If you’re thinking about putting your home on the market, you know that the kitchen is a big selling point. While your current kitchen might look a little dated or worn out, the good news is you don’t need to completely renovate it to raise your home’s value. In fact, investing in a few smaller upgrades that don’t require demolition can actually have a higher return on investment. See which projects you should invest in if you’re thinking about selling.
1. Cabinet Refresh
Your kitchen cabinets are a focal point potential buyers will be looking at. While completely replacing your cabinets can be costly, there is another option. If the layout of your kitchen is good and your cabinets are well-placed, giving them a quick refresh is a great way to see ROI. You can easily have them painted or refinished and add some new hardware. This simple job is not only cost-effective but also makes a huge difference, especially in a dated kitchen. Connect with a painting company that can handle this job quickly and at a fair price.
2. Fresh Coat of Paint
Speaking of paint, there really is nothing paint can’t help update. This is why we always mention painting as a great investment project in your home. According to a study done by the Appraisal Institute of Canada, a new paint job can provide ROI of up to 165%. This makes adding a fresh coat of paint one of the safest investments you can make into your home. If you’re having your cabinets painted, consider a complementary colour to freshen up your walls as well.
3. Small Fixtures
It’s the little things that matter, especially when it comes to the fine details. Lighting, a new faucet, and modern cabinet pulls, for example, are all relatively inexpensive to purchase and install but will help increase the overall value of your home. New lighting, in particular, can transform the look of your kitchen quickly and inexpensively. Brighten up your space with modern fixtures that are simple and stylish. You don’t want to draw all the attention to them, but you do want potential buyers to see you’ve made the investment. Speak with an electrician to help shine some light on your kitchen improvements.
4. New Sink
This one might surprise you, but a new sink can actually make a huge impact on your kitchen and your home’s overall value. Swapping an outdated and dingy looking sink for a beautiful modern one will surely grab the eye of potential buyers. The style you pick should match the overall look of your kitchen, so if you’re already modernizing your cabinets, get a sink to match the new look.
5. Modern Appliances
There’s no sense putting all this effort into your kitchen if you’re going to leave your outdated appliances as-is. Buyers may look right past your beautiful new cabinets and paint job if all they can focus on is your discoloured, old fridge. Consider investing in new energy-efficient appliances that offer power and energy savings for years to come. Not only will new appliances help to enhance your ROI when you sell, but they will also visually enhance the space and make it look like a modern kitchen home buyers will want to bid on.
Below are the average costs of Kitchen Planning & Renovation services across different cities in Canada:
| City | Average | Minimum | Maximum |
| Calgary | $14,539 | $100 | $50,000 |
| Edmonton | $15,181 | $100 | $50,000 |
| Hamilton | $20,005 | $200 | $50,000 |
| Oshawa | $23,931 | $1,700 | $45,000 |
| Ottawa | $20,816 | $400 | $50,000 |
| Toronto | $13,483 | $100 | $50,000 |
| Vancouver | $11,342 | $250 | $50,000 |
*Costs based on 1533 verified Canadian homeowner reviews as of March 2022
Whether you need a little bit or a lot done to your kitchen to get it ready for sale, there’s a pro on HomeStars who can help you out. Click on the banner below to instantly be connected with verified pros in your area. All you need to do is enter your project details and we’ll send your request out to pros in your area who can help you get the best ROI out of your kitchen renovation.
Article Updated June 2022.
