FHB Logo Facebook LinkedIn Email Pinterest Twitter Instagram Plus Icon Close Icon Navigation Search Icon Navigation Search Icon Arrow Down Icon Video Guide Icon Article Guide Icon Modal Close Icon Guide Search Icon Skip to content
Subscribe

In every issue you'll find...

  • Expert insights on techniques and principles
  • Unbiased tool reviews
  • Step-by-step details to master the job
  • Field-tested advice and know-how
Subscribe Now!
Subscribe
  • How-To
  • Design
  • Tools & Materials
  • Videos
  • Blogs
  • Forum
  • Magazine
  • Members
  • FHB House
  • Podcast
  • Join
  • Log In
Subscribe

Discussion Forum

Discussion Forum

Kitchen Reno and Value of Home

wrkrwood | Posted in General Discussion on March 28, 2010 02:34am

Hi,

Thinking of doing over my kitchen. Cabinets, floors, counter.

Did some reading on how kitchen budget should be 8% of home price.

But I’m wondering if there are any purchases design ideas for the job that can increase the value of the home.
Should I consult with an appraiser first?

 

best,

ww

Reply

Replies

  1. DanH | Mar 28, 2010 02:45pm | #1

    Unless there are major deficiencies, nothing you can do in remodeling will return more than your investment.  Do what you want for YOU, not based on some formula.

  2. Amish Electrician | Mar 28, 2010 04:04pm | #2

    Contrary to the mantra of all the TV (Realtor-driven) shows, IMO 'resale value' has little or no role in kitchen planning.

    If you listen to all the double-speak of the 'experts,' there are enough vague terms and qualifications that make clear that they're not saying what you think you heard them say.

    IMO, any remodelling should be done with an eye, first, on function. That is, design it to how YOU use it, today. You have no way of anticipating what someone else will want five years from now.

    I was looking at some homes recently, and it was hard for me to contain my laughter at some of the realtors' remarks. For example, they seemed to expect me to object when I was told that the current owner was taking the 60's-vintage fridge with them. Or, they presented to me a clearly illegal laundry arrangement, beaming with pride at the 'improvement' the owner had made (but, alas, the old machines were also being taken away).

    A lot of times, the choice of 'open design', a combination bar/ counter, or a kitchen island has more to do with the specific layout of  both the kitchen and the house, than it does with any design fashion.

    Moreover, the new owners are quite likely to redo the kitchen as soon as the sale is complete ... without any regard to your recent expense.

    Finally, I would like to vent for a moment:

    All too often, a 'kitchen remodel' is simply replacing the cabinets, counters, and appliances. Lipstick and mascara. Left completely unaddressed are the poor lighting, inadequate ventilation, small drains, and completely obsolete electrical. A modern kitchen needs SEVERAL dedicated circuits, at least a 3" drain, and modern (daylight) lighting.

    1. wrkrwood | Mar 28, 2010 06:06pm | #3

      Thanks! That was some great info! -ww

  3. sunsen | Mar 28, 2010 06:40pm | #4

    remodeling kitchens

    It's kind of funny to see how many recently "remodeled" kitchens get remodeled upon new ownership. Almost every remodel I've done the first thing that goes is the kitchen, no matter how new. Seems like a wasted effort to me if the intention is for sale. Unless of course it's really unacceptable.

Log in or create an account to post a comment.

Sign up Log in

Become a member and get full access to FineHomebuilding.com

Video Shorts

Categories

  • Business
  • Code Questions
  • Construction Techniques
  • Energy, Heating & Insulation
  • General Discussion
  • Help/Work Wanted
  • Photo Gallery
  • Reader Classified
  • Tools for Home Building

Discussion Forum

Recent Posts and Replies

  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
View More Create Post

Up Next

Video Shorts

Featured Story

Cutting Small Tile

Cutting small tiles comes with extra challenges. Learn how a simple addition to your saw's sliding table can make cutting small tile easier.

Featured Video

How to Install Exterior Window Trim

Learn how to measure, cut, and build window casing made of cellular PVC, solid wood, poly-ash boards, or any common molding material. Plus, get tips for a clean and solid installation.

