Investing in your kitchen is never a bad strategy – a “Cost vs. Value” report from Zillow shows even the smallest improvements can deliver a return on investment of between 70%-100%.
Improving the quality of your countertop and appliances will always catch the eye of the discerning buyer when you decide to sell.
Zillow research also indicates that if you take the rip-and-replace strategy with a kitchen, your return on investment can fall to between 35%-65%.
So, you’re better off making incremental improvements than starting from scratch, which can be an enormously expensive and time-consuming project that puts a lot of stress on the household.
Consistent survey results from the National Association of Realtors (NAR) confirm that most buyers are looking for move-in ready homes. An updated kitchen is the clearest signal of a well-maintained property, and it saves the buyer from immediate and expensive renovation stress.
According to Zillow, homes that mention the following kitchen features see price rise above the average for similar homes: soapstone countertops (+3.5%), quartz countertops (+2.6%), walnut cabinets (+2.2%) induction ranges (+1.9%).
The countertop clearly plays a significant role in influencing a buyer’s decision.
And now we’re starting to see some predictions for the types of countertop that will be popular this year. Here are four examples that caught my attention:
White is out – Dark stone is making a big comeback as it adds depth and sophistication to a kitchen. Designers favor practical, darker options such as marble, quartzite and soapstone that hide everyday spills. Dark stone can create a striking contrast with cabinetry whether your cabinets are a light color or natural wood tone.
Fashion favorite – Rich red- and burgundy-toned countertops of marble are super-trendy, but be warned: they need to be maintained properly. It can be quite stressful to have to be vigilant with spills for fear they might permanently stain the marble.
It’s art – Tapering or double-edging of a marble countertop on an island bench will be the style of choice in luxury apartments and houses. This trend requires varying the thickness of the edges on the island slab to create a striking, custom look.
Leathered-look – Quartzite countertops that feature a stylish matte finish will become popular, say designers, because they’re durable and perfect for a busy family kitchen. This type of finish resembles the look and texture of leather.
Other ideas – If rejuvenating your countertop isn’t necessary this year, you might consider these popular upgrades: Walk-in pantry, installing a central island with seating, energy-efficient appliances and functional layouts that offer a good flow.