8 Simple DIY Kitchen Projects to Attract More Buyers

Whether it’s been fully renovated or upgraded by DIY kitchen projects, buyers love an updated kitchen.

According to research from the National Association of REALTORS®, “kitchens are more important than ever when it comes to influencing buyers’ perceptions of a home as well as the perceived value.”

In 2020, the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) Cost vs. Value Report names both minor and major kitchen remodels as capable of recouping over half of the renovation costs in resale value.

However, your home’s kitchen may not require a full-scale remodeling project to attract more buyers. Simple, cost-effective, and quick DIY kitchen projects can increase your listing’s marketability, as well.

8 DIY Kitchen Projects to Upgrade Your Listing

If you’re selling your home and are interested in increasing its appeal to buyers — but not necessarily in spending the time and money on a large renovation — here are eight DIY kitchen projects to consider.

#1. Replace Outdated Appliances with New Eco-Friendly Alternatives

Replacing older and outdated appliances with new models will modernize your kitchen and attract buyers. Choosing smaller appliances, like microwaves and toaster ovens, provides the option for affordable replacements while larger appliances like refrigerators can be a more substantial investment.

Choosing eco-friendly replacement models will attract buyers interested in sustainability and affordability. By consuming less power, these new appliances will cost less to run over time and reduce the month-to-month utility expenses for the new homeowners.

#2. Add a New Backsplash

Updating the backsplash behind the sink and countertops can refresh your kitchen’s appearance and even expand the perceived space of the room.

Light-colored tiles or large-scale patterns can increase the visual area of the kitchen and open up the space. Opting for a material that is easy to clean will lower the maintenance requirements for the DIY upgrade.

#3. Install a Hanging Cookware Rack

Since pots and pans can easily take up a lot of the space in your kitchen’s cabinets, installing a hanging rack for cookware supplies will give buyers more access to storage.

Securely fasten the cookware rack above the kitchen’s workstation or in the center of the room beneath the overhead lighting fixtures. Materials like copper and stainless steel are attractive options to consider.

#4. Add New Hardware

Installing new hardware on your kitchen’s cabinets and drawers is a simple way to update the room.

Choose a hardware option that matches the color scheme of the room for an added boost of buyer appeal. For example, if you have a stainless steel kitchen and dishwasher, stainless steel hardware could be an attractive option to tie the room together.

#5. Paint the Kitchen Cabinets

Painting the kitchen cabinets is a simpler option than painting the entire kitchen, but it can leave a stronger impact on buyers.

Consider using matte-finish paint that’s resistant to household cleaners. Choosing a light color, such as cream, white, or beige, can expand the visual space of the room and brighten the kitchen. Using a color that carries through the rest of the home will establish a cohesive color scheme across your interiors.

Remember to sand down any chips or knicks in the wood before painting, tape off surrounding areas to avoid messes, and use a small brush for the details around the hardware.

#6. Replace the Faucet

Replacing the old faucet with a new model is a cost-effective way to upgrade a heavily used area of the home. Choosing a stainless steel model with a hose attachment and multiple settings can provide a useful and aesthetically pleasing tool that will attract buyers.

#7. Include a Kitchen Storage Cart

If you’re low on countertop space and want to expand the working area of your kitchen, adding a simple kitchen storage cart is an alternative to installing a new island. The kitchen cart with internal cabinets and drawers can increase the available storage space, as well.

#8. Install Task Lighting

Installing task lighting above the working areas of the kitchen will attract buyers through convenience.

Consider adding small, bright lights above the stove, countertops, and by the sink. Installing LED light strips inside the cabinets and drawers can add an extra point of interest to your kitchen.

These DIY kitchen projects will not only enhance your listing, but will also show buyers that you invested in the property before posting it on the market. Focusing your efforts on one of the key rooms in the home can elevate your listing and potentially boost your home’s value.

For more home selling tips to boost your home’s value, browse through other articles on RealEstateAgents.com’s Blog.