Because a kitchen is a
primary selling point of a home, it makes sense to allocate the budget necessary to make the kitchen amazing.
The first step is to look at the kitchens of the houses that have recently sold in the neighborhood.
This gives you an idea for what you'll need to do in order to get top dollar for the home.
Use Zillow to see the photos. That way you can do this research right from your laptop or computer.
Once you do that, use this simple checklist for your kitchen rehab:
1. Cabinets - Inspect the cabinets and figure out if they need to be replaced or can be refinished.
Old laminate cabinets will likely need to be replaced. They become discolored.
Install new handles and knobs on the cabinets. Satin nickel is a good choice for the finish.
2. Counter tops - Install granite counter tops. There are three grades of granite: low, medium,
and high.
Unless you are rehabbing a luxury home, go with low or medium grade.
Choose a slab with neutral tones and subtle patterns.
3. Replace the sink. In most cases, a stainless steel sink will look great.
Sometimes, in older homes for example, buyers are attracted to a fireclay farmhouse style sink.
Replace the faucet with a modern, attractive faucet.
4. Appliances. Install new modern stainless steel appliances.
5. Flooring. In most flips you will need to replace the flooring. If you're lucky, you
will have a kitchen with hardwood that you can sand and stain.
Otherwise, laminate gives you lots of flexibility in terms of color and patterns.
6. Lighting. Recessed lights are great for ambient and general kitchen lighting.
Hanging light fixtures over an island cost about $200-$300 and are modern and stylish.
7. Finishing touches. Install decorative outlet and light switch plates that go with the new paint.
The standard white plastic plates look tacky. Don't use them.
Decorative plates are definitely worth the extra $2-$3 dollars.
Installing a wine cooler may be worth the investment. While not necessary, it suggests to a buyer they
are getting a luxury home.
Use this simple checklist on your next flip and you're certain to create incredible kitchen spaces
every time.
The first step is to look at the kitchens of the houses that have recently sold in the neighborhood.
This gives you an idea for what you'll need to do in order to get top dollar for the home.
Use Zillow to see the photos. That way you can do this research right from your laptop or computer.
Once you do that, use this simple checklist for your kitchen rehab:
1. Cabinets - Inspect the cabinets and figure out if they need to be replaced or can be refinished.
Old laminate cabinets will likely need to be replaced. They become discolored.
Install new handles and knobs on the cabinets. Satin nickel is a good choice for the finish.
2. Counter tops - Install granite counter tops. There are three grades of granite: low, medium,
and high.
Unless you are rehabbing a luxury home, go with low or medium grade.
Choose a slab with neutral tones and subtle patterns.
3. Replace the sink. In most cases, a stainless steel sink will look great.
Sometimes, in older homes for example, buyers are attracted to a fireclay farmhouse style sink.
Replace the faucet with a modern, attractive faucet.
4. Appliances. Install new modern stainless steel appliances.
5. Flooring. In most flips you will need to replace the flooring. If you're lucky, you
will have a kitchen with hardwood that you can sand and stain.
Otherwise, laminate gives you lots of flexibility in terms of color and patterns.
6. Lighting. Recessed lights are great for ambient and general kitchen lighting.
Hanging light fixtures over an island cost about $200-$300 and are modern and stylish.
7. Finishing touches. Install decorative outlet and light switch plates that go with the new paint.
The standard white plastic plates look tacky. Don't use them.
Decorative plates are definitely worth the extra $2-$3 dollars.
Installing a wine cooler may be worth the investment. While not necessary, it suggests to a buyer they
are getting a luxury home.
Use this simple checklist on your next flip and you're certain to create incredible kitchen spaces
every time.
