When trying to sell your home, it’s important to identify the things that increase the value of it, and those that actually decrease its value. So how can you be successful in enhancing your property’s value to attract future buyers? Estate agents, after all, have plenty of examples of sellers who apparently got it wrong. This series will explore the possible ways to add value to your property before listing it, and talk about the features that could actually reduce the list price. The first part will go over one of the two most important renovations that can boost the price of your house. In the following article we are talking about improving the appearance and function of your kitchen. (Article about bathroom renovation coming soon).

Building Blocks by Holger Zscheyge

An Updated Kitchen

It is without a doubt one of the best investments you as a homeowner can make. For most homeowners, the kitchen is the most important room in the house. Kitchen remodelling is a good way for you to increase the value of your home and put a new spin on old living areas, but it’s more than choosing a paint colour and cabinet style. The kitchen is the heart and soul of any house, so it’s important that your kitchen remodelling project results in a space that is functional, comfortable, and beautiful at the same time. Remodelling could cost up to $40,000, but will probably add double that in value. It’s the one room in your home that really stands out, and by showing it off, you’re definitely increasing your chances to sell your house at a price that you might only dream about.

• For a cost-effective solution, steal space from adjacent areas, or link a dining room to make one combined space. Or consider an extension, which can often be done without a planning permit.

• Pay attention to things such as the quality of the materials you use for your kitchen, accessibility and placement in the house, and the amount of workspace. Consider replacing your floors with high-quality flooring, such as wood, laminate, tile, or stone.

• Appliances can be one of the most costly items to replace in a kitchen, so it’s a good idea to look carefully at what features are of greatest importance. Appliances today are sleek, flexible, and offer more conveniences than ever before. It is a wise move to invest in energy efficient appliances—it serves as a big plus for the potential buyer.

• Painting is the easiest and most affordable kitchen remodelling job on the list. It’s also the one most likely to be an effective selling tool for your house. Fresh, clean walls in warm neutral colours should be your top choice. They make everything look and feel their best with just about any decoration. Don’t choose an offbeat or unusual colour, no matter how much you like it, or how trendy the colour may be at the moment. The more distinctive the colour, the more likely that potential buyers will be wondering how hard it will be to paint over.

More extensive kitchen remodelling jobs, like adding windows or a cooking island, are less advisable propositions if your main intent is to add value to your house. Stick with kitchen remodelling jobs that are most likely to appeal to the broadest range of buyers.