How to increase the value of your home: the kitchen

16-11-07, UpMyStreet ©

A recent survey by Nationwide found that 54% of buyers believe that the most important room in a property is the kitchen.

Often the focal point of a home, a kitchen can make or break a potential sale - making it a key room to focus on if you want to increase the value of your property. Here are some guidelines.

1. Set your budget

Calculate the potential gains in order to set your budget. Check house prices in your street and local property trends to get an idea of the maximum price similar properties sell for, and use this as a guide.

A full kitchen refit could cost you anywhere from £2,000 to £10,000 or more. Smaller improvements - such as replacing cupboard doors, work surfaces and tiles - can also make a noticeable impact.

2. Maxmise your space

Make the most of the space your kitchen holds:

• Double up the room space as a dining area by knocking through your dining room wall or designating a corner for a table and chairs
• Add a standalone work surface in the middle of the room for a contemporary space enhancer
  
• Erect a space-saving hanging rack with 'S' hooks for pots, pans and utensils
• Choose all-in-one appliances sush as fridge freezers and washer dryers
• Hide washing machines and other appliances with cupboard doors
• Use high cupboard areas to store less frequently used equipment

3. Extend your space

Most modern layouts place the kitchen at the back of a property, giving the opportunity to entend. Extensions are the most profitable way to add value to your home. Ensure you seek planning permission before you begin work.

4. Refit or replace units

Due to daily wear and tear, kitchens often need more regular attention than other rooms in the home. New cupboard units or doors will help to freshen up and modernise your kitchen, which will appeal to buyers. If you replace existing doors rather than a full unit refit, you'll save on the cost of a professional kitchen fitter.

Be strategic about your choice - light coloured units give the impression of more space, wood lends a more rustic feel, while mixing wood with metallic accessories creates a contemporary look.

5. Update appliances

If you've redone your kitchen, older appliances may not blend with the new look. Updating your appliances can put the finishing touch to your new room. Consider appliances that are energy efficient, which can help reduce bills.

6. Make your kitchen child-friendly

Kitchens are the centre of a family home, and child-friendly features will appeal to children and parents alike. Child-proofing devices are inexpensive but will protect young people from the dangers of ovens and grills. Subtle enhancements can be effective too - double up your dining area as a quiet place where children can do their homework, and place blackboard in a low corner of the kitchen to make a fun writing wall.

7. Add finishing touches

Achieve a modern look for your kitchen with clever accessorising and some simple, cost-effective touches. A fresh coat of paint, new tiles, new handles for your units or a granite-effect worktop can go a long way to update your room, If your kitchen has a dining area, being creative with the table and chairs can spruce up the space.

Finally, pictures and photographs - if not already featured - will bring warmth and personality to the room for prospective buyers.

The outcome

Overall, kitchen improvements can add up to 4% to the value of the property, according to the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS). For an average UK property worth around £240,000, a new kitchen can add up to £9,000 in value.

Share this

Help

Email

del.icio.us

Digg

Facebook