It’s easy to find information on kitchen renovations that have a great return on investment …. New flooring, refinished cabinets, update fixtures.
It’s not so clear the improvements that aren’t such a great return. Like me, you don’t want to spend cash on a no return investment.
So here we go on 6 features to think long and hard about before spending the ka-ching!
1- Expensive backsplash.
Be careful of odd colors that make a visual impact for you now but down the road will be a stand out of what isn’t attractive then.
2- Designer appliances.
Big names for big ticket items may have a classy sound but as Isabelle Flint, an experienced home renovator, professional chef, and CEO of Fanatically Food says, “High end branded appliances are big money wasters when designing a kitchen.They do the exact same job as other, lesser-known brands for double the price. My advice is always to do research on the best appliances for your budget. Then look carefully at the customer reviews. They’ll often be just as good as the big brands.”
3- Trendy hardware and accessories
A rose gold faucet in the shape of a swan could make you happy, but it could be a turn off when it’s time to sell. When choosing hardware and fixtures, try to find a balance between personal style and broad market desires.
Another point to bear in mind is that certain colors of hardware and fixtures may be trending now, but in a few years when just one item needs replacing and no longer are they popular now what? Often if they are too trendy they will be a difficult to replace and you may face replacing the entire set all over again.
4- High tech gadgets
Tech gadgets are great to try out, but when it comes to your kitchen you want to be sure today’s hot trends will be around tomorrow.
As Joe Ferguson, architectural joiner at Skirting Rus says, “Focus on tried and tested solutions such as self cleaning paints, Corian countertops, and sustainable hardwood. Investing in something that you’ll use long term and can recycle is better than scrimping only to spend on it again in the future.”
5- Relocating electrical and plumbing systems
Tread ever so carefully if you want to change the layout of your kitchen.
“Relocating the electrical and plumbing systems connected to your kitchen appliances is a huge expense,” says Robert Johnson, marketing director at California’s Coast Appliances. “If your on a budget, work on the movable and flexible design elements instead of touching the permanent fixtures, like the kitchen sink. The labor cost alone can be a burden onthe pocket. You need to hire professionals to do the job right and avoid delays. Material costs are also high due to inflation.”
6- Open shelving
Remember, what looks amazing on Pintrest or Instagram, in reality, may come with … work you weren’t imagining
When things are exposed on a shelf for a few months, they get dusty. I’m talking … really dusty.
So it’s time to use that salad bowl on the exposed shelf for the friends coming for dinner and you have to wash it first. Or the festive glasses on that open shelf have to be dusted or washed before pouring drinks.
In A Nutshell . . .
There’s no question upgrading or updating your kitchen can be a fun dream project and narrowing down the list of priorities can be an overload in itself.
Hopefully with this list you can see what not to put your budgeted money into and instead opt for improvements that will make your kitchen convenient and also lift your home’s value.