The vast majority of estate agents agree that the kitchen is the most important room to renovate if you want to add value to your home. But what specific changes should you make in order to give your kitchen maximum “wow” factor and ensure the best return on your investment?
Here are the most important elements which add value to your kitchen according to estate agents, and we have been putting their advice into practice to ensure our custom kitchens in Liverpool offer the best possible value.
1. Create as much storage space as possible
Storage is always at a premium in any kitchen, as there are so many items which you need close to hand while still wanting to maintain a tidy and highly functional space. A professional kitchen designer will be able to advise you on how to make the best use of the available space, so that even if your kitchen is small, you can still include plenty of storage.
Most potential home buyers want to see plenty of cupboard space, so make sure your cabinets are as large and spacious as your kitchen will allow, even if this means your cabinetry has to reach up to the ceiling. In addition, you can utilise clever solutions like installing drawers in your kickboards for extra storage of small items.
2. Update your appliances
Modern home buyers are more environmentally conscious than ever before, and they want to move into a home which already has up-to-date, energy efficient appliances installed. Depending on your budget, this can be a sensible move, particularly if you can upgrade to built-in appliances rather than freestanding ones.
Having all your appliances integrated creates a more streamlined look and feel in your kitchen. If you want to make the kitchen look larger, choose stainless steel appliances, as these will help to reflect light around the room.
3. Install new kitchen worktops
Many people use the quality of the kitchen worktops as a yardstick to judge the quality of the kitchen. As well as making your kitchen look and feel more luxurious, new, high-quality worktops will also help to make your kitchen safer and more hygienic, as cracks and scratches in your worktops harbour germs and bacteria.
The most popular choices for worktops at the moment are natural stones such as quartz or granite, as they are hardwearing, durable and easy to maintain, as well as looking extremely attractive.
4. Refresh the look with new tapware and handles
The small details often make a huge difference when it comes to adding value to your kitchen. These days, home buyers take care to notice every element, including your tapware and the handles on your cabinets and drawers. If these look worn, tarnished or dated, your kitchen is potentially worth less than it should be.
You can add this value simply by replacing your tapware and handles with modern, sturdy designs which are stylish, but look as if they are built to last.
5. Choose new floor and wall tiles
Your tiles are extremely important for dictating the character of your kitchen – they have a great impact on the look and feel of the space. Dated or damaged tiles will be a turn-off for any potential buyers if you are hoping to achieve maximum value.
You can give your kitchen a whole new look by replacing your old tiles with modern ones, preferably in neutral colours or white, to make the kitchen look fresh and inviting. In a small kitchen, larger tiles work best, as they create a more flowing look, giving the impression of more space.
If your budget won’t stretch to a complete retile, it is imperative at least to replace the grouting. This small change will make a world of difference when it comes to making your kitchen look new and well cared-for, and can add a surprising amount of value.
Find out more about adding value to your kitchen
Here at HB Kitchens, we are always happy to advise on ways to make your kitchen more valuable and attractive. Please contact us to find out more about our custom fitted kitchens in Liverpool, or for a consultation.