Investing in a new kitchen and bath increases the value of homes in the Upper Valley. The amount of the return on investment depends on the goals of the renovation. Many homeowners in the Upper Valley understand that a new kitchen or primary bath makes it easier to sell their home if that is their goal. In these cases, we work with homeowners in the Upper Valley to achieve a short-term return on investment or to create as much short-term value as possible. This can be accomplished by limiting the scope of a renovation if necessary and selecting more cost-effective materials and design approaches. This might include changing cabinet door fronts, replacing the backsplash, specifying porcelain countertops that look and feel like marble, and upgrading appliances at a minimum without changing the floor plan or location of what currently exists.
Homeowners in the Upper Valley that plan to stay in their homes for years to come have different goals than those upgrading to make their homes more attractive for an immediate sale. Most homeowners in the Upper Valley renovate their kitchens do so to improve the quality of their lives and to make their homes more enjoyable and satisfying to live in. Rules of thumb to maximize the return received on a kitchen remodel is to invest in cabinetry that can withstand the test of time. Cabinets typically represent about 30% of a remodeling budget and should be expected to perform for at least two decades if not longer. That’s one reason why white shaker cabinets represent about 50% of all cabinets selected by homeowners in the Upper Valley and nationwide. Other popular color schemes that will serve the needs of homeowners in the Upper Valley for decades to come include gray, dark blue, linen, and soft taupe.
Including an island or a peninsula, space permitting is another area that provides a significant return on investment for homeowners in the Upper Valley. Islands add desired functionality and enjoyment to a kitchen by providing additional seating, countertop, and meal preparation space and storage.
There’s a reason why quartz is the most popular material for countertops among homeowners in the Upper Valley who are renovating their kitchens. Quartz is stain resistant, antimicrobial, easy to clean and maintain, and available in any style, color, and décor that may be desired.
Subway tile is a popular and cost-effective backsplash option because it provides multiple design and color possibilities that are also easy to clean and maintain.
Lighting is another area that can greatly enhance the return homeowners in the Upper Valley receive from their kitchen remodel. Layering task lighting that brightly illuminates countertop space used for chopping, slicing, and dicing with under-cabinet lights that provide an alluring ambiance to any kitchen and statement making pendants that serve as focal points that create value and personality in your new kitchen.
What are the secrets to maximizing the return on your kitchen renovation? Find out by calling us at 603-448-9700 or making an appointment to visit our showroom at 105 Hanover Street, Lebanon, NH, and let us show you how you can stretch your renovation dollars to meet your unique needs, wants, and desires.
