Renovating Kitchens

Posted by Kristin Abraham Oct 25, 2007

The Today Show reports that over 7 million kitchens were remodeled this year with the average cost being somewhere between $15,000 and $20,000, excluding appliances.

Matt Lauer points out that in the soft market today an updated kitchen may not reap financial rewards when buyers are looking for deals. But the couple on the interview says they've renovated to suit their needs because they plan to stay put for a long time. This is absolutely right and they've brushed against a fact that seems to always be true when American finances get a little tight; people tend to focus on themselves and fixing up their homes to fit their lifestyles. This is great news for people in the interior decorating/renovating businesses.

But then the family goes on to say that when they do decide to sell they believe their updated kitchen will be attractive to new buyers. Nope! I have to disagree there. Kitchen trends ebb and flow like the tides, only faster. What is "cool" today is passe tomorrow AND the problem with the latest round of kitchen renovations is they're hard to remove. Those granite countertops are very heavy and much harder to maneuver than the linoleum ones of the past. And the tiled floors and backsplashes, those are semi-permanent with their concrete glues holding them in place. Imagine the kitchen of the future with sleek, shiny stainless steel walls, or (please no!) flowered wallpaper. Brick, stone and tile will be very outdated.

The expert on the show says that kitchen renovations are a very good idea, if you're going to sell now. If you're going to sell in five years or more she also says the kitchen will be outdated.

So my advice, decorate for yourself and no one else and no ulterior motives and you'll always be happy.