Are you thinking about giving your kitchen a facelift so you can increase the value of your home before selling?
Whether you’re looking to sell your home or want to enhance your living space, upgrading your kitchen can significantly increase the value of your property. From minor cosmetic changes to major renovations, there are numerous ways to transform your kitchen into a stylish and functional space that potential buyers will love.
However, if you’re selling soon, you must also be mindful of your budget, timeline, and return on investment. Today, Robin Hickman Realty will provide you with 11 kitchen upgrade ideas that can help you add value to your home, and we will also include the financial costs of each!
11 Simple Kitchen Updates to Consider Before Selling
A complete kitchen remodel can be a significant undertaking. From purchasing new appliances and materials to finding verified contractors to do the work – you will want to ensure the first thing you start with is a solid plan.
Hopefully, these ideas will help you create a kitchen renovation/upgrade plan! Some of the mentioned ideas are also more budget-friendly, so have a budget for your kitchen renovation!
1. Upgrade to Energy-Efficient Appliances:
Investing in energy-efficient appliances reduces your utility bills and appeals to environmentally-conscious buyers. Look for appliances with the ENERGY STAR label, which indicates that they meet strict energy efficiency guidelines.
✅ Cost Breakdown:
- Rating: $$-$$$
- Average Cost: $2,000 – $5,000
2. Install Quartz Countertops:
Depending on your current countertops, replacing old ones with new ones is a great way to upgrade your kitchen. Quartz countertops are the trend because they are durable, low-maintenance, and come in various colors and patterns to suit any kitchen design. Unlike natural stone countertops, quartz is non-porous, making it resistant to stains and bacteria, which is a significant selling point for homebuyers. You also don’t have to worry about stains like you do for granite countertops.
✅ Cost Breakdown:
- Rating: $$-$$$
- Average Cost: $65-$100 per square foot. The project total is around $3,000 and up.
3. Modernize Cabinet Hardware:
A quick way to add kitchen appeal without remodeling your entire kitchen is to replace your cabinet hardware. Swapping out old cabinet hardware for sleek, modern handles and knobs can instantly update the look of your kitchen. Choose finishes that complement your appliances and fixtures for a cohesive aesthetic, and be sure to check online or visit places like Hobby Lobby for unique pulls and hardware!
✅ Cost Breakdown:
- Rating: $
- Average Cost: Under $200
4. Add a Tile Backsplash:
A tile backsplash protects your walls from splatters and spills and adds visual interest to your kitchen, and you can do it yourself! Choose subway tiles for a classic look, or opt for mosaic tiles for a more eclectic vibe. There are also peel-and-stick options, which are easier to install if you’re not a DIY person. Hiring a contractor could be a bit more money, but the project might look better. Either way, if you are on a budget, a backsplash adds much value to your home on the cheap!
✅ Cost Breakdown:
- Rating: $
- Average Cost: Under $600, DIY options available!
5. Upgrade Lighting Fixtures:
Good lighting can make a difference in any space, including your kitchen. Visit your local big box hardware store to find modern, themed, reasonably priced light fixtures. Replace outdated light fixtures with modern, energy-efficient options that provide ample illumination while adding style to your kitchen. This is a quick and often DIY option that is affordable!
✅ Cost Breakdown:
- Rating: $
- Average Cost: $75 to $400
6. Create an open-concept layout:
If your kitchen feels cramped and closed off, consider removing non-load-bearing walls to create an open-concept layout. This will improve flow and functionality and make your home more spacious and inviting. However, this also may require a professional contractor to help replace the floors and gel everything together. You will want to plan what you do after knocking down an old wall to make it all work. Knocking down the wall is simple; those next steps can often cost considerably more money.
✅ Cost Breakdown:
- Rating: $$ – $$$
- Average Cost: $1,000 and up
7. Install a Kitchen Island:
OA kitchen islands are often the focal point of your kitchen. They add valuable counter space, storage, and seating options, making them highly desirable features for homebuyers. Choose a design that complements the style of your kitchen and allows for easy movement around the space. Customizable and ready-to-purchase options are available at places like Home Depot and Lowes, and you can get some budget-friendly islands.
✅ Cost Breakdown:
- Rating: $$-$$$
- Average Cost: $1,200 and up
8. Upgrade Flooring:
Dated or worn-out flooring can detract from your kitchen’s overall appeal. Consider replacing old linoleum or laminate flooring with hardwood, tile, or luxury vinyl planks for a more modern and durable option. LVP is the current trend for most homeowners. Talk to any real estate agent, and they will tell you that the return on investment is worth the installation!
✅ Cost Breakdown:
- Rating: $$
- Average Cost: $4-$10 per square foot installed. $1,000-$2,000 on average for the entire kitchen renovation.
9. Upgrade Faucets and Fixtures:
Imagine a newly renovated kitchen without updated faucets—it wouldn’t look very nice. Upgrading faucets, sinks, and other fixtures can instantly refresh your kitchen. We always recommend you choose high-quality, stylish options that are both functional and visually appealing. Most large hardware stores have affordable options, and you can pay a plumbing contractor or install a faucet yourself!
✅ Cost Breakdown:
- Rating: $-$$
- Average Cost: $200 and up
10. Paint Your Kitchen & Kitchen Cabinets
Painting cabinets is a great way to modernize your home without spending a ton of money, either! One way to attract buyers if you are selling your home is to modernize your kitchen, and you can do that without completely remodeling the entire thing.
Painting your cabinets is not as hard as you might think, and once you strip the old cabinets (do a little online research), you can use a small roller to roll cabinet paint onto your cabinets. Doing it yourself has many benefits, mainly the cost savings, and once you finish, you should install new hardware.
Adding a fresh coat of paint to your kitchen is a great way to hide old stains and wall blemishes, especially before listing your home! Painting your kitchen can make it seem like a brand-new kitchen!
✅ Cost Breakdown:
- Rating: $-$$
- Average Cost: $300-$500 for supplies (labor not included)
11. Add Smart Technology:
Incorporating innovative technology into your kitchen can enhance convenience and efficiency while increasing your home’s value. To impress potential buyers, consider installing smart appliances, such as refrigerators with built-in touchscreens or voice-activated faucets. You could also install Wi-Fi-enabled features within your kitchen or upgrade the lighting so it is more energy efficient. Adding some LED lighting is affordable; however, adding new Wi-Fi-enabled appliances can be expensive. This project can range in pricing!
✅ Cost Breakdown:
- Rating: $ – $$$
- Average Cost: $200 for a single product up to $5,000 for multiple products; see more here.
The Final Word –
Upgrading your kitchen is a wise investment that can significantly increase the value of your home. The best tip we have to do it on the affordable side so you can increase your home value, attract buyers, and see a return on investment is to consider the following:
- Upgrade the floors
- Paint the cabinets and the walls
- Install new countertops
- Bonus – replace the appliances.
Replacing appliances can be hit or miss, so we recommend you talk to your real estate agent about this. Whenever we list a home, we assess whether or not the new appliances will add to the value. Remember, some home buyers would prefer to purchase their new appliances.
However, whether you opt for minor cosmetic changes or a full-blown renovation, these kitchen upgrade ideas will impress potential buyers and make your home stand out in the real estate market. So roll up your sleeves, unleash your creativity, and get ready to transform your kitchen into the heart of your home!
