If a homeowner had enough money to renovate only one room within the home, most real estate experts would suggest spending that money on either the kitchen or the bathroom, as these are the rooms that can add the most value to a home – but, getting these renovations wrong could have the opposite effect.
READ: Kitchen renovations help you sell
“To safeguard the future resale value of their property, when remodelling a kitchen or a bathroom, homeowners need to ensure that the design will strike the right balance between functionality and aesthetic appeal,” says Adrian Goslett, Regional Director and CEO of RE/MAX of Southern Africa.
Focusing on kitchens, Goslett explains that adding quality fittings and finishes can be the key to getting the remodel right. “There is a fine balance homeowners will have to manage between over- and under-capitalising on a kitchen renovation. You do not want to overspend on high-quality finishes if you won’t be able to sell for an amount that will allow you to recoup that expense. But, you also don’t want to go so cheap on materials that the remodel does not end up adding any value to the home,” he warns.
Consulting a local real estate professional can help homeowners understand what sorts of finishes buyers expect and are happy to pay for in that area. This will help homeowners reach the sweet spot in determining their renovation budget.
READ: Kitchen upgrades that will increase your home value
The next mistake homeowners need to avoid is over-personalising the items that are difficult to replace, such as the countertops, backsplash, floors, and cabinets. “The safest way to add value to a home through a renovation project is to keep the fixtures as neutral as possible so that it has the broadest possible appeal. Homeowners can add their own flair in the decorative touches that are easier for buyers to replace if it does not suit their taste,” Goslett recommends.
But, renovations are not all about adding resale value to a home. A kitchen remodel can also add value in the form of greater enjoyment of the space. “Beyond upgrading its aesthetic appeal, homeowners should not overlook the importance of enhancing the overall functionality of the space. The rule of thumb is to design a kitchen to form a triangle between the sink, refrigerator and stove to ensure the best flow of traffic through the space. Never neglect creating adequate storage space and remember to install plug sockets appropriately near to the spaces where kitchen appliances would most likely be used,” Goslett suggests.
If all these points have you rethinking tackling your own renovation project, Goslett notes that you can avoid making any of these mistakes simply by choosing to find a home with your dream kitchen already installed. “Whether you want to find out how your kitchen renovations could add value, or begin your search for a home with designer kitchen already installed, consulting your local RE/MAX agent will make the whole process less stressful,” says Goslett.
READ: Easy DIY: How to transform your kitchen with paint and wallpaper
In previously published article Eugène Jordaan, Principal at Leapfrog Moreleta Park, advised that a few savvy adjustments, creative considerations and smart planning can make the kitchen the most loved space in the home:
- Prep and plan
As with most home renovations, the available budget tends to dictate the scope of the project.
“Start by listing everything you would like to change, determine the cost of the line items on the wish list, and then work backwards from there, dividing the list into the essential must-dos and the nice-to-haves,” recommends Jordaan.
If you’re worried about overcapitalising, speak to a trusted property advisor who will be able to share useful insights with you about what sort of value your improvements will add to your property in the medium to long run.
When planning your new kitchen, bear in mind that practicality is key in a kitchen. Think about how you use the space and how the flow, organisation and aesthetic could make it a more pleasant place to work and play.
“Too often you see kitchens where the coffee things are on the side opposite to where the kettle is. By simply moving it closer you’re enhancing the space in a subtle, but very important way,” says Jordaan.
If your budget is limited and you’re looking to get the most bang for your buck, it would be wise to not make any major structural changes, such as moving the plumbing and breaking walls, but to rather focus on improvements that refresh the look and feel.
- Social circle
Gone are the days where the kitchen was a secret compartment that led off from the dining room.
Kitchens today are hubs of social activity, and need to be designed to match both our social and culinary needs.
If this is true of your kitchen (and lifestyle), plan and renovate accordingly. This could mean adding a centre island, if space allows, or lengthening the counter to allow for more people to sit at it. “It may also simply mean moving the appliances that you don’t use every day to make room for more social activities around the counter,” adds Jordaan.
- Counter offers
Speaking of counters, if your budget doesn’t allow for a massive aesthetic overhaul but you’re desperate to update the look, consider just replacing the countertops. “The countertops are the first thing that catches our eye in the kitchen and tends to dominate the look and feel of the space,” says Jordaan. If the cupboards and fittings are in good condition, simply replacing the countertops with something more contemporary could make a world of difference, without costing the earth.
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