At Kitchen Shack, we get it that kitchens are more than just a place to store food and prepare meals. It’s where families gather after long days, where good food and conversations are shared – the true ‘heart of the home’. It’s no surprise either that it’s the number one renovation that Australian homeowners do.
But when you think about the time, cost and disruption that comes with a kitchen renovation, it’s fair to ask the question: is a kitchen remodel really worth it?
So let’s break it down.
What does a kitchen remodel involve?
The word ‘remodel’ means different things to different people. For some, it’s about giving the kitchen a bit of a face lift – like a fresh coat of paint, new cabinet doors or just replacing benchtops or handles. Simple changes to update the look of the space.
For others, it is about starting fresh. Rethinking the layout, improving storage, functionality and updating everything from appliances to splashbacks. This is what we call a full remodel and that is what we specialise in at Kitchen Shack.
Here we will explore both:
- Refresh (cosmetic update) and
- Remodel (complete redesign).
Impact on Property Value
You’ve probably heard that kitchens sell houses – that is still true. But thanks to the popularity of renovation shows and online inspiration, buyers today are more open to do work themselves to save money.
As a result, what you upgrade and the finishes – the quality matters. What you choose will determine how much your renovation impacts your property price.
A simple refresh can improve appeal and make your home look more attractive to buyers. But a full remodel of your kitchen can significantly boost how your home presents and functions which can then influence your sale price.
However, if increasing your home’s value is your goal, the improvement in the look, feel, and functionality delivered by a full renovation could offer greater returns. You shouldn’t expect a 1:1 increase though (i.e. the value of your property may not increase by as much as you spend on your remodel but it will help sell the property). This is because many other factors could influence the sale price (such as location, the economy and prices for comparable properties) and, ideally, your updated kitchen should ideally match the rest of your house.
So if you want maximum value then stick to timeless, practical designs that suit the style of your home, not just the latest trends.
Impact on your lifestyle
Not thinking of selling soon? Then the real value of a kitchen renovation is the impact it can have on your everyday life.
This is where a full kitchen redesign really stands out. Re-designing your kitchen to improve your overall life means:
- more bench space for meal preparation
- better functional flow so you’re not bumping into someone every time you open a cupboard
- increased storage, extra large bins, pantries and appliance cupboards can really make a difference
- a layout that is open and connected to other areas of your home.
These are the considerations that will make your day to day cooking, entertaining and how you live more enjoyable. Yes, a cosmetic update might feel fresh but the novelty fades when you still are struggling for extra storage and it’s just not working for you.
A full reconfiguration of the space will allow you to address all of the little issues and daily frustrations. Not only will this improve the functionality of your kitchen, but it will also make working in it a more enjoyable experience.
So… is the time, money, and effort really worth it?
In short, yes, a kitchen remodel can be worth it however it will not solve functionality and many areas discussed. When working out whether you should renovate, make sure you consider the true cost including the impact on you and your family while work is being completed, and all of the benefits including the emotional and lifestyle advantages.
At Kitchen Shack we focus on functional designs for complete kitchen renovations that match how you live, not just now but in the future. It has to work well for your lifestyle.
If you’re considering a complete kitchen re-design but not sure whether it’s worth it, Kitchen Shack’s here to help. Our wide range of styles include options for every budget and our free in-store design can ensure you get the look you’re after. Book an online consultation today!
