Lund Team Journal

If you plan to sell, put remodel dollars where buyers pay attention: kitchens and baths that feel open, consistent, and bright. The seven ideas below favor layout, materials, and light over one-off custom features that only fit one taste.

1. Add or expand kitchen islands

With cooking at home as a family becoming more popular with services like Blue Apron, buyers are looking for kitchens with versatile, convenient spaces. A large kitchen island with plenty of storage and seating for guests is the perfect solution. If your home does not currently offer an island or it has one that is too small, adding a robust kitchen island with plenty of storage, counter space and seating will make your home more valuable in the eyes of prospective buyers. 

2. Open up kitchen spaces

Crowded, closed off kitchens are a turn off to buyers who want to be able to talk with guests or spend time with family members while preparing dinner. Removing all or part of a non-load bearing wall is a great way to open up cramped kitchen spaces, bring in more light and make this all-important room seem much more spacious and welcoming. 

3. Upgrade materials to freshen spaces

An easy way to make a dated, dreary kitchen look new and exciting is to change out current surfaces and materials for new, higher-quality options. For instance, adding quality cabinetry with updated features such as self-closing drawers, premium counter tops and gleaming metal surfaces adds a visual interest and tactile appeal that buyers will notice and love. Avoid simply adding new counter tops to outdated cabinetry. 

4. Be consistent throughout the home

When upgrading a space, remember that it is important to carry themes, textures, colors and styles throughout the entire home instead of stopping abruptly with just one space. This type of consistency will make the entire home appear more spacious and inviting. 

5. Lighten up to revive dated spaces

New designs are trending toward cleaner, more refreshing colors such as grays, blues and white and away from the darker colors and endless expanses of taupe of the past decade. Heavy stone and Tuscan styles are being replaced with the lighter feel of man-made quartz and other materials that reflect light and open up dated spaces. 

6. Use bath spaces wisely

Bathroom space is a premium concern for most buyers, lessening the demand for oversize showers. Instead, today's Southern California home buyer is more likely to opt for bathroom showers that are smaller and make better use of limited bathroom space. Do remember quality when updating showers by choosing heavy glass enclosures and modern, clean looking fixtures. 

7. Spread it around

While kitchen and bathroom renovations typically use up a larger portion of the total home remodeling budget, buyers will want to improvements throughout the home, as well. Remodeling only the kitchen and bathrooms can give your home an unfinished feel that buyers will reject. Instead, set aside a portion of the overall budget to freshen every room in the home so your entire home offers maximum appeal to qualified buyers. 

For more on preparing a North County home for market, contact The Lund Team. We have helped sellers in Carlsbad, Encinitas, San Marcos, Oceanside, Vista, and nearby communities since 1982. Call 760.438.0800 to talk through what is worth doing on your house before you list.<

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• Selling a home (1)
• Home Improvements (1)