Some people will insist that remodeling before selling makes no sense. Others will tell you that those ugly cabinets will definitely decrease buyer interest. When faced with major life decisions, everyone has an opinion, but should you remodel your kitchen before selling?
You don’t have to remodel your kitchen before selling because the additional value it adds to your home is generally lower than what you invest. The larger your kitchen remodel is, the more money you are likely to lose. There are other factors at play that ultimately depend on your preferences.
This article will discuss the typical costs of kitchen remodeling, the pros and cons of remodeling before putting your house on the market, and other factors to consider before deciding whether to remodel your kitchen before selling.
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How much does it cost to remodel your kitchen?
According to Home Depot, the average cost of remodeling a kitchen ranges from $24,000 for minor renovations to $136,000 for a high-end remodel. Remodeling homes is expensive, and kitchen renovations are among the most costly.
Kitchen renovations involve plumbing, electrical, and mechanical issues that you don’t encounter when remodeling a basement or bedroom.
If you are familiar with tools, you can save some money by DIY-ing the kitchen remodel. But don’t overestimate your skills. Working near electrical and plumbing lines means that a small slip-up can cause damage that requires expensive technicians – or hospital bills!
Does kitchen remodeling facilitate home sales?
A remodeled kitchen with fresh paint, cabinets, and appliances attracts more interest than an outdated, shabby, or non-functional kitchen. According to the Zillow Group’s 2018 Consumer Housing Trends Report, 58% of home buyers stated that the kitchen played a very important role in their purchasing decision.
However, keep in mind that many buyers have their own remodeling plans. So while you should bring your kitchen up to date and replace any non-functioning appliances or major cosmetic damage, you should be cautious about building your ideal kitchen for a seller with different ideals.
Does kitchen remodeling increase the resale value of a home?
Remodeling your kitchen increases the resale value of your home. According to Remodeling Magazine, minor kitchen renovations such as appliance replacement, repainting, countertop upgrades, and new flooring typically recouped 72.2% of their costs in the resale value of the house in 2021.
So you can expect to earn an additional $21,660 from $30,000 worth of kitchen upgrades.
However, home sellers rarely see a 100% return on their remodeling investment. While a remodel can make your kitchen more attractive to buyers, the final impact on the bottom line will be less than the time and money you put into the remodeling project.
How much should you remodel your kitchen before selling?
Small kitchen remodeling projects before selling are more cost-effective than large ones. The 2021 Remodeling study found that the average large kitchen renovation project only recouped 57.4% of its $75,571 cost, or $43,364. Upscale kitchens fared even worse.
The average upscale kitchen renovation costing $149,079 increased the value of the home by $80,284 (53.7%). If you’re losing money, there are a few affordable things you can do to make your kitchen more attractive.
Repaint your kitchen in bright, neutral tones – Bright colors make rooms appear larger and brighter. Neutral tones allow potential buyers to imagine your kitchen in their choice of colors. Your canary yellow kitchen may look sunny, but 98% of top real estate agents say buyers prefer neutral colors. Repainting your kitchen is one of the most cost-effective ways to change the overall appearance of the space.
Replace worn-out flooring – If your linoleum has seen better days, a new floor can transform the ambiance of your kitchen from run-down to charming. According to Vevano Home, the estimated cost of installing new tiles on a 200 square foot floor ranges from $1,600 for ceramic to $2,800 or more for stone. Estimated costs for a new vinyl floor range from $800 to $1,000.
Update the lights – Replacing your old fixtures with new ones can make everything else in your kitchen look more modern. Installing ceiling lights is relatively safe as long as you make sure to switch off the power first. If you’re unsure how to do that, hire an electrician to replace your old fixtures for you.
Update your cabinets – A completely new set of cabinets costs money. Cabinet handles are inexpensive and can add a touch of personality to your kitchen. While you have the cabinet handles removed, consider repainting them. White or soft gray tones will make your cabinets look clean and fresh without drawing too much attention to them.
Is it worth remodeling the kitchen before selling?
While it generally isn’t worth remodeling the kitchen immediately before selling the house, other personal factors may come into play.
How long will you be living in the house? If your house is sitting empty and on the market, you’re probably best off leaving the kitchen as it is. If you plan to sell the house after your middle schooler goes off to college, you may want to remodel your kitchen and other areas in the meantime. The same goes if you want to sell your house because you hate your kitchen decor.
What is the condition of your kitchen? If everything is running smoothly in your kitchen, your cabinets and appliances are clean and relatively new, remodeling will likely cause more costs and trouble than it’s worth. So save your remodeling dreams for your new home, where you’ll have more time to enjoy them.
If you have a noisy refrigerator, a rusty stove, or peeling paint, you should address those problems. However, unless you’re selling your house as a tear-down, you want it to look at least presentable and reasonably maintained.
Final Thoughts
Selling your house is a major decision, and so is remodeling your kitchen. Trying to decide on both things at the same time can be overwhelming. Now that you know a bit more about the costs and benefits of remodeling your kitchen before selling, you can relax and make an informed decision.