A stunning kitchen is both a focal point of a home and a great selling feature when it comes time to put your property on the market. But before you rush off to the nearest showroom to start perusing all the enticing options for a makeover, remember: Not all kitchen upgrades are created equal. If a kitchen renovation is in your future, or you're preparing to sell your home, here are some of the upgrades that kitchen remodeling atlanta provides which reliably add value and provide a return on your investment.

1. Add a Kitchen Island

Adding a kitchen island is one of the best ways to increase the value of your kitchen when embarking on renovations. Kitchen islands are highly sought out by potential buyers, tend to add more counters and storage space, and can make a kitchen feel bigger than it is. It's also an incredibly safe investment because it's a trend that's not likely to go out of style.

 

Although there are many benefits to adding a kitchen island, be prepared to spend a bit of money, as this type of upgrade requires a fairly substantial investment. The final cost varies based on whether the island will include plumbing and electrical, but you can expect to spend between $4,000 and $5,000 on materials for an island and anywhere from $3,500 to $5,000 on labor.

 

You can certainly find prefabricated kitchen islands at big box stores, but I do not recommend this as they do not add any value, are difficult to match to the house, and will probably look out of place.

2. Update, Paint, or Replace Cabinets

Another one of the 7-Day Kitchen ways to increase the value of a kitchen is to update the cabinets. Whether painting cabinets, updating hardware, or completely changing them out, this is a sure way to completely change the look of a kitchen. "Today's buyers tend to focus on storage and favor cabinets with good aesthetic appeal."

 

The cost of this upgrade varies depending on the size and scope of your project and the quality of the cabinets selected. If you focus on just replacing hardware, expect to spend at least $100 to $200, depending on where the materials are purchased. 

 

When selecting new hardware, don't worry about finding an identical match to the existing finishes in your kitchen. Look around your space and note what metal finishes you currently have on plumbing fixtures, lighting, or appliances and then select a hardware that works well with those finishes. It doesn't have to be the exact finish as your other design elements; it just has to partner well with them.

 

Repainting cabinets is the next step up in modernizing your kitchen cabinets and will cost quite a bit more than simply renewing the hardware. You can expect to spend anywhere from $2,500 to at least $4,000 depending on the total surface area of the cabinets. If this price is daunting, keep in mind that you usually get the best return on investment on this effort, especially when combined with new hardware.

3. Upgrade Appliances

Old, outdated, and poorly functioning appliances are one of the top reasons homeowners renovate a kitchen or move to a new home entirely. Most of us spend way too much time in our kitchens to want to deal with unreliable appliances.

 

Stainless steel appliances, which have been wildly popular for years now, remain the go-to option for countless homeowners. 

4. Replace Countertops

Twenty years ago, granite was all the rage, but today, few people want dark, speckled countertops. Give your kitchen a brighter look with new white or light, neutral quartzite countertops or porcelain countertops, which have been trending for the past year or more.

 

These will give your kitchen an instant facelift and attract buyers. Using real marble, which can be very pricey, will rarely translate into a return on your investment when upgrading countertops. No matter which updated material you select, countertops are an important investment and one that makes a significant difference in the appearance of your kitchen and its resale value.

5. Add a Multipurpose Work Area

Increasing the functionality of your kitchen by adding a desk area or a multipurpose zone is an increasingly popular way to add value to kitchens amid the COVID-19 pandemic, as many people are still spending the majority of their time at home.

 

Kitchen counters offer a great space to work, but an in-kitchen desk works best when you don't want to make the mistake of setting your laptop down in a puddle of water or other kitchen debris. This type of added space can function as a work-from-home desk or as a spot for kids to do homework while parents prepare dinner. It can also be useful as a place for a quick call during the day.