One of the most common home improvement projects is kitchen remodeling, and according to today’s trends, the kitchen will bring the highest return on investment (ROI) when reselling your home. Whether you do a major kitchen remodel with new cabinets, flooring and slab countertops, or a minor kitchen remodel including new appliances, sinks and faucets, this is one room that will please home buyers and sellers alike.
If you are new to the remodeling gig, a small step, such as upgrading your appliances may be all you need to improve your kitchen. According to Harvard University’s Joint Center for Housing Studies, minor remodels, typically ranging from $2,000 to $8,500, have the highest ROI of 85 percent to 100 percent. The study also indicates that from the standpoint of selling a house, new appliances help attract buyers.
There is an abundance of new kitchen appliances on the market each year. From induction cooktops to built-in coffee systems, homeowners can choose from numerous new technologies to fit their lifestyles. This also bodes well for potential home buyers.
Chris Sadaj of Appliance World in Aurora said home buyers often look at appliances when considering a potential home.
“Appliances are the focal point of any kitchen,” Sadaj said. “Most buyers look for a 36-inch range and double ovens. Then they look at the fridge, dishwasher and any other amenities, like panel-ready appliances.”
Panel-ready appliances are a must have for homeowners that want to show off their cooking appliances. Dishwashers, refrigerators and other utility appliances, however, can be camouflaged to blend in seamlessly with the other cabinetry. Sadaj added that cooking appliances, such as ovens and ranges, are big sellers because they are the centerpiece for a kitchen.
“A professional six-burner gas range, like a Wolf or Viking, tends to be the most requested product,” Sadaj said. “But induction cooktops are becoming more and more popular.”
Bonnie McMillan of Ferguson Bath and Kitchen agrees and said there are multiple benefits to using induction cooking.
Induction cooktops do not heat the surface of the burner. Instead, it essentially turns the pot or skillet into the heating element, allowing food to heat more quickly and evenly. And since the cooktop itself doesn’t create high temperatures, the surface cools rapidly after a pot is removed.
“Induction is huge – and there are so many options,” said McMillan. “You can get a single burner all the way to a full cook top. Or you could mix and match – having four electric burners and two side induction burners, for example.”
McMillan also recommends steam ovens for minor kitchen remodels. Steam oven systems can cook food much faster than conventional ovens because of a consistent supply of moist heat. Most steam ovens come with an easy-access reservoir, so there is no need for an additional water line connection.
“The only drawback some consumers find with steam ovens is that they cannot brown foods,” McMillan said. “This gives baked goods and meats a pale appearance, so using a conventional oven may still be necessary.”
For foodies considering a kitchen remodel, installing a new coffee system may be an added bonus for potential home buyers. Not only will a built-in coffee system clear countertops of clutter, but it will also give your kitchen a sleek and updated look.
“There are quite a few big-name coffee systems on the market right now,” Sadaj said. “For example, Bosch and Dacor make in-wall coffee systems that can brew your coffee, dispense hot water for tea and fit all mug sizes.”
But sleek and sophisticated style is not the only reason people invest in great appliances.
“Homeowners take pride in purchasing high-end appliances,” Sadaj said. “They know the distinct Viking logo or that the Wolf stove has red knobs. Buyers know quality and that investing in these products will be worth the money.”
Whatever the size of the kitchen remodel, homeowners can expect to recoup most of the money they spent. Upgrading appliances is a great way to update the kitchen with minimal hassle, creating an environment that potential home buyers cannot pass up.
Emily Jack is a Longmont-based freelance writer.
Photo credit:
Photo provided by Kohler
