The kitchen is one of the top 3 most important rooms of your home. It can significantly elevate the design, functionality, and value of your property. But an inefficient or outdated kitchen can actually diminish the look, feel, functionality, and value of your home. But which kitchen upgrades add the most value to your home?
10 Kitchen Upgrades to Add Value to Your Home
A kitchen renovation is a big investment. (See How much does a kitchen renovation cost?) If you want to get the best bang for your buck, you must be strategic in choosing which elements of your kitchen to upgrade. These 10 kitchen upgrades will get you the best return on your investment.
1. Put in new countertops
Durable countertops are crucial because they undergo a lot of wear and tear—chopping, hot cookware, and more. The countertop is also one of the largest surfaces in your kitchen, so it greatly affects the visual appearance of the space.
Of homebuyers who bought homes without certain features, 55% said they would have paid more for granite countertops. Clearly, it pays to put in a countertop that’s highly functional, durable, low maintenance, and pleasing to the eye. See How to Choose the Best Countertop for Your Kitchen.
2. Replace the flooring
Just like your countertops, your kitchen flooring endures a lot—spills, stains, dirty feet, shoes, and more. And again, the flooring is a large, exposed surface in your kitchen, so its appearance has a big impact on the look of the room.
We recommend 5 key considerations when choosing flooring for your kitchen:
- Ease of maintenance
- Comfort
- Durability
- Cost
- Colour & Style
Check out How to Choose the Best Flooring for Your Kitchen Renovation for more tips.
3. Upgrade the appliances
Your kitchen appliances get a lot of use, so investing in high-quality appliances really pays off. Modern energy-efficient appliances offer savings by reducing your energy bills. Better quality appliances last longer and don’t require maintenance as often. Plus, 69% of homebuyers are willing to pay more for new appliances.
4. Update the cabinets
If your kitchen cabinets are outdated, your preference would probably be to replace them completely with new cabinets. The question is, “How much do new kitchen cabinets cost?”
The cost of new kitchen cabinets depends on various factors, including:
- The size and layout of your kitchen
- The materials you choose for the cabinet doors
- The features you want
The designers at Riverstone Kitchens & Renovations can give you an idea of your options for various price points. Contact us today for a free consultation.
If replacing the cabinets is beyond your budget, you can still update their look by switching to new knobs and pulls. If you’re committed to a more dramatic change, you could try painting the cabinets. But be warned that this can be a lot of work and a big mess.
5. Update the fixtures
Updating your faucet might seem like a small thing, but an upgrade can seriously change the look of your kitchen sink and affect functionality. Modern faucets offer high-tech features such as turning the water on and off with a slight touch or even hands-free. This is more sanitary than traditional faucets.
6. Update the backsplash
The backsplash is a small upgrade with dramatic results. Your kitchen backsplash is a key feature in the style of your kitchen. Even on a tight budget, a simple backsplash swap can enhance the look and feel of your kitchen significantly. Consider laying tile in unique patterns—like herringbone—for something fresh.
7. Add lighting
Your kitchen should have 3 different types of lighting.
- Ambient lighting is the general lighting that lights up the room.
- Task lighting provides greater functionality and safety in your kitchen.
- Accent lighting is eye candy, used to highlight special features in your kitchen, and add depth and dimension to the room.
A dim kitchen is unappealing and can pose a hazard when working with sharp knives and hot cookware. Carefully placed lighting ensures that your kitchen is safe and keeps the space bright and inviting.
See How to Choose the Best Lighting for Your Kitchen.
8. Choose a neutral colour palette
If you have resale value in mind, the colour palette you use for your kitchen design matters. A neutral colour scheme serves as a blank slate for new homeowners. If you select bold, unique colours, it can be difficult for potential buyers to envision the space as their own.
9. Add a multi-purpose work zone
The way we use our kitchens has changed. People spend more time at home than they did a few years ago, and many homeowners work from home at least part of the time. Our kitchens have become workspaces—portable offices. So, adding a multi-purpose work zone to your kitchen is a valuable upgrade.
A built-in kitchen desk increases the functionality of the space, providing a useful spot for kids to do homework and hard-working adults to be productive during office hours. A dedicated space in your kitchen for non-food-related tasks allows you to avoid clutter and unsightly food splatters on homework pages or work files.
10. Install a kitchen island
A kitchen island is a desirable kitchen feature for potential homebuyers. It adds counter space and extra storage, and it tends to make the kitchen feel bigger than it is. A kitchen island isn’t a design trend—it’s a feature that’s here to stay and an upgrade well worth the investment.
Add Value to Your Home With a Kitchen Remodel
There are various clear signs it may be time to renovate your kitchen, but increasing the value of your home is an excellent reason on its own. Want to find out which kitchen upgrades can increase the value of your property and get you the best return on your investment? Talk to an expert at Riverstone Kitchens & Renovations today.
