While eyeing which renovations to take a stab at, most owners choose the kitchen first since it’s the center for food prep and doubles as a social hub. Once the homeowner decides what to upgrade, they must think about the long-term benefits rather than the more obvious short-term ones.
As a guiding factor, kitchen renovations should not exceed 25 percent of the total home’s value since the homeowner will probably never receive the return on their investment. Some kitchen renovations can actually decrease the home’s value; keep reading for some examples.
Too Personalized
Even though the kitchen is “yours” at the time of renovation, that
doesn’t mean it will be someone else’s idea of “theirs” when you sell the
house. Tom Satas, founder and CEO of Windy City HomeBuyer, said, "Just
because you spent countless thousands of dollars on decorative ideas that you
have dreamed about since you were a little kid doesn't mean that anybody else
will have the same tastes nor will most people care about what you spent. Your
dream living room may look like a gut job to the rest of the world. So don't
drive yourself into debt or go overboard because the whole point of upgrading
your home should be to get the money back when you sell and ultimately
more."
Low-Quality Materials
Cutting corners by using cheaper materials can be sufficient for right now, but
keep in mind the future problems they might cause. The last thing you want is
for your kitchen cabinets to be falling apart when you try to sell your home.
Also remember that marble can easily chip, stain, etch, etc. so avoid using it.
Wallpaper Overload
Wallpaper is notoriously challenging to remove, and can turn-off
potential homebuyers. Instead, opt for fresh paint and neutral colors.
Chic Appliances
Luxurious or state-of-the-art expensive appliances can harm your
home’s value; according to Kim Abrams, CEO of Abrams Roofing, “These appliances
are much more expensive to maintain and repair, which will deter buyers from
your home." Also, according to real estate consultant Will Rodgers,
"Smart appliances are great. But keep in mind that the tech you put in
today will be outdated if you sell three to five years from now. High tech
kitchens are for your convenience but will only add value if you plan to sell
soon."
DIY Work
If not professionally done, Do-It-Yourself renovations or plumbing
can drastically reduce your home’s value if not performed up to code.
JFC Remodeling is committed to providing top-quality home reconstruction services to clients throughout Livingston County. With over 30 years of experience in the industry, our licensed contractors create unique, individualized, and polished renovations. Whether the site requires an improvement, repair, or is a new construction, you can trust our experts to deliver remarkable results. Call: 810-923-1123, e-mail: jfcllc@comcast.net, or visit us at: www.jfcremodeling.com today.
Written by the digital marketing team at Creative Programs & Systems: www.cpsmi.com.