It’s been said that a great kitchen will sell a home, which is why you may find your realtor lingering around the kitchen when showing you a property. But do you know what to look for in a kitchen when buying a home? There’s much more to a great kitchen than the way it looks. Here’s what to look for in a kitchen before you make the purchase.
Stay True To Your Style Preference
Do you absolutely love the kitchen style? Don’t settle for a traditional kitchen when you truly prefer a contemporary style. Chances are, you’ll end up growing tired of the current design. Rather than having to remodel the kitchen to match your personal style preference in the future, seek out a home that already has a kitchen that you adore. You’ll save yourself a lot of time, energy, and money in the long run.
Examine The Kitchen Cabinetry
One of the first things you should evaluate in your kitchen is the kitchen cabinetry. What shape are they in? Do they need to be replaced completely, or will a refacing suffice? Can a fresh coat of paint give new life to the cabinets? What about the hardware? Loose knobs and pulls can easily be replaced.
The current shape of the cabinets will dictate how much you might need to spend on redoing the kitchen, which may ultimately dictate whether or not you purchase the property. If a full replacement is necessary, you may want to find a home that already has cabinets that work for you. You may also opt to replace the cabinets with affordable stock cabinetry.
Inspect The Kitchen Countertops
What is the countertop made of? Tile countertops are more prone to chipping, so inspect for any chips or cracks in the tiles. If it’s a granite countertop, ask when the last sealing was. Unsealed granite is susceptible to stains, so if it’s been a few years, you may want to have it sealed. The same goes for marble, concrete and other stone countertops. If the kitchen has an older laminate countertop that isn’t as well-made as more recent types, you may want to have it replaced with a more upgraded countertop.
Observe The Kitchen Flooring
Photo Source: Armstrong
How durable is the flooring of the kitchen? The current flooring may look pristine, but will it hold up under the wear and tear of your family’s everyday activities? Is the flooring safe for your children? Hardwood flooring is extremely durable (and pricey!), but still susceptible to nicks and scratches that may need to be sanded and refinished. If the floor is tiled, check that it is properly installed as loose tiling may become an issue in the future.
Investigate The Appliances
Be sure to read the disclosure statement for any malfunctions, but also be sure to inspect the appliances for yourself. You may find that some appliances are technically working, but they may be out of date or may not have been used for a long time. If you absolutely love the kitchen, appliances can always be replaced in the future. But if you’re on the fence and may desire to remodel the entire kitchen, replacing old, outdated, or malfunctioning appliances will mean additional costs.
Inspect The Electrical & Plumbing
The home inspector is responsible for analyzing the electrical and plumbing, so any issues should be available in their report. However, if you feel the need to do your own inspection, make sure that you or someone with you possesses the appropriate knowledge. There are devices that can be purchased for checking whether or not an electrical outlet is working, which is definitely something you’ll want to know before a purchase. Also be sure to check the faucets for water pressure.
As you’ll probably be viewing multiple homes, be sure to take proper notes on what you like and dislike about the kitchens that you view. Use your smartphone to take photos of anything that you’ll want to remember as all this information will be pertinent when making the final decision on whether or not to buy the property.