With mortgage rates soaring, many would-be homebuyers and sellers are choosing to stay put, beautifying what they have, and investing their money in renovating their home.
And while it’s easy to find information on kitchen renovations that have an excellent return on investment—like new flooring, refinished cabinets, or updated fixtures—what’s less clear are the improvements that aren’t worth the cash. And who wants to drop some coin on their kitchen, only to feel ripped off? Nobody!
To avoid wasting your money, read on for the kitchen features you should probably cross off your wishlist.
1. Expensive backsplashes
Backsplashes are often a go-to for renovators looking to make a big visual impact. But you need to think carefully.
Baron Christopher Hanson, a real estate agent with Coldwell Banker in Sarasota, FL, warns against backsplashes and other touches that potential buyers may find oddly colored or garish down the line.
“Here in South Florida, transient residents import very different tastes and styles,” Christopher Hanson says. “Strong personal style choices when it comes to backsplashes or colored tiling can quickly turn into a waste of money in a few years.”
2. Designer appliances
We all love big names for big-ticket items, and then there’s the thrill of knowing you have a highly coveted professional oven. But ask yourself: Is the spend for a high-end oven, dishwasher, or fridge truly worth it?
“High-end branded appliances are the biggest waste of money when designing your kitchen,” says Isabella Flint, an experienced home renovator, professional chef, and CEO of Fanatically Food. “They do the exact same job as other, lesser-known brands for double the price. My advice is always to do research on the best appliances for your budget. Then look carefully at the customer reviews. They’ll often be just as good as the big brands.”
3. Trendy hardware and accessories
A rose-gold faucet in the shape of a swan may make you happy—but it could turn into a deal breaker when it’s time to sell. You may also find your whim embarrassing in a few years when the trend is over. When choosing hardware and fixtures, try to find a balance between your personal style and broad market desires.
“Certain colors of hardware and fixtures may be trending now, but what about in a few years when just one item needs to be replaced?” asks Karen Yeheskel, a designer at Long Island’s Elite Kitchen & Bath Center. “If they’re not mainstream enough or are too trendy, they will be a turnoff down the line and difficult to replace.”
In both cases, you may face replacing the entire set all over again.
4. High-tech gadgets
Many of us love trying out the latest tech. But when it comes to your kitchen, you should make sure today’s hot trend will still be around tomorrow.
“In renovating a kitchen, investing too much on current technologies can backfire as they tend to get phased out quickly,” says Joe Ferguson, architectural joiner at Skirting Rus. “Instead, focus on tried and tested solutions such as self-cleaning paints, Corian countertops, and sustainable hardwood. Investing in something that you’ll use long term and can recycle is better than scrimping only to spend on it again in the future.”
5. Relocating electrical and plumbing systems
Tread carefully if you want to change the layout of your kitchen.
“Relocating the electrical and plumbing systems connected to your kitchen appliances is a huge expense,” says Robert Johnson, the marketing director at California’s Coast Appliances. “If you’re on a budget, work on the movable and flexible design elements instead of touching the permanent fixtures, like the kitchen sink. The labor cost alone can be a burden on the pocket. You need to hire professionals to do the job right and avoid delays. Material costs are also high due to inflation.”
6. Open shelving
Open shelving looks fantastic on Instagram. But in reality?
“Once things are on an exposed shelf for a few months, they get dusty. Try dusting your martini glasses every time you want a cocktail or cleaning out the salad bowl for a meal,” says Carolina Buia, a real estate agent for Sotheby’s in Palm Beach, FL.
There are so many ways to upgrade your kitchen, and sometimes narrowing down your list of priorities can be a chore. With the insight above you can remove these six renovation ripoffs from your wishlist and opt for improvements that will not only make your kitchen more convenient but also help lift your home’s value.
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