The best way to get top dollar and sell your home quickly is to make updates that attract buyers. Many homeowners wonder how to update a kitchen without spending a fortune. It usually isn’t necessary to embark on a costly remodeling project. Minor improvements can often make the biggest difference. A few budget-friendly kitchen updates can make your home stand out and attract potential buyers.
Kitchen Updates Buyers Appreciate
Declutter and Clean
Cleaning and decluttering your entire home is essential. The quickest way to make your kitchen look more spacious is to remove unnecessary items and organize the rest. A thorough cleaning from top to bottom will also instantly improve the appearance of your kitchen. This step costs nothing but time and effort.
Apply Fresh Paint
A new coat of paint is an inexpensive way to update any room. A fresh coat won’t take much time and will instantly brighten your kitchen. If you’re handy with a paintbrush, you can save labor costs by doing it yourself. Remember to prep surfaces correctly before painting. Choosing the right paint color is important. A stark white can feel sterile and uninviting. Light neutral colors, including light grays and creamy whites, are safe choices. Tan colors have a yellow tone and can make a space look dated.
Upgrade Cabinet Hardware
Switching out your kitchen hardware is a low-cost way to modernize your kitchen and give it an updated look. There are numerous hardware options available at various price points. Choose hardware with the same hole pattern to make switching out knobs and handles easy. To learn about different types of hardware, refer to Wayfair’s cabinet hardware guide.
Add a Kitchen Backsplash
A backsplash finishes a kitchen and can add a lot of style without spending much money. They also protect your walls from grease and food splatters. If you don’t currently have a backsplash, install one. Backsplash.com has an excellent online gallery to browse for ideas. Busier tiles might be trendy, but they won’t appeal to everybody. A simple backsplash design is probably the best choice.
Update the Sink and Faucet
The kitchen sink and faucet get a lot of use daily. If your sink is worn or cracked, replace it. The current trend is a farmhouse or under-mount sink. If the faucet leaks, have it repaired or replace it with a modern, more efficient model. If your sink or faucet needs to be replaced, it’s best to hire a professional plumber to handle the project.
Replace Dated Light Fixtures
You can add style and substance to any space with the proper lighting. A well-lit kitchen is vital for both safety and aesthetics. Add undercabinet lighting to brighten up work areas. Replace outdated lighting fixtures with more modern options. A simple modern pendant light won’t overpower the design of your kitchen. Remember to make sure every light bulb is working correctly.
Talk to a Real Estate Professional
A common question homeowners ask real estate agents is, “should I remodel or update my kitchen before listing?” There is no simple answer to that question. It depends on your home, the local market, and recently sold homes. If you don’t have the time or money to invest in a major renovation, a few simple upgrades may be all that is needed to make your home shine. You may even be able to update your kitchen on your own if you are an experienced DIYer. Remember, it’s always best to leave plumbing and electrical work to licensed professionals.
There are a lot of kitchen remodeling ideas that can add to the resale value of your home. However, most of them require big budgets. On the other hand, simple kitchen upgrades are practical and far more affordable. Before making any significant changes to your home, speaking with an experienced real estate professional is essential. They can evaluate your home’s condition and advise you before placing it on the market.
Call Sandra Meranda at 314-691-1320 for a free market analysis of your home. Her extensive knowledge of St. Charles and St. Louis Counties helps make selling or buying a home as stress-free as possible.