Should You Remodel Your Kitchen for Resale?

Does your kitchen lack the compelling nature it once had? We all know that kitchens and baths sell houses.
Do your cabinets lack structural integrity? If not then update the space by cleaning them and adding a current counter top material such as granite, quartz or marble. Be sure to upgrade the knobs and pulls as well as add a new backsplash.
Do your homework and look at materials for these upgrades in magazines and online resources or hire a designer for a couple of hours to direct you to the “what’s not to like” look that will ensure no one is turned off by your selections. Prepare to spend from $2,500 up to $4,500+ to upgrade this part of the project, depending on the list price of your property.

If you have worn out the life of the cabinets themselves, replace them to get top dollar for your resale. Using a simple style here will go a long way to encouraging the prospective homeowners to see themselves adding personal touches to get the move-in ready condition in highest demand. Use door styles that have a low profile like the immensely popular Mission or Shaker style in a white or other light finish. This will convey cleanliness and order to the area. If you purchase entry level or stock cabinetry, you can expect to pay another $5,000 to $7,000 for the cabinets plus what is required for counters, backsplash, knobs and plumber.

You may also be adding can lights or under-cabinet lighting through the work of an electrician. You will additionally have
charges for demolition, delivery and installation. If you are replacing all the kitchen cabinets, expect to spend $10,000 for a small one to $20,000 for something a bit larger. This is considered a remodel that does not include new flooring, appliances or moving walls. However if your appliances are very outdated or not working at peak performance, you may want to add a stainless steel appliance package as well.

Here’s the good news: the buyer who thinks a new kitchen will cost $50,000 will not ask you to take that off the listing price and will be delighted to have had you remove a major obstacle for them in buying your house!

Author: Liz Yingling, CEO Design Resources of Georgia
www.designresourcesofga.com