DO NEW APPLIANCES INCREASE A HOME’S VALUE?
Kitchen appliances can make all the difference in how much you enjoy your home. But they can also give your house a competitive edge when the time comes to sell. Whether customizing your new house or getting ready to sell, you may be wondering how to improve your home’s value with new appliances. Use this guide to explore what appliances to upgrade in order to improve its value.
HOW MUCH VALUE DO NEW APPLIANCES ADD TO A HOME?
Purchasing new appliances can potentially add value to your home. According to Consumer Reports, making changes to your kitchen such as new appliances, flooring or countertops can increase its value by 3-7%. If you’re looking to add value to your home by upgrading your kitchen appliances, keep these features in mind when shopping:
Energy efficient options
Innovative technology
Updated styles & colors
More capacity options
Smart appliance options
SHOULD I BUY NEW APPLIANCES BEFORE SELLING MY HOUSE?
New appliances can attract buyers and add a stylish, updated look to your kitchen. Oftentimes buyers are drawn in by stainless steel or black stainless appliances that have innovative features and new technology or a new, more modern style, such as a quad-door configuration. If you’re considering selling your home, updating old appliances may be a great step to help bring in buyers and raise your home’s value.
On the other hand, some buyers prefer to customize their new home with appliances of their choice. Whether new appliances will attract prospective buyers really depends on the individual.
YOUR HOME MARKET, REGION & PRICE RANGE
Renovating your home can be exciting especially when it comes to upgrading your kitchen where changes not only enhance your everyday experience, but can often offer a great return on investment. For instance, according to a report by Nationwide Mortgage, 48% of millennials, would rather buy new construction instead of spending money on a home that would require renovations. Since millennials currently comprise 38% of homebuyers, investing in some new appliances may make your home more appealing to potential buyers.
How much value is added to your home will also depend on the housing market, region and price range of properties in the surrounding area. Research houses in your neighborhood that are priced comparably to yours, so that you can gauge what buyers are looking for. Additionally, you'll want to model your home closely to others in your area.
THE CONDITION OF YOUR EXISTING APPLIANCES
If your appliances are out-of-style, not working properly or otherwise in disrepair, you may want to consider replacing them to help increase your home’s value. Modern appliances with up-to-date design and technology are typically more appealing to home buyers looking for a move-in ready purchase. New appliances can also update the overall look of the kitchen, even if you don’t make any other changes.
Keep in mind that if your appliances are working well and are relatively up to date, you can even improve the look of your kitchen by giving them a thorough cleaning. Cleaning your stainless steel appliances or the inside of your oven can give your kitchen a more polished look.
DO YOUR APPLIANCES MATCH?
Another thing to consider is whether or not your appliances match. A kitchen with matching appliances and neutral colors to complement them, looks stylish and put-together and may attract more buyers. Appliances that don’t match might deter a buyer who would like a kitchen that is completely complementary. If you need to pick one color or finish, stainless steel or black stainless steel can help keep things neutral so prospective buyers can easily envision personalizing the kitchen with their style.
ARE YOUR CURRENT APPLIANCES ENERGY EFFICIENT?
Another way to make your house more appealing to potential buyers is by having ENERGY STAR® certified appliances. These appliances can save the homeowner money and, in turn, also increase value for energy-conscious buyers. Many homebuyers look for an attractive kitchen with energy efficient appliances.
YOUR BUDGET FOR NEW APPLIANCES
When determining whether or not you should upgrade your appliances prior to selling your home, you also want to consider your budget and the potential return on your investment. Consulting with a realtor can be helpful as you make the decision.
WHICH APPLIANCES INCREASE HOME VALUE?
This list will cover what appliance upgrades may offer a bigger return on investment when it's time to sell. Read on to learn how to pick appliances that will fit your style and needs as well as potentially add value for future buyers.
