The kitchen is usually the first place an interested home buyer visits when he or she comes to see a residence. Consequently, any investment in the look and function of the kitchen is an investment in the first impression the home will make on future buyers. In addition, an improvement in the function of the kitchen is an improvement in the living conditions of the home.
The kitchen cabinets are perhaps the least expensive area of the kitchen that can be improved, but they are very important to the kitchen’s function and look. Also, improvements to the cabinets and other dry storage spaces range from simple, such as replacing old cabinet handles, to extravagant such as the incorporation of a new appliance like a dishwasher. Sometimes, simply a new paint job or stain on old cabinetry can be made to benefit a kitchen’s value, rather than hurt it.
Cabinets and cupboards are generally about one factor: space; the more food, appliances, and other household items that can be stored, the better. A smaller kitchen can be made much more functional if there is ample overhead and under counter space to store all the accoutrements of a modern cooking space. On the other hand, large kitchens need to be designed to bring the needs of the cook within reach of a few steps. Dinnerware cupboards can be huge, but the kitchen will not be improved if they are farther away than an easy reach from the dishwasher and sink. Moreover, cabinets and cupboards work as far as the kitchen’s user is concerned. Drawers that do not open easily every time or cupboard doors that do not stay closed are easy to fix but are also detrimental to a kitchen and, by extension, the home’s value.
Often associated with any new cabinet installation, the kitchen counters are equally important to a kitchen’s functionality. As in cabinets, the key to counter tops is space. This will usually be determined by the layout of the structure, but counter tops are also limited by the need to accommodate the reach of the average person and the space needed to navigate the kitchen Counters that are too far apart will make cooking harder rather than easier.
Counters and cabinets can be re modeled to include designed spaces for appliances such as dishwashers, ovens and refrigerators. Built in appliances are impressive even if the unit’s incorporation into the woodwork is a relatively simple renovation. Nothing is worse for a kitchen’s look than a detached free standing dishwasher. If the kitchen cannot accommodate a dishwasher and it is not absolutely necessary, it might be better not to bother with it at all.
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