- Kitchen Island ideally one with lots of storage
- Sealed shower multiple shower heads and outside vent to prevent mold build up
- Stainless Steel Appliances essential today at almost every price point
- Universal Bath Design
Two rooms that consistently make the biggest impression upon buyers are the kitchen and bathroom! Even in today's economic uncertainty buyers and homeowners are willing to spend on upgrades to these two essential rooms.
Homeowners may give up the granite countertop to get an island or vice versa as long as they get that certain look that creates a high polished look that they've seen on TV or the magazine.
The growing importance of the kitchen as a living space, has added the desire for quality.
In markets good and bad a cheerfull kitchen will get buyers past a multitude of issues, which is why white kitchens are still the color of choice. Beach houses are often done in fresh white shaker style cabinets and white soapstone or marble countertops. On the other side inland horse country homeowners tend to choose more rustic, soft glazed, creamy whites, cherry and recycled copper accents.
Lighting - natural and manmade - is HUGE in kitchens and even more essential in bathrooms. Ideally in bathrooms lighting should come from both above and the side to prevent shadows.
Easy lighting upgrade is to add dimmers to all lighitng so that
you can adjust the light to the job and the mood.
Storage Galore is the name of the game.
No matter how big the kitchen or bath there is always a need for storage. A walk in pantry in the kitchen is an upgrade that buyers drool over.
Kitchen islands are also turning into storage centers as they grow in size and shapes. Built=in wine racks, undercounter refrigerator drawers and appliance storage all add to the island's versatility.
In the bathrooms it is all about decluttering with builtins which a good experienced realtor will tell you increases buyer appeal. Electrical outlets hidden in the cabinets keep unsightly electric items out of sight.
If you thought refrigerator drawers were only for the kitchen, think again. Refrigerated drawers in the bathroom are great for cosmetics, medicines and even orange juice for the quick pick me up in the morning. Warming dawers as well are popular to keep your towels anice and toasty.
Just as kitchens have grown in size to accomadate different living, so too are bathrooms expanding their role. Some include exercise quipment, reading nooks, ventless fireplace and multiple tv's.
Easy storage upgrade add roll out shelves in kitchen cabinets and drawers in bath vanities for easy access and organization.
Five Retrofits Buyers Love
- Tile Backsplash
- Add undercounter lighting
- Paint the upper cabinets in a different color for a custom look
- Add doors with glass panels to some cabinets
- Change the hardware for a fresh new look
Five Kitchen and Bath Features BuyersWant Most
- Shower Stall in Master Bath
- Eat -in Kitchen
- HIgh End Appliances
- Granite Countertops
- Kitchen Island
Custom is King or the impression of custom
Islands in particular are getting the feel of custom like fine furniture with columns, toe boards, moldings. Different surfaces and finishes on counters or wall cabinets are affordable ways to create a custom feel.
Panels that blend the refrigerator and dishwashers into the cabinetry are another way to create a sense of quality.
Remember design choices in baths and kitchens depend on personal taste and how long the homeowners intend to stay in the home. Those who plan to sell in five years or less, should focus on personalized touches using paint, backsplashes and accessories. IF you are contemplating redoing the kitchen remember a bigger kitchen is better so this may be the time to knock a wall down.