Related Stories

  • Podcast 460: PRO TALK With Builder Keith Bohling
  • How to Frame an I-Joist Roof
  • Designer Kitchen Cabinets on a Budget
  • Podcast 459: Leaky Attic Stairs, Right-Sizing Heat Pumps, and Vapor Barriers in Dirt Crawlspaces

Highlights

Fine Homebuilding All Access
Justin Fink Deck Building Course announcement
Tool Tech
Plus, get an extra 20% off with code GIFT20

"I have learned so much thanks to the searchable articles on the FHB website. I can confidently say that I expect to be a life-long subscriber." - M.K.

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Sign Up See all newsletters

BOOKS, DVDs, & MERCH

Shop the Store
  • Outdoor Projects
    Buy Now
  • Code Check Building 4th Edition
    Buy Now
  • 2021 Fine Homebuilding Archive
    Buy Now
  • Tool Guide 2022
    Buy Now
  • Shop the Store

Fine Homebuilding Magazine

  • Issue 307 - June 2022
    • How to Raise a Post-Frame Home
    • Trimming Deck Stairs
    • Evolving an Energy-Efficient Envelope
  • Issue 306 - April/May 2022
    • Framing Stairs to an Out-of-Level Landing
    • Building a Zero-Energy Home for Less
    • Good-Looking and Long-Lasting Traditional Gutters
  • Issue 305 - Feb/March 2022
    • The Steady Surge in Residential Solar
    • The Fine Homebuilding Interview: William B. Rose
    • How Good Is Your Air Barrier?
  • Issue 304 - Dec 2021/Jan 2022
    • Why You Need Blower-Door Testing
    • Passive-House Standards for Everyone
    • Window Replacement With a Side of Rot Repair
  • Issue 303 - November 2021
    • Compact Cordless Miter Saws
    • Maximize Space with Thoughtful Built-Ins
    • 10 Essentials for Quality Trim Carpentry

Fine Homebuilding

Follow

  • twitter
  • facebook
  • instagram
  • pinterest

Newsletter

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Sign Up
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters

Membership & Magazine

  • Online Archive
  • Start Free Trial
  • Magazine Subscription
  • Magazine Renewal
  • Gift a Subscription
  • Customer Support
  • Privacy Preferences

Taunton Network

  • Green Building Advisor
  • Fine Woodworking
  • Fine Gardening
  • Threads
  • About
  • Contact
  • Advertise
  • Careers
  • Copyright
  • Terms of Use
  • Site Map
  • Do not sell my information
  • Privacy Policy
  • Accessibility
  • California Privacy Rights

© 2022 The Taunton Press, Inc. All rights reserved.

X
X
This is a dialog window which overlays the main content of the page. The modal window is a 'site map' of the most critical areas of the site. Pressing the Escape (ESC) button will close the modal and bring you back to where you were on the page.

Main Menu

  • How-To
  • Design
  • Tools & Materials
  • Video
  • Blogs
  • Forum
  • Reader Projects
  • Magazine
  • Members
  • FHB House

Podcasts

  • FHB Podcast
  • ProTalk

Webinars

  • Upcoming and On-Demand

Account

  • Log In
  • Join

Podcasts

  • FHB Podcast
  • ProTalk

Webinars

  • Upcoming and On-Demand

Popular Topics

  • Kitchens
  • Business
  • Bedrooms
  • Roofs
  • Architecture and Design
  • Green Building
  • Decks
  • Framing
  • Safety
  • Remodeling
  • Bathrooms
  • Windows
  • Tilework
  • Ceilings
  • HVAC

Magazine

  • Current Issue
  • Past Issues
  • Magazine Index
  • Subscribe
  • Online Archive
  • Author Guidelines

All Access

  • Member Home
  • Start Free Trial
  • Gift Membership

Shop the Store

  • Books
  • DVDs
  • Taunton Workshops

More

  • FHB Ambassadors
  • Reader Projects
  • Podcast
  • Customer Support

Account

  • Log In
  • Join

Newsletter

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Sign Up See all newsletters

Follow

  • twitter
  • facebook
  • instagram
  • pinterest

Join All Access

Become a member and get instant access to thousands of videos, how-tos, tool reviews, and design features.

Start Your Free Trial

Subscribe

FHB Magazine

Start your subscription today and save up to set_percent%

Subscribe

We hope you’ve enjoyed your free articles. To keep reading, become a member today.

Get complete site access to expert advice, how-to videos, Code Check, and more, plus the print magazine.

Start your FREE trial

Already a member? Log in