Some kitchen renovation expenditures are good only in the eyes of the homeowner

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Published Date 8/1/2023

Go into any big box home improvement store and you’ll find that the home renovation craze that began during the pandemic never really went away. In fact, with mortgage rates soaring, many would-be homebuyers and sellers are choosing to stay put, beautifying what they have or making them attractive enough to command a premium price once they feel more comfortable selling.

According to Realtor.com’s Kathleen Willcox, it’s not that difficult to find information on kitchen renovations that have an excellent return on investment (ROI) — things like flooring, cabinets, or fixtures. What’s less clear are the improvements that aren’t worth the cash. While some creature kitchen comforts look cool, it’s wise to understand that your return on some investments will not pan out. Of course, if you firmly believe you’ll be removed from your house feet-first, you may not care about the ROI. But what about those tasked with selling it down the road? It’s definitely a reason to not go crazy with your costly ideas.

Among those Willcox says to cross off your wishlist is an expensive backsplash. “Backsplashes are often a go-to for renovators looking to make a big visual impact. But you need to think carefully,” she says. The reason creative backsplashes don’t wash investment-wise? It’s always about resale, whether or not you plan on selling any time soon. Potential buyers may find oddly colored or garish down the line.

Another is designer appliances. While we all love big names for big-ticket items (a highly coveted professional oven, fridge, or dishwasher), ask yourself: Is the spend truly worth it? Willcox asked expert home renovator and professional chef Isabella Flint about this. “High-end branded appliances are the biggest waste of money when designing your kitchen,” she says. “They do the exact same job as other, lesser-known brands for double the price. My advice is always to do research on the best appliances for your budget. Then look carefully at the customer reviews. They’ll often be just as good as the big brands.”

Along with those fancy appliances that have face-value-only in your eyes are fancy fixtures and hardware. “A rose-gold faucet in the shape of a swan may make you happy—but it could turn into a deal breaker when it’s time to sell,” says Willcox. “You may also find your whim embarrassing in a few years when the trend is over. When choosing hardware and fixtures, try to find a balance between your personal style and broad market desires.”

Kitchen high-tech items are also on the list of not-worth-the-investment. While these items titillate us, when it comes to your kitchen, you should make sure today’s hot trend will still be around tomorrow.

When renovating a kitchen, current technologies can backfire as they tend to get phased out quickly, according to another expert Willcox interviewed. “Instead, focus on tried and tested solutions such as self-cleaning paints, Corian countertops, and sustainable hardwood. Investing in something that you’ll use long term and can recycle is better than scrimping only to spend on it again in the future.”

Kitchen layout changes can be a huge expense — especially if you have to jackhammer a concrete floor or re-run electrical and plumbing lines. If you’re on a budget, work on the movable and flexible design elements instead of touching the permanent fixtures, like the kitchen sink, another expert weighs in. “The labor cost alone can be a burden on the pocket. You need to hire professionals to do the job right and avoid delays. Material costs are also high due to inflation.”

Open shelving? It looks fantastic on Instagram and especially on HGTV shows. But in reality, once dishes and glassware are on an exposed shelf for more than a few days, dust abounds. Who wants to have to wipe out salad bowls or martini glasses every time they’re needed? Of course, if you have a weekly housekeeper, this might not be a problem.

According to Willcox, narrowing down your list of kitchen renovation priorities can be a chore. So why not opt for improvements that will not only make your kitchen more convenient but also help lift your home’s value? She directs you to the Renovation Calculator at My Home, where you can determine and prioritize the improvements that would yield the maximum return on investment (ROI).

Realtor, TBWS

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