Remodeling a kitchen can be an unpleasant task, especially if you aren’t planning on moving out to do the renovation. However, based on recently released data, a major kitchen remodel in the San Francisco Bay Area can result in a return on investment of between 12% and 35%. “Remodeling Return on Investment” by Jim Tibbs, August 9, 2016. http://sfbaytimes.com/remodeling-return-on-investment/
My husband and I have done three kitchen renovations and have learned from each. It can also be a lot of fun! It’s something I definitely enjoy since it lets me express my creative side. I first like to envision what I want the kitchen to look like by buying every home décor magazine I can lay my hands on and seeing what I like and don’t like about the kitchens displayed on their pages. A great way to get an idea of how different kitchens look is to go on tour of open houses. One agent in our office said she had 60 people through her open house recently who she felt were really there just to get ideas on remodeling their homes.
In San Francisco, it is not uncommon that people renovate their kitchens prior to putting their properties on the market. Or at least, the kitchen may have been renovated in the last 5 – 10 years. This will give you an idea of the latest materials and appliances people use in their renovations. Ten to fifteen years ago, using granite, which is a material I love for kitchen countertops because it is so durable, was fairly common. While it is still used today by some people, many have switched to quartzite materials, like Caesarstone, typically favoring a lighter color.
Recently on Broker’s Tour, I saw a number of kitchens in the properties that I toured. None impressed me like the newly renovated kitchen at 3248 Jackson Street, pictured above. It is the type of kitchen that I enjoy cooking in. The placement of the sink, Subzero refrigerator, and Wolf range near each other makes cooking meals easier. The light quartzite countertop on the center kitchen island with seating creates a nice spot where guests can gather while meals are being prepared.
I have many suggestions for trades, appliance stores, stone vendors and more for my buyers who decide to renovate their kitchens before moving in or for my sellers who want to remodel their kitchens before selling. If you are interested in renovating your kitchen for a prospective sale, please don’t hesitate to give me a call.
