’t necessarily need to stand out, but they should fit with the space’s theme. For example, pick stainless steel options for a modern look. Buyers will appreciate having eco-friendly appliances that protect the environment and lower energy bills.  

Countertops

The kitchen counters are highly visible, so they can make a huge difference when showcasing your home. However, keep in mind that there are many different preferences for countertops. As a result, it’s crucial to choose something that’s universally popular, such as granite, butcher block, marble, ceramic tile, or soapstone.

Refreshed Cabinets  

The kitchen cabinets are highly visible, especially the ones that are at eye level. If they’re falling apart, they can lower the home value significantly, particularly if the cabinet boxes are cracking or eroding. Serious structural damage will require you to replace the cabinets entirely. 

However, if the cabinets are mostly in good shape, reface or paint them. When choosing a hue, pick something that will complement the room’s color scheme. For example, gray and white go well together. Another popular option is to paint the island a contrasting hue from the other kitchen elements, creating a focal point. 

Upgrade the appearance of the room by taking out upper cabinet doors or putting in glass fronts instead; this will create an open space where you can showcase glassware or dishes. 

To update the look of the cabinets affordably, replace the drawer pulls and door knobs with new finishes, such as stainless steel or brushed nickel. This will help modernize the feel of the space. 

Backsplash

In addition to protecting the walls against spills and splatters, the backsplash can make a bold statement, impacting the look of the whole space. If yours is outdated, replacing it will add to the room’s style. Go with a budget option, such as ceramic mosaic tiles or a beaded-board backsplash. The former is a low-cost option, and mixing the tiles with stone or glass will provide an upscale look. The latter works well in a traditional kitchen. Have your contractor paint the beaded-board backsplash the same color as the cabinetry so it fades into the background. 

Flooring 

If you have wood floors, refinish them. Fix broken ceramic tiles, and if you have faded or scratched linoleum, you may need to replace the flooring entirely. 

For flooring that is outdated or in bad shape, there are plenty of affordable options to replace it with. Vinyl, for example, can be installed over the subfloor, so no underlayment is necessary, saving you money. Peel-and-stick tile and sheet vinyl are the most inexpensive options. Homebuyers will like this material because it’s long-lasting, easy to clean, and resilient. 

Laminate is another affordable replacement option. It’s easy to install, and it can imitate the look of expensive materials, like hardwood, stone, or ceramic tile. Additionally, it’s stain- and scratch-resistant and can withstand foot traffic, making it attractive to buyers. 

Finally, cork is a popular choice if you’re looking for something that’s cost-effective. It’s comfortable to walk on, aesthetically pleasing, easy to maintain, and long-lasting. Go with cork planks, as they have a built-in underlayment, so you won’t need to install foam below the flooring, saving you money. 

Fixtures

Stained kitchen fixtures can instantly turn a buyer off. If they’re beyond repair or look outdated, replace the faucets. Choose ceramic valves, as they’re drip-free, which will be a plus to buyers. When picking a finish, make sure it matches other elements in the room, including cabinet and drawer hardware. Some common options include bronze, polished chrome, and nickel. These are all durable and long-lasting, especially chrome. 

Lighting

Adding or replacing the lights is one of the easiest and most affordable ways to update the room’s look. Make sure to install fixtures in the same locations as the current ones so you won’t need to add wiring. 

Another option is to choose light sources that don’t need electrical work. For example, puck-style, stick-on lights are easy to put in under cabinets, brightening the countertops. 

If the overhead light feels dull, go with a more updated option, such as an adjustable fixture that lets you guide light to different areas of the room. There are, for example, fixtures with three to six arms, each containing a bulb. You can point them in various directions, shining light on the countertops, island, and stove. 

  

General Tips for Renovating Your Kitchen Before Selling

Stage the Space Properly

In addition to remodeling the kitchen, you also need to present it in the best light, making it look homey and inviting. Place any cleaning supplies under the sink, make sure the window treatments are a neutral color, and get rid of any magnets on the refrigerator to depersonalize the space. 

Additionally, replace any older light bulbs, polish the fixtures, and add some gourmet touches around the room, such as polished fruit in a bowl, a bottle of olive oil, or a wine rack. Finally, add some plants around the space for warmth, and set up a small chair and table (if it’s an eat-in kitchen) to make the room appear larger.  

Keep the Market’s Tastes in Mind

When making design decisions, focus on what will be attractive to buyers, not your own aesthetic preferences. For example, avoid showy colors, such as bright orange or yellow. Instead, stick with neutral hues that are likely to appeal to a general audience, such as light gray, off-white, or beige. Additionally, incorporate modern design trends, such as installing dark-colored cabinets, hardwood floors, and a multi-purpose kitchen island. 

Value Appearance Over Function

This is important to keep in mind when choosing which areas of your kitchen to renovate. For example, it’s better to spend on new flooring or paint than updating the plumbing that’s connected to the sink. If an inspector considers the pipes faulty, then it’s worth considering an upgrade or offering the buyer a better deal. However, focus on how everything looks first, as appearance is harder to negotiate. 

When you’re looking to renovate your kitchen before selling, contact DRD Home Services. Serving Omaha, La Vista, Papillion, and Bellevue, NE, they’ve been working with homeowners since 2001. Their contractors will walk you through every step of the kitchen remodeling process, from picking the renovations with the highest ROI to implementing the design. Call (402) 669-1100 to set up a consultation, or visit the website to learn more about their kitchen remodeling services.