If you’re thinking about remodeling, the kitchen and bathroom are two major
areas that can increase the value of your home. Consider upgrading the following
key points during your next renovation project.
Kitchen
1. Lighting
In an older home, a great place to start is your lighting. While visiting a
local hardware or home improvement store, you may see that you have out-of-date
fluorescent boxes or fixtures adorning your kitchen. A contractor can remove the
old lighting and replace it with contemporary and subtle recessed lighting, or
install pendants over islands, tables and sinks for a bolder, modern feel. There
are many budget-friendly options that will make a big difference in your
kitchen’s look and the value of your home.
2. Appliances
This one might seem obvious, but it’s one of the most overlooked options
for freshening up your home’s style and increasing its value. Appliances become
sleeker, smaller and more energy efficient every year, and an update is a great
way to give your kitchen a newer feel. Stainless steel is a popular choice for
appliances as it gives off a sleek and sophisticated look. When purchasing new
appliances, beware of mismatching, which lends your home a chaotic look and will
deter a buyer.
3. Flooring
Updating your kitchen flooring is essential for two reasons: the kitchen
receives the most foot traffic, and may show wear and tear faster than other
areas of your home; and replacing outdated material, like linoleum, will quickly
increase your home’s value. Consider installing hardwood or tile, which will
make your kitchen look and feel larger. If tile is your style, choose a pattern
larger than 12 inches to replicate a high end, contemporary feel.
4. Countertops
Any homeowner who’s tried cleaning grout out of 4×4 tile countertops knows
they’re a chore to maintain. Upgrading to a solid, low maintenance countertop
will make your home more attractive to potential buyers. Natural stones like
granite and quartz add a touch of class and cleanliness to your kitchen, and
will increase your home’s value. Countertop replacement sounds like an expensive
solution, but keep in mind that there are dozens of materials for every
budget.
Bathroom
1. Wall Tile
Be sure to repair any chips or cracks that might be found in your bathroom
tile. New home buyers will deter from purchasing a home with faded tile or dirty
grout. If replacement sounds easier, a fun and easy twist on the bathroom is
installing amosaic tile. This makes for a cultured, warm feel to an admittedly
intimate space. A tile accent would make a great combination with a new granite
countertop or sink.
2. Bathtub/Shower
An older bathtub with chipped or cracked tile certainly won’t add to the
value of your home. The central object of the bathroom, the bathtub must be
clean and new if you want to attract a buyer’s eye. Replacing an outdated
bathtub with a bright porcelain model, especially contrasting it against a fresh
earth tone tile, can instantly make the room look better. If your bathroom is
small, forget the bathtub altogether and stick with a glass shower to make the
room appear less cramped.
3. Sink
Calcium and rust buildup on your sink makes the bathroom feel unclean and
old. Investing in a new sink will lure potential home buyers. Vessel sinks, as
well as his and hers, are modern and in high demand. Take a trip to your local
hardware store and compare your sink and weigh your options. For married
couples, a single sink is a deal-breaker. Upgrading your sink, even if it
perfectly suits your purpose, will open your home to more potential buyers, and
cater to diverse needs.