One glance at your tired and out-of-date kitchen might suggest that a renovation is necessary. However, when considering kitchen renovations, questions about cost and whether you could recover the renovation costs when you sell the home come to mind.

Kitchen Renovation Factors to Consider: Cost

The cost of any home improvement will vary depending on the project, materials, and labor required. Additionally, every real estate market is different, so average return estimates will differ throughout the country.

The Remodeling 2021 Cost vs. Value Report* estimated costs and average home value increase for different kitchen renovations. Based on a 200-square-foot kitchen, the averages are:

Minor Kitchen Renovation:

• Includes cabinet-front replacements, new hardware, new appliances, laminate countertops, mid-range sink replacement, and painting.
• Estimated average cost: $26,214.
• Average increase in home value was $18,927 or 72.2%.

Mid-Range Kitchen Renovation:

• Remodeling 30-linear feet of semi-custom wood cabinets, laminate countertops, 3 x 5 island, stainless sink with a single-lever faucet, range, dishwasher, microwave, and new flooring, along with painting or refinishing walls, ceiling, and trim.
• Estimated average cost: $75,571.
• Average increase in home value was $43,364, or 57.4%.

Major Kitchen Renovation:

• Significant renovations include custom cabinetry, stone countertops, glass or tile backsplashes, commercial-grade appliances, high-end faucets, sink, filtration systems, premium flooring, and high-quality lighting.
• Estimated average cost: $149,079.
• Average increase in home value was $80,284 or 53.9%.

The Average Return on Investment (ROI) for Kitchen Remodels

Although kitchen renovations can dramatically generate instant gratification, homeowners may be surprised by how little their renovation adds to their home’s resale value. Because of the relatively low ROI, many real estate agents recommend not performing significant renovations before putting a home on the market.

An experienced real estate agent can help you decide which upgrades and improvements would help the home sell and those that may not be worth the expense.

To Renovate or Not Renovate?

If you are not expecting to move for a few years, renovations to improve appliances, appearance, and lighting, can make sense. Although kitchen renovations can be costly, the small ROI may not be a factor for consideration if the home will not go on the market soon.

Save by Doing-It-Yourself

Homeowners can avoid high renovation costs by doing their own kitchen upgrades. Adding or changing the lighting can also have a significant overall impact on the kitchen. Other DIY projects most homeowners can easily undertake include:

• Painting or refinishing the cabinets.
• Install a tile backsplash to add an attractive accent to the kitchen.
• Install vinyl flooring that mimics high-end finishes for a modern, low-cost look.

*Remodeling data © 2021 Zonda Media, a Delaware Corporation. Complete data from the Remodeling 2021 Cost vs. Value Report can be downloaded free at www.costvsvalue.com.

 

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