Redoing your kitchen on a budget before selling
Lower north shore suburbs like Neutral Bay, Mosman and Cremorne are in high demand at the moment but buyers expect quality homes in return for their money. This is why you need to up the wow factor and create a good first impression, whether you are selling a home or an apartment.
However, you don’t want to overspend before you sell, as this will cut into your profits. What’s needed is tactical investment, often in key areas like the bathroom and kitchen. Focusing on these will make the home more attractive to buyers so they start to compete with their offers. Here’s how to pull off a kitchen remodel or upgrade on a budget.
Assess your kitchen’s potential
Before diving into renovations, take a look at the current state of your kitchen and identify areas for improvement. We are always happy to provide advice, for example by pointing out that adding a kitchen island or replacing cupboards with drawers will make the space more functional and easy to use.
You will probably know what needs doing most: those little things that annoy you when you’re making dinner, like not having enough light or having to walk around a corner to get to what you need.
Add some paint
A fresh coat of paint can work wonders in rejuvenating tired kitchen cabinets and walls. Opting for neutral tones will create a clean, modern look that appeals to a wide range of buyers without breaking the bank.
Update hardware and fixtures
Swapping out old handles, tapware and light fittings with more modern options instantly modernises the look of your kitchen at a relatively low cost. These small details can make a big difference in enhancing overall aesthetic appeal. Pop across The Spit to Bunnings in Manly Vale: there are plenty of options.
Focus on countertops
While replacing countertops entirely can be expensive, there are budget-friendly options available, such as laminate or butcher block surfaces that offer a fresh and stylish look without the hefty price tag of stone or marble. Of course, if you know your buyers are in the market for absolute luxury a higher quality option will be worth the investment.
Refresh your cabinets
If your existing cabinets are structurally sound but visually outdated, cabinet refacing can be a cost-effective alternative to full replacement. This involves replacing only the doors and drawer fronts while keeping the existing cabinet boxes, saving time and money.
Spruce up your splashback
Splashbacks are another quick and easy win. Refresh yours with some timeless subway tiles or a neutral look that is slick and has wider appeal.
You don’t even have to replace a splashback completely: a respray with paint can have it looking good.
A final tip: don’t forget about presentation before the photographer arrives and on open home day. A vase of fresh flowers and a bowl with some fresh and colourful fruit both give a lovely impression.
