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Most property experts agree that a new kitchen can add value to your house, so if you are thinking of selling in today’s highly competitive property market it could be an investment that pays off. However, kitchens are undoubtedly one of the most costly rooms to renovate, so it’s worth putting in some research before you commit to a new project.
According to Propertymark, the membership organisation that represents the UK’s estate agents, the kitchen is the first room that buyers consider when looking at a property. An attractive kitchen can increase your home’s value by up to 10 per cent.
Furthermore, there’s no need to refit your entire kitchen if your budget doesn’t allow it, or you are worried about getting a good return on investment. Simply updating tired kitchen tiles and dated cupboard handles or doors can refresh the look of your kitchen without costing a lot.
Even if you are planning to stay in your property, upgrading your kitchen can improve your enjoyment of the house and make tasks such as preparing meals and cleaning and tidying quicker and easier.
Deciding on a realistic budget is the first step. You need to find a sweet spot that will achieve the desired result and attract good offers for your house, but not involve unnecessary expense that means you end up spending more than it’s worth. As a rule of thumb, you should invest between five and 15 per cent of your home’s value in a kitchen makeover.
Research average property prices in your area, and ask a handful of local estate agents for a valuation. Once you have decided on your asking price, this will help you form a clearer picture of how much it’s worth investing in your kitchen.
A good layout is at the heart of a pleasing kitchen design. If there is anything awkward or inconvenient about the layout of your kitchen that has always been a bugbear, now is the time to address it. Ideally, the fridge, sink, and stove should be laid out within reaching distance of within a few steps of each other.
Buyers will pay more for a larger kitchen, but unless you are prepared to extend or knock through an interior wall your options are limited here. If you do decide on getting rid of an interior wall to create an open-plan layout, consider if this will fit in with the current demand, which has been trending away from open-plan as more of us work from home and so on.
It may be tempting to save money by using cheap materials, but buyers are very discerning and will be put off by a cheap looking makeover as much as a tired and dated design. On the other hand, investing in the most expensive materials such as granite or quartz worktops and tiles may mean that you won’t recoup the money.
Aim for a good balance between affordability and quality, with durable and attractive materials such as porcelain tiles for walls and flooring.
Small details such as refreshing the fittings can help your kitchen appear more sleek and modern without costing a fortune. Consider updating features such as the cupboard door handles, taps, and lighting. For example, under-cabinet LED lighting and task lighting above sinks and worktops improves the appearance and functionality of your kitchen.
Upgrading appliances may be necessary if you are renovating the entire kitchen. If you are buying new, look for energy-efficient appliances that blend seamlessly with the rest of the kitchen. Most buyers will expect integrated ovens and stovetops, and a good-sized fridge-freezer.
If you have a separate space such as a pantry room to install noisy appliances such as dishwashers and washing machines, this will be a bonus for many buyers, so don’t be tempted to knock through this space and expand the size of your kitchen.
Strong colours and bold patterns can divide opinion, and will also make a smaller kitchen feel cluttered and claustrophobic. It’s best to stick to light neutral colours for the majority of surfaces, with a touch of interest such as mosaic tiled backsplash.
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