There’s no doubt making the move into a new home is a stressful process, especially if you have to sell your old home first! However, by being organised and ticking off a few home improvements before putting your house on the market, you can really help to maximise the sale price of your home. And, what better place to start than in your kitchen?
After all, the kitchen is commonly referred to as the heart of the home and it’s widely known that kitchens sell homes. If the kitchen is looking a little tired or out-dated, it can have a detrimental effect on the value of your home as a whole. Luckily, getting your kitchen prepared to be home-open ready doesn’t have to be as complicated as you think. Check out our handy hints below:
1. Work out your budget
There’s absolutely no point spending thousands of dollars on a kitchen renovation if it won’t add value to your home. A good rule of thumb is to start with your home’s current market value, and spend between 3–6% of that sum on your kitchen improvements. That way, you should see the value of your home increase, without it affecting your wallet. Want to calculate your budget? Check out our budget estimate calculator here.
2. Think like a buyer
You might love that bright red splashback and those statement lights – but that doesn’t mean your prospective buyers will! When renovating your kitchen for resale, it helps to keep things in neutral territory to appeal to a wider range of interested buyers. Pick benchtops, splashbacks and appliances that will work across a variety of styles but remain in the theme of your home. Buyers generally don’t want a traditional, farmhouse kitchen in a contemporary and modern feeling home. Ensure the new design feels open and natural and not closed in or cramped.
3. Paint the walls
The kitchen is one of the most hard-working rooms in your home – and the tired paintwork can often reflect this. Before putting your home on the market, make sure to give your walls a touch-up with a fresh coat of paint, and fix any cracks or damages to the plaster. Remember, you want the kitchen to feel as open as possible so when choosing a colour, the lighter the better. Cream, beige and light grey colours are perfect for this. Little things like this can make a huge difference!
4. Let there be light
Don’t let dodgy light fixtures or blown bulbs stop your kitchen from looking its best! Replace any dim or broken bulbs, and, if your light fixtures are showing their age (or just aren’t in fashion anymore), consider upgrading them for a more modern look. Investing in modern fixtures will give the kitchen a contemporary feel resulting in increased appeal of your kitchen to a wider audience.
5. Small things to impress
Consider investing in a couple of small convenience items that will impress your buyers such as under cabinet lighting, pull out spray taps or smart storage space. Changing all the handles so that they match can take your kitchen from drab to fab very quickly. These little things can make a big impact on a buyer’s impression of the space.
6. De-clutter and decorate
There’s nothing more off-putting than kitchen benches overflowing with clutter, or dusty and dirty shelving, appliances and floors. First impressions matter, so make sure your kitchen looks great from the start. Once the space is clean and organised, don’t forget to dress the space. Consider a few pleasing finishing touches, such as a bowl of fruit and potted plants – these add a homely touch to the space.
Plus, don’t forget, you can always chat to one of our master craftsmen at your local Kitchen Craftsmen showroom for even more inspiration, or view our range of contemporary custom-made kitchens.