How To Get The Most Bang For Your Buck When Deciding On Remodeling Kitchens

Remodeling the kitchen enhances the aesthetics and functionality of the space, which can benefit you immediately and make your home more attractive to buyers in the future. However, a kitchen remodel is not a small (or cheap) job, even if you opt for a minor renovation over a larger project. The remodeling process can be stressful, inconvenient, and expensive. Tariffs on many construction materials threaten to considerably increase the cost of home renovations. Before you dive into finding ideas for your kitchen remodel, it is helpful to start with determining how to get the most bang for your buck when remodeling kitchens. 

Data from the Journal of Light Construction 2024 Cost vs. Value Report shows that smaller kitchen remodeling projects have a bigger return on investment than major projects. For example, a major kitchen remodeling project has a 50% return on investment, while a minor kitchen remodel offers a 96% ROI. If your main reason for a remodel is to get the most return, a smaller remodeling project may be the best option. Deciding whether to do a minor or major remodel often comes down to your budget, the expected ROI, how long you're going to stay in the house, and your preferences.

A major kitchen renovation involves replacing most, if not all, of the components in the room, such as cabinets, countertops, flooring, and appliances. Smaller kitchen remodels involve making mostly cosmetic upgrades to the space and replacing a few key items, while refreshing other aspects of the kitchen. This can save a significant amount of money when making the improvements needed to enhance aesthetics and appeal to potential buyers. In addition to saving money, a smaller remodel takes less time to complete, so it is less disruptive to your daily routine.

Smaller remodeling projects make changes and improvements without replacing everything in the room. For example, old cabinets can be refaced or sanded and refinished, rather than replacing them completely. Paint can make a big difference at a lower cost throughout the space. A fresh coat of paint on the walls, trim, and ceiling can transform the look and feel of the space.

Other ideas for minor remodels include replacing appliances, installing a new countertop, replacing old light fixtures, and adding new cabinet knobs and drawer pulls to your kitchen cabinetry. The best place to start preparing for your kitchen remodel is to determine what needs to be replaced and plan your kitchen renovation budget to maximize your investment. 

If you are remodeling your kitchen with an eye toward enhancing your property value, you will want to maximize your return on investment. When making decisions for your remodel, consider improvements that will make the space more attractive to buyers. This can start with your color palette. Neutral colors offer a clean look that appeals to buyers because it makes the home feel polished and move-in ready. However, if you're still planning to stay in your home for several years, you also need to consider your personal preferences — you don't want to live in a boring home if it doesn't fit your personality on the off chance you'll sell in a few years. Keeping the major components of the kitchen classic and widely appealing while adding personality through decor and wall color can help you find the right balance.

Upgrading your kitchen appliances makes the space more functional, increases energy efficiency, and appeals to buyers. New appliances make the moving process easier for potential buyers, and energy-efficient appliances are especially attractive as energy prices continue to increase. Some of the best ways to save money on your kitchen renovation include shopping for appliances during sales and buying floor models.

Another way to maximize your return on investment is to select materials that look and feel expensive. For example, natural stone countertops are preferred over laminate counters for many home buyers. You could select a less expensive countertop, such as quartz, rather than a high-end material. The buyer will be happy to see stone countertops, and you will spend less. Or, splurge on high-end countertops and cut renovation costs elsewhere to balance the budget and get the finishes you want.