You love your Seattle, Washington home, but the kitchen needs a bit of work. A mid-scale kitchen remodels will benefit you while you live in your home, but will also add to your home’s value. While you may be tempted to go all in on a kitchen remodel and add the finest countertops, double oven, and hand-crafted Italian tile backsplash, you will have a much better return on investment if you stick to a mid-scale remodel. An upscale kitchen remodels will recoup about 56% of expenses while a mid-scale or minor remodel will recoup closer to 71%. While you are considering what to upgrade, remember that home buyers love lots of storage, plenty of counter space, and stainless steel appliances.
Replace Dated Countertops
Kitchen countertops come in a wide range of materials, colors, and costs. Yes, stainless steel countertops are perfect for a high-end chef’s kitchen but the amount of buyers who are willing to pay top dollar for them is limited. For a mid-scale kitchen remodel that will be attractive to a larger group of buyers opt for classic countertops like quartz or marble. Quartz countertops are very durable and do not require nearly as much upkeep. It resists stains and is more heat resistant than other types of stone. Quartz countertops are expensive upfront with a general cost of $40-$60 per square foot, however, they do not require constant maintenance. Skip bold and busy countertops as well as dark slabs. These were popular in the 1990s and early 2000s but are outdated. Instead, choose solid light colors with subtle hints of gray-veined patterns or speckled patterns.
Refinish Or Reface Cabinets
New kitchen cabinets can cost anywhere from $1,800 to over $9,000. But if the structure of your cabinets is intact, you can probably have your cabinets refinished. Refinishing dated cabinets will cost less than $5,000. How you refinish your cabinets depends on the type of cabinets you have and the look you are going for.
- Paint: White is still the most popular cabinet color, blue, green, charcoal gray, or creams
- Stain: Looking for a natural vibe? Stain your cabinets if they are solid wood.
Refacing cabinets will be more expensive but if your cabinet doors are damaged it is the best option. Choose new doors, fronts, and hardware that is durable and match the style of your kitchen.
Install Backsplash
Brand new trendy backsplash is considered a top kitchen upgrade by 42% of real estate agents. Tiny backsplashes that cover over a minimal amount of space from the counter up are out of style. Instead, backsplashes that stretch from the counter to cabinets are back in style. The basic subway tile is moving out of style and is going to be replaced with earthy colors. Herringbone patterns and mosaic tiles are also popular options.
Also, Check – Do I Really Need A Range Hood Over My Stove?
Upgrade Appliances
Outdated appliances should be one of the first things to go during a kitchen remodel. Over 33% of real estate agents consider smart appliances a kitchen upgrade that buyers want to see. There are plenty of smart appliance options to choose from. Refrigerators that are energy efficient and use smart technology to allow viewing inside the refrigerator with the door closed are particularly popular. Dishwashers, ovens, and range hoods can all be found in smart styles. Smart appliances don’t just make cooking more enjoyable, they are also more energy efficient. According to 41% of top real estate agents, Energy Star-certified features are valuable to promote a listing and can increase the value of your home.
Add A Kitchen Island
The most sought-after kitchen upgrade according to 57% of real estate agents is a kitchen island. With added storage below and additional counter space, kitchen islands are the perfect addition to any kitchen. Since islands quickly become the central hub of the kitchen you’ll want yours to be large enough to provide space for food preparation and entertaining. Popular islands include custom waterfall style, double island, and two-tier island.
Add More Storage
If your kitchen has plenty of space and you can stick to your budget you should consider adding a walk-in pantry. A walk-in pantry is a highly desired kitchen feature for buyers. In fact, a National Association of Home Builders report showed that 81% of buyers wanted a walk-in pantry as part of their kitchen. Converting existing space into a walk-in pantry can cost anywhere from $1,000 to $6,500.
In addition to the above home improvement projects, you can swap out old hardware and upgrade kitchen storage areas with new shelves. Add a bit of fresh paint to your walls to complete the remodel and your kitchen will be ready for you to enjoy and eventually use as a beautiful upgrade that will help you sell your Seattle, Washington home fast.
