long-term investment
Investing in a few things like granite countertops and up-to-date appliances helps you enjoy your kitchen more and starts you off on the right foot when you decide to sell your home.

Do you think you will sell your home someday? It’s a good idea to keep in mind your long-term investment when maintaining a home. You can enjoy remodels and renovations to your home now while also keeping in mind how those improvements will affect your home’s value and its appeal to buyers someday when you decide to sell your home. A good kitchen design can be the tipping point that either makes or breaks the sale of the house. However, you want to avoid spending more than you’ll end up getting back from your investment. The key is to draw a good line between budget and updates. Here are some tips on how to remodel a kitchen to maximize long-term investment:

Keeping Up with the Joneses

If most of the homes in your neighborhood have a walk-in shower, then you should get one, too. The same goes for your kitchen. If there is an amenity that most of the other homes in your neighborhood have that you don’t, then the value of your home will suffer. This is because part the home valuation process includes comparing the home to other homes in the area. So, for example, if almost all your neighbor’s homes have granite countertops and your kitchen still has old solid surface countertops, then perhaps it’s time to make an upgrade. You don’t have to go for the most expensive, obscure slab of granite, but even a very basic granite countertop will put your home on par with the rest.

Simplicity

Sometimes, all you really need is a simple, understated design. If you’re installing new cabinets, go for a classic design, like shaker cabinets. Neutral colors are great for helping the kitchen to blend in with the rest of them home. Anything that is too colorful or deviates from the norm in any way runs the risk of overwhelming a potential buyer. Remember, the things you find unique and beautiful may look unappealing to someone else. Avoid needlessly pricey materials, like exotic woods and expensive appliances. As long as your kitchen has all the essentials and a simple, pleasant design, you’ll be all set to show it to buyers.

Open Floor Plan

Most homes are moving towards the open floor plan, so many buyers will be looking specifically for open kitchens with lots of space and room to move. If there’s a wall that can be removed, consider having it removed to open up your kitchen space. This option is best for homeowners who have a higher budget to spend on renovations. If you’re able to create an open floor plan, it’ll be sure to impress your potential buyers.

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