REFRIGERATORS
Refrigerators are among some of the most common appliances bought when the time comes to move, and for good reason. Refrigerators are one of the highlights of a kitchen, which is a room that potential home buyers tend to focus on. An updated refrigerator can add value because potential buyers won't have to take this on as an added expense.
If updating prior to selling, consider an energy-efficient fridge with features like water and ice dispensers, since buyers also tend to value these conveniences. Opt for stainless steel or black stainless steel for a sleek and updated look: these styles remain popular with home buyers and are often considered higher-end while lending themselves to that premium kitchen style that buyers are looking for.
Discover new and upcoming refrigerator trends, including innovative styles, colors and features.
SHOP KITCHENAID® REFRIGERATORS
Find the perfect blend of design and functionality with KitchenAid® refrigerators to take your kitchen to the next level for yourself and potential home buyers.
COOKING APPLIANCES
Updating your cooking appliances is one way to make your kitchen more appealing and potentially increase your home value. Buyers who are looking to avoid the work of updating a kitchen will appreciate modern appliances that are ready to host a housewarming party right away.
Ranges: When choosing between types of ranges, there is a lot to think about. Some things to consider include:
Slide-in ranges may add value to your home in the eyes of certain buyers because they can give a kitchen a more sleek and integrated feel.
Convenience and style are key when selecting a range or cooktop since many of today’s homebuyers prefer low-maintenance homes and appliances.
When considering a cooktop, opt for one that is easy to clean like those with glass tops, and add an oven with self-cleaning capabilities for a kitchen that's easy to use and maintain.
In some situations you might want to consider double ovens since these models can also be desirable to potential homebuyers for their flexibility and added cooking space.
Range hoods: A range hood is an essential part of any kitchen setup. It can help to clear smoke, grease and unpleasant odors from the air while you cook on your range or cooktop. Adding a range hood if you don’t already have one can be a great kitchen upgrade, helping to make your kitchen more inviting as you cook, or adding a bold style statement with a canopy hood. Range hoods come in a variety of styles such as wall mount, undercabinet, downdraft and over-the-range.
Wall ovens: Wall ovens allow you to take advantage of more counter space and cabinet space in your kitchen. They can be installed at a range of heights to customize your cooking experience, which may appeal to potential homebuyers, as well.
Cooktops: Cooktops come in gas, electric and induction models with different heating element configurations. If your kitchen is equipped with a cooktop, you’ll want to consider the fuel type you need along with your kitchen’s layout. Also consider which features homebuyers might be looking for such as protective finishes, a built-in griddle or dual and triple elements.
Microwaves: Microwaves are available in a variety of styles and finishes. Microwave styles include built-in, undercounter, countertop and over-the-range. Select models include convection technology so they can also do some of the work of a full-size oven. The type of microwave you choose should depend on your kitchen’s layout and style.
SHOP KITCHENAID® COOKING APPLIANCES
Consider KitchenAid® cooking appliances for your next home renovation whether to enjoy for years to come, or in preparation of selling.
DISHWASHERS
Modern dishwashers are often very quiet compared to their older counterparts. Select KitchenAid® dishwashers feature a 44 dBA decibel rating, which provides a quiet cleaning cycle without sacrificing performance. Other benefits of newer, built-in dishwasher models include multiple cycles, often including quick wash cycles, energy efficiency and seamless integration with your kitchen’s layout.
SHOP KITCHENAID® DISHWASHERS
KitchenAid® dishwashers leave your dishes clean, fresh and ready for your next cooking adventure. Available in a range of colors and styles including panel-ready and front- or top-display, KitchenAid brand dishwashers are designed to match your baking and cooking ambitions. Features on select models include the FreeFlex™ Third Rack and Advanced Clean Water Wash System to filter clean water, giving you more time for what’s next.
WASHERS AND DRYERS
If you haven’t upgraded your washer and dryer in a few years, you might be surprised at the features and technology available on newer models. Modern washer and dryer combinations may include smart features, the ability to load detergent to dispense later, built-in pre-treat stations and more.
