Everything needed for your kitchen when renovating to sell
If you are considering renovating your kitchen before selling your home, there are certain aspects you need to consider.
Renovating can be a difficult process but if you follow this list of what essentials you will need for your new kitchen, it will become much easier.
Appliances
When renovating a kitchen, you should put yourself in the shoes of a potential buyer. It seems an obvious piece of advice but when it comes to choosing hardware, be sure that the quality is high and that all knobs and pulls are stylish, comfortable to grip and easy to use.
If you are set on a certain style of finish and hardware, choose appliances that match this. A Smeg oven manual model in their Retro range is perfect for a vintage-chic aesthetic. However, if you are looking to go down the more modern route, look for appliances that complement this look. Be sure that every appliance you install works correctly before you sell, as if the appliances do not function correctly this will cause inconveniences to the new owners.
Task lighting
A kitchen is a hub of activity, from chopping vegetables to cooking meals, it needs to have the correct lighting for these activities. It is important to install lighting in your kitchen which helps with visibility and this means task lighting. You could look at installing pendant lights over the counters or island, otherwise you can install rows of overhead lights over the middle of the room.
Your lighting does not only have to be functional, it can take centre stage in your kitchen. Look for pendant lights with unique finishes and colours to add some brightness to an all-white room or choose a chandelier-style model to add an extra touch of luxury. However, be sure that the lights do not hang too low or they could become an annoyance. Look at the room from the perspective of a new homeowner and note where you think lighting would be most effective.
A simple colour scheme
Renovating your kitchen to sell means that you may have to remove your own personal touches to the room in order to appeal to a wider range of buyers. You might adore your bright red kitchen walls and patterned backsplash but such quirkiness may dissuade buyers from choosing your home.
You should choose a colour palette that is neutral and subdues, but this does not necessarily mean going all white. Opt for natural hues on cabinets and countertops and choose an off-white, taupe or even beige wall colour. Floor tiles can be either matching or contrasting in order to create some visual interest. However, remember to choose colours that do not clash with one another and try to stick to one palette.
Stick to your existing floor plan
The cost of your renovation will increase significantly if you decide to change the floor plan. Keeping your existing floor plan will allow you to spend more on kitchen accoutrements such as new countertops or exciting equipment. Moving plumbing and electrical points is also a difficult and often costly experience.
The ‘footprint’ of your kitchen is also an important aspect to consider. The footprint entails the flow of the kitchen, including where the major appliances are placed in relation to each other, as well as the shape of the room. The problem that a new homeowner may have is in the layout of the appliances within that shape, so try to work on this first.
Don’t forget ‘wow’ features
If you have the budget for adding some extra features, these are considered as major selling points for potential buyers. These ‘wow’ features can be as simple as under-cabinet lighting, extra drawers in a unit or a pull-out pantry for extra storage space. Think about what would pique your interest if you were a potential buyer.
Some other ‘wow’ features include stone or stone composite countertops, modern sink fixtures and an extraction fan. You could add a mirrored backsplash to an off-white kitchen to reflect the under-cabinet lighting. Another unique feature is to have blind corner cabinets if your kitchen is smaller, to increase the amount of storage available. Renovating in this way may cost more upfront but in the long-run, it will ensure that you sell your home.
Final thoughts
Renovating your kitchen is a positive step towards successfully selling your home. You will need to see your home from the viewpoint of a potential buyer in order to make changes that will help to sell your property. The kitchen should be the hearth of the home: a place to gather for special occasions and family dinners. Be sure to create this warm feeling when renovating yours.