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If you’re one of those people who need reassurance on any decision you make, you’re not alone. Maybe you’ve wanted to remodel your kitchen for years, but since the cabinets haven’t yet fallen off of the wall, you just don’t see the need. It’s kind of like when you say, “we’ll wait until the right time to have children,” and then that perfect time never really presents itself…sometimes there is no perfect time. Lucky for you, we’re here to help guide your decision with four positive things a kitchen remodel can do for you.
Increase the value of your home
Most of you may already know that kitchens are the most commonly remodeled portion of the home due to their strong return on investment. Although a kitchen remodel doesn’t always guarantee a value increase (and circumstances typically vary with region, initial value of home, etc.),Remodeling Magazine’s Cost vs. Value report lists the national average for return on a major midrange kitchen remodel as 74.2%, with minor kitchen remodel weighing in at 82.7%. Not too shabby.
Sell your home
Now, this point goes hand in hand with the above point, but I decided to keep them separated because, even if your particular kitchen remodel doesn’t provide a huge return on investment, it can help seal the deal on the sale of your home. Unless you’re planning to sell to Fred the House Flipper or Susie Fixer-Upper, having an outdated kitchen won’t usually be a big selling point. Adding a few updates here and there (sometimes as simple as paint color, new hardware or fixtures) can be icing on the cake for potential buyers.
Improve your family and social life
It may seem like a stretch that a kitchen remodel can help improve your family life, but don’t knock it before you give it some thought. If your current kitchen is small and outdated with poor lighting, limited storage options and a drab color scheme, it can most certainly have a dulling effect on your mood. As we mentioned in our previous post, Feng Shui Basics for Your Kitchen Remodel, there is a wide belief that fluorescent lighting can cause eye strain, headaches and hypertension. And while that may not be the case for you, there are likely other areas affecting your mood. Is your kitchen tiny and separated from the rest of the family? Maybe you don’t want to entertain because your setup isn’t very inviting. An open kitchen layout, which encourages regular social interaction and family time, may be just what you need.
Decrease your utility bills
It’s no surprise that in recent years green eco-friendly options have become popular. In addition to having positive effects on the environment, a green kitchen remodel can also have a noticeable positive impact on your utility bills. If you haven’t updated your kitchen in the last decade, chances are, your appliances aren’t as efficient as they could be. As we mentioned in our Eco Friendly Ideas to Spring Up Your Kitchen article, the U.S. government’s Energy Star program notes that approximately 13 percent of the average U.S. household’s energy budget goes toward powering appliances. Over the past decade, appliance manufacturers have come up with ways to save significant amounts of water and energy, subsequently reducing utility bills.
There are plenty of excuses to remodel your kitchen, aside from aesthetics alone. If you’re still not convinced, read up on these reasons why you should remodel this year, and don’t hesitate to ask an expert about common benefits they see, as they work with buyers daily.
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