Does Renovating Your Kitchen Add Value to Your Home?
July 8, 2025Why the Kitchen Matters in Home Value
When buyers walk into a home, the kitchen is one of the first places they look. A bright, updated kitchen with good lighting and modern finishes can instantly make people feel at home. But, does renovating your kitchen add value to your home?
Truth be told, a well-designed kitchen often adds 4-7% or more to your home’s value. Just ask yourself this: Would you rather buy a house with a fresh, functional kitchen or one that needs a total gut job?
So the deal is when people move in, and a good kitchen tells them they won’t have to spend big on fixing things right away.
Understanding Kitchen Renovation ROI: Does Renovating Your Kitchen Add Value?
Not every kitchen renovation is worth it, especially if you’re just swapping out finishes without fixing bigger issues. A lot of kitchens from 30–50 years ago feel cramped, with bulky cabinets, soffits, and hardly any counter space to work on.
So, buyers won’t be impressed with new cabinets and appliances while the design is outdated. This means that you won’t actually increase home value with a kitchen remodel that’s mediocre.
On top of that, new owners plan to rip everything out anyway to open up the space or move doorways, which means your renovation dollars won’t come back to you.
Also, small kitchens require functionality as the main benefit. So, if you know how to make a small kitchen look bigger, you’ll add more value to your home.
Style choices matter too.
Kitchens with oak cabinets, arched doors, or white thermofoil are out of fashion, and buyers know it. Even colors you might think are “classic,” like burgundy stains on cherry cabinets, are tied to the 80s and 90s and can hurt your resale value.
A pink kitchen might be an obvious no-go. Also, less noticeable dated styles can kill your ROI if you aren’t careful with design choices.
Can a Kitchen Renovation Really Boost Your Home’s Value?
A kitchen remodel can add real value to your home, but it depends on how much you spend compared to what your home is worth. You can go with cost-effective kitchen improvements or best kitchen upgrades for resale, there’s a big difference.
Let’s look at an example.
Spending $15,000 on a kitchen update in a $600,000 home can be a smart move.
But, dropping that same $15,000 in a $180,000 home might not give you much return.
Also, you can do some renovations yourself. If you know how to paint cabinets or change the sink and faucet, a small DIY job can go a long way.
What Types of Kitchen Upgrades Add the Most Value?
Some kitchen upgrades grab buyers’ attention and add real value to your home.
Kitchen Islands with Seating
Adding an island means you’ve got more room to chop veggies, catch up with your family, or sip your morning coffee without bumping into anyone. It basically turns your kitchen into the hangout spot, making it way more practical for everyday stuff.
New or Updated Cabinets
Old cabinets can make a kitchen feel tired. Swapping them for clean, modern styles can transform the space. If a full replacement feels too big, painting or refacing cabinets can refresh your kitchen without a huge cost. You can also search for some kitchen facelift ideas if you need help.
New Countertops
Installing quartz or granite countertops with imitation stone adhesive adds a polished feel and makes your kitchen easier to maintain. It’s a high-impact upgrade that makes the space more enjoyable to use every day.
A Fresh Backsplash
Swapping out that old backsplash for some subway tile or glass panels is an easy way to add a pop of color and style without tearing up your whole kitchen. It pulls the look together and gives the space a fresh, modern vibe.
Better Lighting
Upgrading to pendant lights over your island or adding under-cabinet lighting makes your kitchen brighter and more welcoming. Good lighting also makes cooking and cleaning easier.
Neutral Paint
A fresh coat of neutral paint on your walls or cabinets can totally change the vibe in your kitchen. Whites, grays, or soft beiges can make the space feel bigger, cleaner, and just more chill overall.
Final Thoughts
So there you have it. The answer to the question ‘’does renovating your kitchen add value’’ is yes. Renovating your kitchen surely increases your house's ROI. A refresh from painting cabinets and updating lighting could be you need.
If your kitchen is outdated or worn out, a bigger renovation might be worth it to boost your home’s value and avoid turning off future buyers. At the end of the day, a clean, functional kitchen makes your home more enjoyable now and more appealing when it’s time to sell.