How replacing kitchen doors and worktops increases property value

A kitchen before a Granite Transformations makeover PICTURE: Granite Transformations (Image: Archant)

If you’re looking to sell your home now, or even in the future, there are many changes you can make to increase its value. However, if your budget can only stretch to updating one room, make sure it’s your kitchen that you choose.

A kitchen is commonly recognised as one of the biggest selling points in a home, and a modern, attractive space is a huge plus point for both buyers and valuation surveyors. This however doesn’t always mean you have to spend out on a brand new kitchen to win over those looking around.

Can a kitchen makeover increase a property’s value?

Many existing kitchens can be given a new lease of life for a modest investment, and this can help to increase your property’s value.

A kitchen after a Granite Transformations makeover PICTURE: Granite Transformations (Image: Archant)

Updating your kitchen can work in different ways. Some people can have their home on the market for a while and a kitchen update can help them sell it, while others can have offers way below the asking price, but after having their kitchen unit doors changed, accept a higher offer price – making them more money than what the transformation cost.

“When buying a home people will look at the bathroom and kitchen and if they believe they need to change them, they will offer a lot less than the asking price because they are the two most expensive rooms to change”, says Steven Leech, director at Granite Transformations. “We do a lot of work for customers selling or wanting to sell their home.”

How to update your kitchen with new doors and worktops

Refreshing your kitchen to improve your home and increase its value can be done simply with replacement kitchen cabinets doors and new kitchen worktops that fit over your existing ones. New kitchen door fronts will give your kitchen an instant facelift, while investing in new overlay worktops can bring a fresh feel to the room.

Give your kitchen a makeover with a simple lick of paint. PICTURE: Getty Images (Image: aetb)

“There is no need to remove your kitchen completely, as existing worktops and doors can be changed very easily - you don’t even need to empty your cupboards!” adds Steven.

“Worktops can be installed in as little as one day and are made ready to fit over the top of your existing ones so mess and fuss is minimal, while replacing both kitchen doors and worktops can take between two to five days depending on the size of the kitchen. Having a whole new kitchen however can take up to two or three weeks to install and can involve plastering and electrics too.”

Steven also explains that updating your kitchen in this way can be very cost effective. He says: “Doing a quick makeover would save you up to 50% on a new like for like kitchen, as 40% of the cost on any kitchen is the units. This is because you have to pay someone to remove the old ones and then install the new units.

“An average transformation would cost between £5000 and £8000 depending on the size of the kitchen, which includes fitting and VAT.”

A kitchen before a Granite Transformations makeover PICTURE: Granite Transformations (Image: Archant)

Getting expert help with your new kitchen

If you’re looking for help with either buying or fitting new kitchen cabinet doors or worktops (or even a new kitchen) then it’s important that you get in contact with a person or company that has experience with the task at hand. Even if you are after cheap kitchen doors, it is recommended that you visit a company’s showroom or website to see what they offer and then get in contact directly for more information.

When it comes to fitting your new kitchen, it is always best to get professional help too instead of trying to complete the job yourself. Many companies offer long term, or even lifetime, guarantees on their products so its essential to make sure they are fitted properly in the first place to ensure your guarantee is valid should anything ever go wrong.

Other ways to increase your home’s value

A kitchen after a Granite Transformations makeover PICTURE: Granite Transformations (Image: Archant)

Adding value to your home can also be achieved with a bathroom makeover. A bathroom is another one of the most valuable rooms in your home, and this too can be changed without having to fork out for a whole new bathroom suite. Bathrooms can be updated in a similar way to kitchens with worktops, splashbacks and tiles easily being covered to give the room a new look.