A clean, elegant kitchen can be a showstopper when selling a property at the lower end of the market.
Whether your target market is the first-time buyer or an investor, a great-looking kitchen can capture the imagination.
Buyers in this market segment are usually focused on three key criteria – square footage, the number of bedrooms and layout of the living area. Right behind those priorities comes the quality of the kitchen and bathroom.
And that makes total sense. When water and electricity services combine in the same room, any renovation is going to be expensive.
A good quality kitchen means the new owner will not have to worry about a costly remodel.
There are a number of approaches to upgrading a kitchen to help maximize the value of the property. Here are some tips:
Minimize cost – You don’t always need to rip and replace a kitchen. If it has a solid structure, you’ll save thousands of dollars by replacing the doors and handles. It will look like a brand new kitchen.
Match fixtures – Updating the faucets is another nice touch that won’t break the budget. Matching them to the handles of the cupboards and drawers is popular. Also, folks love the lush look of black faucets.
Revitalize countertops – Buying a new countertop of natural or synthetic stone can be expensive, and you may not see a good return on your investment if you’re selling an entry-level home. Here are a six alternative strategies:
Strategy 1 – Many cheaper countertops are made of wood and topped with laminate. There are some fantastic laminates in the market to give your old kitchen a lift. With the right cutting tool, it’s a relatively simple DIY task to install new laminate. But if you’re not confident, hire a contractor.
Strategy 2 – If you take the laminate path, consider installing a backsplash that will match the countertop. All of a sudden, your kitchen will begin to look like an amazing asset for the home.
Strategy 3 – Where the budget is super-tight, you can remove the countertop covering – whether it’s laminate or contact paper – to sand back the wooden structure before applying several coats of paint. Talk to your local retailer about the more durable paint for this task.
Strategy 4 – Contact paper is another budget-friendly surface covering. It will refresh the kitchen but discerning buyers will understand that its life span is limited. This approach is more cosmetic than practical and will not enhance the value of the property.
Strategy 5 – You can give your countertop a new life by installing butcher blocks. For an experienced DIY enthusiast, this will be a fun job. But don’t forget to seal them to ensure the blocks are protected from moisture, cooking oil and any juices from meats and fruit.
Strategy 6 – Ceramic or porcelain tiles offer another budget option. You’ll need a special glue to make sure they are secure for the long-term. Installation is a simple DIY task, but you’ll need a tile cutter for awkward corners. Always use spacers to ensure the grout width is consistent.