As a real estate agent, you already know that finding the best ROI on kitchen upgrades in the Alaska market is a delicate balance — and most of the time, it can go either way. Depending on what a client chooses to upgrade, returns can range from mediocre to pretty great.
Here’s a shortlist of our favorite on-trend updates that will make your listing images pop without requiring the cost and time of a full-on kitchen remodel or renovation.
Change Out Those Dated Pulls and Knobs
This one is such an easy fix and costs very little in time and labor: remove old pulls and knobs and get stylish replacements.
We really love this option because any client can bring their kitchen up-to-trend for very little investment. In fact, if you do it yourself (or better yet, suggest your client handle this one) it could cost nothing outside of materials because all it involves is a screwdriver and some screws.
You don’t necessarily need to go super-high-end, but because costs are typically so reasonable compared to more extensive remodeling efforts like full cabinet gut and install, there is often room to splurge a little.
Lighting Upgrades
Another easy way to create a huge impact on a kitchen without the cost of a full remodel? Change out the lighting.
Can lights are always a sleek, modern option that can be easily enhanced by trading a traditional on/off switch for a dimmer switch. Under-cabinet LEDs are another great solution that are also extremely easy to install.
Here at DMD Real Estate Photography, we especially love lighting upgrades, because newer options can add big drama to your listing galleries!
Shelving Options
There are a couple of different ways you can freshen up a kitchen with shelving. For those kitchens that seem a bit tight, if cabinet interiors don’t have a lip, consider pulling off a couple of doors to create open shelf space for an airy feeling.
When there isn’t enough storage space, but extra wall area, you may want to install a few open floating shelves for some quick and easy staging, as well.
In either case, the upgrades will cost you next to nothing, and create a whole new look and feel in the home’s kitchen.
Backsplashes Can Bring an Entire Kitchen up to Date
Because the measurable area of a backsplash is never as extensive as, say, the flooring, opting for a backsplash upgrade is another cost-effective kitchen update solution. Choosing your materials can be tricky, however.
You may want to consult an interior designer before making final selections since you won’t necessarily be changing out countertops and cabinetry as well. For instance, you may not want a full-on contemporary subway tile as a backdrop to your 70s-built atomic cabin-style kitchen.
A professional opinion can help you bridge that gap between when a house was built and what will help sell it now.
Cabinets and Countertops
When you do have a bit of a budget, but need it to stretch, on-trend options for cabinets and countertops can be surprisingly affordable.
First of all, Formica countertops are making a comeback, and they come in all sorts of colors and patterns. Resurfacing your existing counters is far more price point-friendly than completely ditching what you already have in place.
Besides pulls and knobs, if the Alaska home you’re working with has solid wood cabinets, you might be able to simply reface your cabinets. That is, change out all the doors/drawers with a more modern design.
In some cases, those brand new doorknobs and door pulls against a professional coat of paint will work wonders.
If you’re not sure whether the options you’re considering will photograph well, feel free to run them by us here at DMD Real Estate Photography. Always happy to provide input on what works from a listing gallery perspective!