How to revamp your kitchen
Your kitchen is a saleable asset. So much so that valuers at the Halifax rank a modern fitted kitchen second when assessing the home improvements most likely to add value (after a loft conversion).
Peter Bolton King, NAEA chief executive, agrees:
The kitchen is a key selling point. Whether you have a comfortable family orientated meeting place or a stylish singleton’s galley, it’s most often the heart of the home. Maximising its attraction can speed up the sale of your house.
However, with the average fitted kitchen costing in the region of £5,000, installing a new one isn’t an option for many. Besides, bear in mind that 76% of new homeowners buy a new kitchen when they move in anyway. However there are small changes that are worth making to boost the potential of your home, and which will make kitchen living more pleasurable altogether even if you’re staying put.
Here's how:
Replace the doors – it’s cheaper than installing a brand new kitchen, and a clever shortcut if the carcasses are all in good shape. Try a selection at B&Q and ask about their clearance ranges.
…or paint them. You’ll need some melamine wash. Remove, then sand lightly before applying primer, and a couple of layers melamine paint. Try www.farrowball.co.uk for beautiful classic shades to complement period homes – some found in 19th-century kitchens. For contemporary style visit www.thedoorknobshop.com for a great range of knobs and handles to add a finishing touch.
Tart up your tiles – self-adhesive steel sheets are a cheaper way to transform tired tiles. For details visit www.stickandgo.com
…or paint them. Bring a splash of colour to tired tiles with a specialist tile paint – Ronseal makes paints custom-made for tiled surfaces.
Swap your worktop. A fresh, clean worktop or pristine new splash back can liven up your kitchen dramatically. Try the selection at Wickes, www.wickes.co.uk
Have a clear out. Clean up, declutter, wash dirty dishes, put them away and keep surfaces clear. “Viewers may even look in cupboards, so ensure shelves are cleaned and all contents organised,” warns Bolton King.
Posh the place up – display a few stylish accessories. Visit www.divertimenti.co.uk or www.stylecookshop.co.uk
Change the blinds – Tired, grime-stained window-wear isn’t appealing. Try Cath Kidston’s range at www.cathkidston.co.uk
Create a kitchen-diner. If you have the room, add a table and chairs for versatility factor. For fold down tables try John Lewis (www.johnlewis.com) or Ikea (www.ikea.com) for space-friendly wall-mounted drop-leaf tables.
Add a flourish. Try potted plants from The Chelsea Gardener www.chelseagardener.com or put supermarket-bought fresh herbs in pretty pots.
Comments
Just replacing the kitchen doors is not always the best or most cost effective way of revamping your kitchen, especially if you have to get a tradesman in to do it. Certainly new worktops be they laminate, granite, quartz or what ever will make a big difference but at the end of the day people will look carefully at the quality of the kitchen and may not always be taken in by a quick makeover. When i sold my house i spent many long hours searching the web for "cheap" kitchens. If you look there are companies out there that sell really good quality rigid (not flat pack!)kitchens at the same sort of prices as i was getting quoted by the likes of Wickes. In the end i bought a German Schuller kitchen form a company in Scotland (i live in the south of England by the way). They did all the designing for me via email and the phone and all i had to do was fit the kitchen and that was easy enough. Their website is kitchenfinesse.co.uk/, it is easy to use and has plenty of usefull info and links.
Posted by: Martin Westall | May 29, 2008 02:36 PM