When a potential buyer visits a residence for the first time, the room they usually visit first is the kitchen. This isn’t surprising, considering the amount of time the family and friends of the home owner will spend in the kitchen throughout their life in the home. Consequently, any improvement made to the kitchen can inestimably increase the value of the property. Not only does a notable kitchen improve the first impression upon the buyer. But it also has the most direct effect upon the living quality provided by the residence.
In the kitchen, the appliances are the keystone of the space. One rarely visits the kitchen without using one of the “workhorse” appliances: the refrigerator, the oven, and the sink and dishwasher. To begin with the fridge, this is the appliance that can have the most imposing presence in the kitchen. Since it is so imposing, the effect the kitchen will have on the quality of the room and its impression on buyers will greatly depend on the function and look of the fridge. Modern refrigerators feature ice makers, cold water dispensers, as well as the usual storage spaces and shelves. Freezers are now common in a pull out design at the bottom of the unit, though most are still of the double door, or freezer on top models. Given rising energy costs, efficiency is always a top priority when purchasing a new refrigerator.
The type of oven in a kitchen will largely depend upon whether the room is hooked up for a gas or electric appliance. Changing from gas to electric or vice versa is costly and often impractical since one is not necessarily better than the other. Electric ovens are usually easier and safer to operate and tend to offer more advanced features, such as self cleaning models and easy to clean flat ranges. Gas stoves are still very popular as they can offer a cooking experience and temperature control unrivalled by electric ranges. A good quality gas stove is important if the temperature control that gas stoves are known for are to be an advantage. An old and dirty gas stove will make control impossible and likely result in two range settings: very hot or off.
The sink is perhaps the least appreciated but most important feature of a kitchen. In this case, sinks are like heads: two are better than one. If the counter space will allow it, install a second sink basin and a swivel tap, preferably with a pull out hose and nozzle. The function of the sink is paramount as someone in the home is bound to spend a considerable amount of time washing dishes. Even if the kitchen is equipped with the luxury of a dishwasher, pots, pans and fragile dishes will still need to be cleaned in the sink.
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