APPLIANCE FEATURES TO CONSIDER WHEN UPGRADING
Panel-ready refrigerators and dishwashers: Popular features include higher-end appliances that can offer function while elevating style. For example, wall-to-wall cabinetry trends make panel-ready appliances highly sought after among buyers, since the paneling makes them easy to camouflage. This KitchenAid® panel-ready refrigerator can seamlessly integrate into cabinetry, offering a high-end finish that fits the style of your kitchen.
Commercial-style ranges: A commercial-style range and range hood combination brings a gourmet kitchen together for buyers. Commercial style ranges, such as these from KitchenAid brand, provide high design and excellent performance for perfectly-executed meals, while a range hood like this KitchenAid® wall-mount canopy hood helps remove odors and filters steam and grease for clearer air in the home.
Easy-to-clean ranges and cooktops: Buyers are also looking for homes that can make wellness and healthy living more accessible. A clean kitchen is a healthy kitchen, so consider incorporating easy-to-clean ranges or cooktops with glass surfaces, like this electric double oven range from KitchenAid brand.
Innovative technology: Additionally, appliances with technology that can offer healthier methods of cooking are an attractive feature for potential buyers–especially millennials, who seek technology in the home. For instance, the KitchenAid® Smart Oven+ lets you steam, grill and bake in one appliance, while remotely monitoring and controlling the oven1, making healthy cooking easier to accomplish. More attractive qualities are kitchen islands with plenty of countertop space equipped with a wine cooler or undercounter refrigerator, like this panel-ready beverage center from KitchenAid brand that offers additional storage space for fresh ingredients and bottles of wine while keeping a fully-integrated look.
Appliance finish and color: While it may be tempting to add pops of color, you want to appeal to potential buyers. Neutral colors are still very popular, with 41% of homeowners preferring white cabinet doors complemented with gray, beige and white throughout the kitchen. Aim for a neutral appliance finish like stainless steel or black to make it easier for possible buyers to see themselves in the space while also offering a modern and updated look. Learn more about white appliance trends to consider for your kitchen.
1. Appliance must be set to remote enable. Wi-Fi & App required. Features subject to change. For details and privacy statement, visit kitchenaid.com/connect.
DO STAINLESS STEEL APPLIANCES INCREASE HOME VALUE?
Stainless steel appliances tend to communicate an updated look to potential buyers. A full suite of appliances in stainless steel can complete a cohesive style with a high-end finish. Consider stainless steel appliances like these refrigerators, dishwashers and stoves from KitchenAid brand for a refined space that appeals to buyers.
DO HIGH-END APPLIANCES INCREASE HOME VALUE?
When deciding if you should choose high-end appliances, it’s important to think about the buyers in your market. If a buyer is not interested in cooking, they may not be willing to or interested in paying for a high-end kitchen suite that includes appliances like a built-in refrigerator or a commercial-style range. On the other hand, buyers who enjoy cooking and value high-end appliances will likely be willing to pay more for them–it’s all about knowing your neighborhood and future potential buyers.
DOES A GAS STOVE OR COOKTOP ADD VALUE TO A HOUSE?
Some homebuyers may prefer gas stoves and cooktops over electric models. Gas stoves offer better heat responsiveness than their electric counterparts and they sometimes have a wider range of temperature settings, as well. Although both electric and gas stoves have benefits, having a gas stove or cooktop in your home may increase its value in the eyes of some homebuyers.
However, smooth-top electric stoves and cooktops are easier to wipe clean. If buyers in your market value convenience over an expanded set of cooking techniques, an electric option might be better.
UPDATED APPLIANCES IN YOUR EVERYDAY LIFE
Upgrading your appliances to add home value should provide your kitchen with the versatility and functionality that inspires your own creativity, while also aligning with what new buyers want. Keeping up with market trends can help you make informed decisions when upgrading appliances so you can make your house more competitive when it's time to place it on the market.
