The best kitchen remodeling trends that pay off

By Abigail Capella, Guest Author, Keselman Construction Group

Historic low home sales in recent years are causing more homeowners to put off buying a new home and investing in what they have. But you never put equity into a house without expecting something out of it, right?

Whether you’re remodeling your home because you’re ready for something new or preparing it for resale, knowing the kitchen remodeling trends that pay off will help you decide where to start. 

Is a kitchen remodel worth it?

If you’re considering investing money in a kitchen remodel in the hopes that it will pay off, it’s important to determine how you define “pay off.” 

• Resale value. If your main goal in remodeling your kitchen is to make money on a resale, remember that you’re unlikely to get 100 percent of your investment back unless you’re in a seller's market. Most kitchen remodels will earn anywhere from 65 percent – 85 percent in resale in a normal market.
• Money savings. Many kitchen remodels pay off because of monetary savings on utility bills and insurance premiums. Additionally, depending on the housing market where you live, doing a kitchen remodel may cost less than selling your home and buying a new one. 
• Happiness. Most people remodel their kitchen or home because they’re ready for a change and know that doing a remodel will improve their quality of living. If you want a new backsplash, you put it in because it looks great and makes your house feel more like a home. That’s something you can never put a price on.

While you can get a decent amount of money back on your kitchen remodel in a resale, relying on resale shouldn’t be your only reason for a kitchen remodel. Everyone has different tastes, so unless you’re doing a flip, you’ll get a better payoff on your kitchen remodel if you do it for more than just earning money on resale.

Six kitchen remodeling trends that pay off 

While there are different ways to enjoy the benefits of your kitchen remodel, minor kitchen remodels offer the best return on investment. That’s why we’re focusing on minor projects in our list of the best trends to make your kitchen remodel worth it.

Updated appliances

Updating to energy-efficient appliances can pay off big in the long run in the form of lower energy bills. It may also help with resale. When prospective buyers are touring a home, the quality and age of kitchen appliances can make or break their decision to purchase. 

Cabinet refresh

You don’t have to install brand-new cabinets to give your kitchen a new look. If your cabinetry is in good shape, a simple coat of paint and some new hardware can make a world of difference. You can also take advantage of this refresh to fix any squeaky hinges or stubborn drawers that won’t stay shut.

New countertops

You shouldn’t be too surprised that this trend made the list. Countertops are one of the most important features in any kitchen. They add both style and functionality, often acting as a focal point. Investing in a solid countertop material like quartz, granite, or soapstone can improve the functionality and look of your kitchen while also helping with resale.

Better functionality

There are several small things you can do to give your kitchen a fresh and modern feel by improving its functionality. For example, adding more outlets throughout your kitchen will help ensure all your devices and appliances have a place. 

Other small things you can do to improve your kitchen’s functionality include adding a garbage disposal to your sink, installing under-cabinet lighting, or adding more storage. 

A new layout

Sometimes, a total makeover is just what a kitchen needs. Whether the layout isn’t working for you or you want that dream open living space, a new layout is one of the best ways to completely remodel your kitchen the way you want it. Working with a professional will ensure you get the most functional layout – and the biggest payoff. 

Keep it simple and go for quality

If the primary focus of your kitchen remodel is resale, the best advice we can give you is to keep it simple. Trends are fleeting, but solid design lasts forever. Focus on quality materials, functionality, and up-to-date finishes to get the best payoff on your kitchen remodel. If you’re looking for quality that lasts and DIY isn’t something you’re willing to tackle with a kitchen remodel, it is important to find a quality kitchen remodeling contractor you can trust.

Make sure you go with a contractor who is insured, has a portfolio of projects that you like, and is highly reputable. Remember this is your home – you don’t want someone who is willing to cut corners. You don’t want someone who would start your project only to leave you kitchenless for several weeks because they had other jobs come up. Do your research here and find a good one. Then when you do, sit back, take a deep breath, and let the pros take over.

Wrapping it up

Kitchen remodels can be very rewarding, both financially and as an investment in your quality of life. Your kitchen has the potential to be a beautiful and functional space where meals and memories are made.

While you’re planning your kitchen remodel, remember this is your home right now and you can make it the way you would like it to be, but focus on timeless choices that will stand the test of time. Then, if you ever decide it is time to move on to another home, you can be sure your home’s value has increased and there are buyers lining up because of the time, care, and investment you put into it.