Last updated on July 20, 2024
Buying a home can be overwhelming and often times buyers can get caught up in the emotional aspect of the process and spend a lot of time worrying about how the home makes them feel.
While we believe that the right home should speak to the buyer on an emotional level, it's also smart to think about things from a practical perspective, so you don't end up with a major case of buyer's remorse.
So, since kitchens are often spaces where homeowners spend a lot of their time, buyers need that space to be functional for their needs and preferences. If you're looking for a home, here are four elements we think you shouldn't overlook in a kitchen.
Illogical arrangement
The kitchen is the most expensive room in the house to renovate; in fact, the latest Cost vs. Value report shows that homeowners can expect to spend $155,000 on a major kitchen remodel. If you're not planning a major kitchen remodel, it's very important that your kitchen layout is functional for the use you'd be putting the space to.
Think about the work triangle in the kitchen in relation to how you tend to operate while cooking or entertaining. Typically, you want the sink, stove, and refrigerator to be close to each other. Another element to think about is countertop workspace. Unless you're planning a major renovation, buying a home with a kitchen that doesn't have adequate countertop space for your needs will leave you with regrets.
Lack of entertainment space
If you like to entertain a lot of people, make sure the home you're considering has enough space and the right flow to accommodate a crowd without any issues. When it comes to renovations, adding square footage or changing the configuration of a room is often quite costly.
Not enough storage
Ample storage space is highly coveted, especially in a kitchen. Adding additional storage space is not impossible if the space in your home allows for it, but it will cost quite a bit. Cabinets are the most expensive items in the kitchen, so it is preferable to have enough storage space at the beginning.
Appliances too small
For those of us who cook most of the time, appliances that are too small to be functional should be a deal breaker. A kitchen with a four-burner stove may be too inadequate for someone who cooks for a large family most nights. Likewise, a counter-depth refrigerator may be too confining for a larger family.
Want more cooking content? Find out which type of kitchen renovation generates the highest return when selling.
Visited 1,317 times, 12 visits today
