When it comes to adding value to your home, your kitchen is one of the biggest money-makers. Updates to kitchens will give you the best return on investment when it comes time to sell, nearly 80%, according to Remodeling Magazine. And why wouldn’t it? It’s one of the most used spaces in any home. If you are looking to revamp your kitchen in order to raise the overall value of your home, we have suggestions ranging from a full-blown demo to less invasive face-lifts.

Remodel these key features:

Flooring
Countertops
Backsplash
Replace Appliances

Flooring

Kitchen flooring can be easily overlooked but it sets the tone for the space. If you are taking on several kitchen projects at once, save the flooring for last! You don’t want to cause any damage to your new floors. Vinyl and laminate are more affordable but less durable options. Opt for wood, stone, or tile for longevity and a timeless style. Flooring Inc. states that even with improvements to today’s vinyl floors, it still holds less resale value than its hardwood or tile counterparts. If you decide to go through with new flooring, buy 10% extra. This can be used to replace damaged areas or to help supply any future changes to the floor plan.

Countertops

Investing in updated countertops can make a huge influence on interested home buyers. If they are laminate or solid surface material, it’s time to replace them. These materials not only look drab and outdated, but they also aren’t nearly as durable. Replacing your countertops with a stone surface is more resistant to scratches, chips, heat, and stains. If you opt into purchasing slab countertops, consider saving some extra for updating bathroom sink countertops as well. Depending on the surface area, countertops can vary across the kitchen. Some will use a contrasting material for their island, or use a butcher’s block next to their stove. You can find a very comprehensive guide and comparison of countertop materials on usenaturalstone.org.

Backsplash

A backsplash has just as much impact on functionality as it does style. First, think about whether you’d like it all over the backsplash or designated areas. Do you want it to wrap around the kitchen or do you only need it behind the sink and stove? Secondly, you have many materials to choose from. Tile, (floor tile if it’s a pattern you love!), stone, wood, glass, stainless steel, pressed tin. And for each of these materials, you’ll have a multitude of colors and patterns. It can be an overwhelming task, but HGTV offers some insight into selecting your backsplash and what to expect from installation.

Appliances

It is important to have updated and energy-efficient appliances. Over time, these appliances pay for themselves by preserving energy and are also environmentally friendly. According to USA Cabinet Store, nearly 70% of home buyers would pay more if they saw new appliances in the kitchen. When shopping for new appliances, consider the possibility of electrical rewiring during the installation. A professional can help identify any new electrical needs you may have for today’s appliances.

Refresh your space with:

Cabinet Painting
Floor Refinishing
Updated Lighting
New Hardware

Cabinet Painting

No need for a cabinet demolition? That’s great! If your cabinets have quality craftsmanship to show off, then you have just saved yourself time, money, and a mess to clean up. What you can do to liven them up is stain or paint them a new color. If you’re unsure which route to take, houzz.com lays out a pro-con list on whether to paint or stain your cabinets. Whichever method your land on, it’s not permanent. If the next homeowner wants to change the finish, you’ve given them the opportunity to keep those well-made cabinets and simply re-stain or paint over.

Floor Refinishing

If your wood floors are scratched, gouged, stained, and/or dull, refinishing is a great option to liven them up without replacing them. On average, you can refinish your floors up to 10 times! Talk about cost efficiency! Similar to cabinet painting, it gives you an opportunity to stain your floors a new color if you want to make a big change. You will need to rent the sanding/buffing equipment, but this is still a task you may be able to handle on your own. If you want professional help, research or find a company to help with the resurfacing.

Lighting

Most importantly, a safe kitchen is one with adequate lighting. Keeping your kitchen bright will also create a welcoming atmosphere. Not only that, it helps emphasize the colors and textures of the kitchen. Take a look around your kitchen for any low-lit areas. How can this be resolved? Would a larger hanging lamp resolve the problem? Or would an installation be needed? Learn more about where and what lighting could be necessary to your kitchen with Livspace.

Also note, that it is possible to avoid electrical work by adding larger, brighter fixtures. A game-changer to any kitchen is adding lights under the cabinets. If hiring an electrician is not part of your budget, there are battery-operated alternatives.

Hardware

Handles, knobs, and pulls are both practical and an integral part of the style of your kitchen. You could clean and brighten up your current hardware, paint them a new color, or replace them altogether. If you’re looking to change the overall style of your kitchen, this is an essential visual aid. Similar to backsplash tile and flooring, there is an abundance of materials to choose from with cabinet hardware. Prior to removing your current hardware, take note if the knob or pull makes sense for that particular cupboard or drawer. Does it feel comfortable? Should it change or stay the same? The theme with your kitchen update is functionality. This extends to hardware as well.

Don’t hesitate to reach out to LHS Remodeling and Design, we can bring value to your kitchen & create your dream space. Schedule a consultation with us, click or call, 734-270-6960, or Schedule a Consultation Enjoy your home to the fullest with an update or renovation with LHS Remodeling & Design! We are also available by email at [email protected].