As the central hub for day to day living, the kitchen is the most important room in your home. Kitchens have evolved over time, so kitchen remodel from purely utilitarian and out of the way spaces, to real integrated living areas that buzz with activity. Whether home with family or entertaining guests, a beautiful and functional kitchen is a real asset.

Not only is your kitchen important for everyday use, it’s also one of the most valuable rooms in your home. Its quality and design could increase appeal for buyers. The right improvements could even raise the true market value of your home.

There are some additions that can add more value than others, and you could better plan your remodel if you know what they are. Here are six insider secrets from the real estate industry that will help you plan your kitchen remodel.

1) Countertops are a Make or Break Feature

Most real estate agents agree that countertops are the most important feature in a modern kitchen. Countertops set the tone, add beauty, and they provide functionality over the lifetime of a home. Skimp out on your countertops and you could find it difficult to move your home once it’s on the market.

Marble is the premium choice for kitchen remodels, and it could get your home noticed by discerning buyers. Marble costs more than other materials and requires special care to avoid staining. But, it could become a real selling point.

Alternatively, if you want a premium look and feel at a more affordable price, you could choose to install engineered quartz countertops. The material is easier to maintain, and the aesthetic is still remarkably impressive. While not quite as desirable as marble, quality quartz countertops could still increase appeal if you ever choose to sell your home.

2) Buyers Prefer Light Kitchen Cabinets

Kitchen cabinets are almost as important as countertops. They’re immediately noticeable in any kitchen. If you’re planning a kitchen remodel with the intent to sell in the next five years, you’ll get the most value from lighter cabinets.

Dark cabinets will divide opinion right down the middle, which is why real estate agents recommend that you avoid them. In some cases, darker cabinets could even turn buyers away completely. A remodel should be appealing for a broad group of potential buyers. Lighter wooden or composite cabinets are undoubtedly the best option. 

3) Open Plan Kitchens Sell Better Than Closed Kitchens

The open plan kitchen concept has evolved from a design trend to a must-have in every home. If you are remodeling in an older house, talk to your contractors about removing a non-structural wall to create space and a better flow to dining and living areas.

An open plan is much better for entertaining. Most buyers simply won’t want to go near a small, closed kitchen that restricts the sense of space and freedom of movement.

4) Your Choice of Appliances is Critical

Most buyers don’t want to move into a home where they need to make a plethora of changes. According to real estate agents, if you want to raise appeal in your kitchen you should update the appliances.

Most sale agreements include the large appliances that are already in the home. If you upgrade your appliances now, you could increase your leverage when you finally take your home to market.

For dishwashers and refrigerators, you could consider incorporating them into your kitchen remodeling project. Appliance door panels can be fabricated to match your cabinets, for a seamless look and feel.

Buyers prefer stainless steel over traditional whiteware finishes, so consider this if you aren’t planning to cover your appliances.

5) The Small Details in a Kitchen Remodel Could Make All the Difference

Buyers love to find hidden features and small improvements that make kitchens more functional and unique. Even minor additions can make a surprising difference when it comes to selling your home.

When planning your kitchen remodel, try to incorporate some of the most desirable kitchen features of today. Examples include:

• Pull-out spice racks and pantries.
• Soft touch drawer and cupboard closing mechanisms.
• Pull-out trash can storage.
• Oversized cabinet-style drawers.

6) Lighting Matters for Kitchen and Home Remodeling

Real estate agents go above and beyond to promote homes based on current features and potential. However, poor lighting is something that’s extremely hard to overcome when attempting to make a sale. If lighting isn’t a priority in your kitchen remodel, then potential buyers may never see the true value in your home.

Lighting can make a room feel larger and more welcoming. Your choice of fixtures will be important. Talk to your designers and contractors about unique ways to light your kitchen.

Wall sconces and hanging lights with designer shades could add to the premium look and feel of your kitchen. Get creative with low hanging lights above a kitchen island, or even in the dining room.

Plan a Better Kitchen Remodel Today

These six secrets of the real estate industry could help guide your upcoming kitchen remodeling project.

Add value to your home and ensure you get a return on your investment by working with the best contractors in Des Moines. From planning to installation, and everything in between, the team at HomeWorx can offer a complete remodeling service with impressive results.