Kitchen renovation projects are often laborious and time-consuming. Rather than having the weekend free, you may find yourself working in your home. The good news is that certain upgrades can increase the value of your kitchen, including the five mentioned here.
#1) Stainless Steel Appliances
If you're willing to make the investment, upgrade your kitchen appliances to stainless steel models. According to HGTV, it's the "standard" for kitchen appliances. Not only are they are resistant to stains, but they are also aesthetically pleasing with a unique style that's simply not found elsewhere. Purchasing a new stainless steel refrigerator, dishwasher, range, and microwave can be expensive, but you have to think of the value it adds to your kitchen. When you get ready to sell your home, you'll likely receive higher offers from prospective buyers.
#2) Use Energy-Efficient Lighting
A cheaper way to increase the value of your kitchen is to install energy-efficient lighting. Most builders use cheap incandescent lighting when constructing homes. Unfortunately, this is the least efficient type of lighting on the market, making them a poor choice for energy-conscious homeowners. As reported by the Chicago Tribune, energy-efficient upgrades can increase a home's value. Whether it's an alternative form lighting like compact fluorescent lighting (CFL) or an ENERGY STAR-certified air conditioner, prospective buyers are usually willing to pay more for homes with energy-efficient upgrades. So, go through your kitchen and replacing its current lighting with CFL fixtures.
#3) Upgrade the Door
Unless your home has an open layout in which the living room, dining room, and kitchen are all connected, you should consider upgrading your kitchen door. Traditional wooden doors don't offer much in terms of style. They are dated, clunky and difficult to integrate into a modern interior decor. Beautiful glass interior door, on the other hand, offer a superior level of aesthetics. With their transparent properties and modern style, glass doors are the perfect upgrade to your kitchen. And unlike stainless steel appliances, buying one won't hurt your finances. Just remember to clean your glass door on a regular basis to preserve its crystalline appearance.
#4) Paint the Walls
Don't underestimate the value-adding benefits of a fresh coat of paint. Over time, the paint on your kitchen walls will begin to fade and, in some cases, peel or chip off. When this occurs, it will make your home less appealing to prospective buyers. Using just a few gallons of paint with some brushes and rollers, you can revitalize the appearance of your kitchen by repainting the walls.
It's important to note that some paint colors add more value to a home than others. Studies show, for example, that colors such as purple, tan and yellow offer the greatest value-adding benefits whereas slate gray and off-white have the opposite effect by lowering a home's value.
#5) Install a Backsplash
Finally, a backsplash is a brilliant upgrade that will enhance your kitchen's decor while protecting the walls from damage in the process. Typically made of tile, you can find them in a variety of colors, designs, shapes, and styles. Backsplashes were originally designed to protect walls from cooking-related oil splashes. While they still serve this purpose, they are now used for decorative purposes as well. Rather than leaving your kitchen walls barren and devoid of decorative style, install a colorful backsplash. You can use colors that contrast with your kitchen appliances or the walls to achieve a more visually appealing design.
Regardless of whether you intend to sell your home in the near future, these kitchen upgrades can increase its value. Most importantly, though, they'll create a more enjoyable living space for you and your family.
