6 Kitchen Remodel Tips For Your Next Flip
A kitchen remodel can be an exciting project for real estate investors. With a kitchen considered the “heart” of a home, potential buyers and renters are looking for a space that is not only functional, but also aesthetically fits their style, so how you execute a remodel is very important.
Whether you’re planning a complete gut renovation or just need to make a few cosmetic changes, there are many factors to consider before you start tearing out those cabinets. We’ll explore some tips for kitchen remodels to help you create a beautiful and functional space that will draw potential buyers in, and leave you with a lucrative investment in your portfolio.
Set a budget
Before you begin any renovation project, it’s important to set a budget. By setting a budget, you can plan your renovation more realistically, and get a better idea of what changes you can afford to make. Decide what features are most important to add – more cabinet and drawer space, a kitchen island, a pantry, additional lighting – and determine how much you can allocate to those additions, then stick to it.
Overall, setting a budget is crucial in ensuring that your renovation project stays on track and is completed within your financial means.
Plan your layout
While deciding on your budget, think about how you want your kitchen to function. Consider the all-important Work Triangle (the distance between the stove, sink, and refrigerator), these three areas should be easily accessible and close enough together to make cooking and cleaning efficient. Also think about the flow of traffic within the space, and make sure you have enough space for storing, cooking, and entertaining.
Photo: Alvarez/ Getty Images
Choose quality materials
While you may not see the value in it while planning, it’s important to invest in high-quality materials for your kitchen renovation. Not only will it ensure that your kitchen looks fantastic, but will also last for many years – which as a landlord, would reduce the frequency of replacing them, saving you money in the long run. Especially in areas of the kitchen that experience a lot of wear and tear, such as countertops and flooring, it’s important to use high-quality materials that can withstand daily use and frequent cleaning.
Ultimately, the decision to use high-quality materials during a kitchen renovation depends on your personal preferences, budget, and the design of the home. However, in general, using high-quality materials is a wise investment that will enhance the value and longevity of a kitchen.
Consider lighting
Lighting is one aspect of your kitchen remodel that can make a huge difference and shouldn’t be overlooked. Kitchens are multifunctional rooms that need different types of lighting to meet its many uses, yet still needs to look sharp and stylish. Implementing layered lighting into a kitchen will not just compliment the aesthetic of the space, but also enhance the life of its future residents.
Ambient lighting brings slightly diffused brightness to the space and is what’s used to make houses feel warmer – such as ceiling lights, whereas task lighting focuses direct light on a specific area to help you better accomplish an activity, like cooking or eating. Consider adding task lighting under cabinets and above work areas, as well as ambient lighting to create a warm and inviting atmosphere.
Photo: Pinterest
Think about storage
Maximizing storage space is a must in any kitchen. Think about all of the items you would need to stowaway in drawers and cabinets, from pots and pans to plates, cups and cookie sheets, then plan accordingly. Consider options such as pull-out cabinets, built-in organizers, and a pantry to really make the most of your space. Pinterest is a great place to look for inspiration on unique storage solutions for different types of needs and spaces!
Add personality to a classic design
Although the classic white kitchen is always in style, sometimes to stand out it’s nice to add a little splash of personality to a kitchen. With this in mind, remember that the best kitchens should be designed to stand the test of time, so don’t go overboard on utilizing trends. Instead, think about adding little touches, such as a colorful oven, unique pendant lighting, or two-tone kitchen cabinets to an otherwise timeless kitchen design to keep it attractive to a larger pool of buyers.
Remember, designing a kitchen can be a big project, but with careful planning and attention to detail, you can create a functional and beautiful space that any buyer or renter will love for years to come.