When you’re looking for a home, there are a few absolutes. Things that make or break a home for many people include living space, bedrooms, overall square footage, and perhaps most importantly the kitchen. For some families, the value of living space may outweigh a kitchen or vice versa. But when it comes to choosing a home, consider the kitchen above all others.
Kitchens are expensive to remodel and are arguably one of the most tedious and time-consuming parts of working on a home, so it stands to reason to focus on the kitchen when choosing your home.
Consider the Layout
Unless you’ve spent time in a professional kitchen or done some kitchen remodeling of your own, you have likely never considered the layout of your kitchen. Despite how much emphasis we put on kitchen design, which is absolutely a significant factor, functionality is king when it comes to choosing the right kitchen and/or home.
Kitchen layouts come in a variety of styles and are hyper-dependent on the overall square footage of the kitchen in question. Older homes built around and shortly after World War II will likely have one wall or galley style kitchen layouts. Both are simple and utilize space optimally for small footprints. Larger homes with bigger kitchen space may utilize the L-style kitchen, U-style kitchen, or any number of other designs that optimize large floor space.
Focus on Ergonomics
An ergonomically-suitable kitchen will make for a happy kitchen in the long run. Ergonomics speak volumes to a kitchen as it makes them more functional, easier to use, and overall more friendly to cooking, cleaning, and operating. You’ll use a kitchen that is designed for optimum performance more than one that is designed for looks alone.
When evaluating a home’s kitchen, look for one designed around the 1920s principle of the “work triangle”. In short, the work triangle minimizes the distance between the food prep area, kitchen sink, and food storage area in order to take advantage of spaces both large and small. If the home you’re looking at doesn’t take into account the work triangle, then see if there are ways you can incorporate this concept yourself.
Look for Updates, Remodels, or Facelifts
As we’ve mentioned, remodeling or updating a kitchen generally comes with a significant price tag. Kitchens are prone to water damage from leaky faucets, cabinets, and hardware that are cheap, and all of the tradespeople involved in a kitchen remodel can really drive up costs. Depending on what you’re looking for in a kitchen, think about buying a home with an already upgraded kitchen or consider financing a remodel yourself.
That said, one of the best ways to add equity to a home and to significantly add value to it on the housing market is to remodel a kitchen and optimize it to the best of your ability. Total remodels aren’t necessary but can go a long way towards improving longevity. If funds are tight, then consider a facelift with some fresh cabinet paint, new fixtures, and a new sink and faucet. Little things can drive curb appeal.
Funding Kitchen Upgrades
Whether you’re looking to get a mortgage for a new home or possibly refinance with cash out to make needed upgrades to your kitchen, then reach out to Tidewater Mortgage Services, Inc. For over 20 years, Tidewater has helped homeowners both get into new homes and remodel their existing homes with financing options that work for you, your family, and your lifestyle!
