The Rep

Mistakes to avoid on a kitchen renovation

- Www.remax.co.za

If a homeowner had enough money to renovate only one room within the home, most real estate experts would suggest spending that money on either the kitchen or the bathroom, as these are the rooms that can add the most value to a home. But getting these renovation­s wrong could have the opposite effect.

“To safeguard the future resale value of their property, when remodellin­g a kitchen or a bathroom, homeowners need to ensure the design will strike the right balance between functional­ity and aesthetic appeal,” said Adrian Goslett, regional director and CEO of RE/MAX of Southern Africa.

Focusing on kitchens, Goslett explained that adding quality fittings and finishes can be the key to getting the remodel right. “There is a fine balance homeowners will have to manage between over- and undercapit­alising on a kitchen renovation.

“You do not want to overspend on high-quality finishes if you will not be able to sell for an amount that will allow you to recoup that expense. But, you also don’t want to go so cheap on materials that the remodel does not end up adding any value to the home,” he warned.

Consulting a local real estate profession­al can help homeowners understand what sorts of finishes buyers expect and are happy to pay for in that area. This will help homeowners reach the sweet spot in determinin­g their renovation budget.

The next mistake homeowners need to avoid is over-personalis­ing the items that are difficult to replace, such as the countertop­s, backsplash, floors and cabinets.

“The safest way to add value to a home through a renovation project is to keep the fixtures as neutral as possible so that it has the broadest possible appeal. Homeowners can add their own flair in the decorative touches that are easier for buyers to replace if it does not suit their taste,” Goslett recommende­d.

But renovation­s are not all about adding resale value to a home. A kitchen remodel can also add value in the form of greater enjoyment of the space. “Beyond upgrading its aesthetic appeal, homeowners should not overlook the importance of enhancing the overall functional­ity.

“The rule of thumb is to design a kitchen to form a triangle between the sink, refrigerat­or and stove to ensure the best flow of traffic through the space. Create adequate storage space and remember to install plug sockets appropriat­ely,” Goslett suggested.

If all these points have you rethinking tackling your own renovation project, Goslett says you can avoid making any of these mistakes by finding a home with your dream kitchen already installed.

“Whether you want to find out how your kitchen renovation­s could add value, or begin your search for a home with designer kitchen already installed, consulting your local RE/MAX agent will make the whole process less stressful,” Goslett says.

For more advice around homeowners­hip, or to get in touch with the world’s largest brand in real estate, visit

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