Are you renovating to up the value of your home before you sell it? If you answered yes, then it is critical that the money you put into your kitchen renovation is allocated to the features that matter most.
Appliances
Be practical when it comes to choosing the appliances for your home. Look for energy efficient appliances and splurge on the appliances that you will need the most. A refrigerator may need to be replaced in 15 years or sooner, however, a nice cooktop will last longer, so spend there. If you have children, teenagers, or are the “go to” home for every holiday, celebration and birthday, dirty dishes become a way of life. Invest in a good dishwasher that will help make your life a whole lot easier. And across the board, stainless steel is always the most popular choice, and it is usually the first thing that future buyers will look at in the home.
Countertops
Although a stone countertop will cost much more than laminate, this focal point of your kitchen will add beauty and value to your renovation. You could center the cabinet, tile and paint choices all around a focal countertop. If you want to save a bit of money, go for a more elaborate, and higher quality stone countertop on the island, and contrast it with something a bit simpler throughout the rest of the kitchen.
Cabinetry
There are a few musts when it comes to cabinetry. Invest in a waste-recycling center and choose cabinets and drawers with a soft close feature (something we install in all of our work.) This soft close feature has evolved from a luxury finish to a must-have finish for convenience, resale, and to retain the longevity of your cabinets. The best place to splurge is in the functionality of your cabinets. For example, drawers in base cabinets can be more ergonomic and provide better storage access. Also, building your cabinets all the way to the ceiling will give you much more storage.
When it comes to the cabinet material, there are cheaper options such as choosing laminate over solid wood. However, a quality pressured wood can last you over 20 years and will look good for years to come. Also, don’t try to save on installation and do it yourself. Installing cabinets is much more than just hanging boxes. At KAD, we design, manufacture and install your cabinets all in-house, which means that we can guarantee you the quality and service that you expect throughout the entire process.
Looking For More Advice?
Wondering how to get the best return on your renovation investment? Speak with a design consultant today!