Can Kitchens Really Sell A House?

The answer is yes: The kitchen is the heart of the home and is typically the most used area. It is where we cook, entertain and share time as a family. Even for the non-cook, the kitchen tends to be a central space.

With that in mind, know that buyers today are often looking for a move-in ready home. As a seller, spending money to improve your kitchen is a wise marketing move. However, before you tackle your kitchen project, make sure you set a budget that you can handle. Above all, remember to stay within the value of your home and neighborhood. If you have questions about your home and neighborhood values, contact a real estate agent in your area to help supply those answers. A real estate agent can tell you what your home is worth today and what the value of a kitchen remodel can bring to you.

Remodeling a kitchen can be a very exciting process. Try to enjoy it! You can either do a total rehab to your space or can make smaller updates to your existing kitchen. The length of time that you plan to live at your current home is a great thing to consider when deciding how large of a project you want to manage. If you only plan on being in your home for a short time, pay close attention to your return on investment since this return will be seen immediately. If you plan on living at your home for a long period of time, you should make sure to make design choices that you can enjoy and will love.

Typically, if you want a good return on investment on a total rehab of your space, you can expect to spend 10 to 20 percent the value of your home on the project. This budget can give you a conservative return of 75 to 80 percent. You can expect to recoup more or less depending on the workmanship, appeal to buyers and usability of the floor plan.

With this basic kitchen remodeling information in mind, here are some tips you can use as a general checklist to plan your project:

• Create an efficient work space. A kitchen work triangle is well known as the best use of space and flow.
• If your budget does not have room for new cabinets, you can still make great changes. Updating the cabinet hardware or painting/re-varnishing the cabinets are great options to give new life to your space.
• Updated countertops are ideal for buyers. Stay neutral with the color to appeal to the largest audience.
• Pay attention to your flooring. Whatever material you use, keep it looking fresh and modern.
• Invest in energy efficient and stainless steel appliances. Throw out the dated almond, green or yellow appliances.
• Replace and update kitchen faucets.
• Replace and update light fixtures.
• Don't forget your walls! Paint the room a current color to enhance your design.

To help you further along in the planning process, visit the many kitchen showrooms in your area as you can. If you are willing to drive to Kohler, the Kohler Design Center is another great resource for potential idea. Last but not least, make sure you do your due dilligence when hiring a contractor for your project.

Kitchens improvements will pay off greatly. So if you plan on upgrading your space, I hope you enjoy your new kitchen and I wish you the best return on investment when it comes time to sell.