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Deciding to embark on a kitchen remodel project can improve how you enjoy your space, and it helps with resale value down the road. But kitchen remodels are no small task. They can be messy, inconvenient, prolonged, and cause lots of headaches. You’ll face many decisions about details to ensure you get it right the first time—for both you and future owners.
“Kitchen renovations are often top priorities for homeowners looking to increase their property value and appeal,” says Ryan Whitcher, CEO of Harmony Home Buyers in Charlotte, North Carolina. Fortunately, you can update your kitchen without turning your house into a major construction zone. Opting for a minor kitchen remodel might be all you need. According to the Zonda Media 2024 Cost vs. Value Report, a minor kitchen remodel averages a 96 percent return on investment (ROI), while a more expensive major kitchen remodel has less than 50 percent ROI. So how do you hit that sweet spot?
If you plan on staying in your home a long time, weigh your own kitchen remodel dreams a little more than potential ROI. But always keep in mind how a kitchen remodel might affect your home’s future value, especially if you plan to sell in the next few years. “Today’s home buyers desire open-plan kitchens flowing into living areas, and they’re looking for modern appliances and high-end countertops in quartz or granite,” says Whitcher. Smart-home technologies and an abundance of storage are also priorities.
Of course, the specific decisions you make will also depend on where you live. “Regional preferences certainly influence kitchen design decisions,” says Whitcher. People living in colder, northern states want added insulation, while those in warmer climates want access to an outdoor kitchen. West Coast buyers frequently request green elements, such as sustainable materials and energy-efficient appliances, while Midwestern home purchasers prefer a traditional design with a breakfast nook.
We asked kitchen designers and real estate experts how to achieve a minor kitchen remodel in which you get the best bang for your buck while still meeting your design and functionality goals.
“It’s a refresh, not a reinvention, ideal for giving the space new life without the time or expense of major construction.”
Mike Anderson, owner/founder, Tenon Builders
What is a minor kitchen remodel?
Kitchen remodels can be broken down into three different tiers depending on the scope of the work, size of the space, materials used, and budget: small or minor remodels ($24,000-$26,000), midrange or partial remodels ($69,000-$75,000), and major or upscale remodels ($100,000-$150,000).
A minor kitchen remodel costs less since it typically involves cosmetic upgrades like surfaces and finishes, while keeping the existing layout intact, says Mike Anderson, owner/founder of Tenon Builders in Denver, Colorado. “It’s a refresh, not a reinvention, ideal for giving the space new life without the time or expense of major construction,” says Anderson. “If you’re not changing the layout or relocating any major systems, you can save significantly on plumbing, demolition, and labor. A minor remodel is quick, more budget-friendly, and still packs a punch in terms of home value,” says Anderson.
Handy homeowners can often complete minor kitchen remodels as DIY projects, saving on labor costs. Minor remodels take an average of 3 to 4 weeks, compared to 10 or more weeks for a major remodel. So another plus is less interruption to your daily routine, while enjoying the positive results much sooner.
Opting for a minor kitchen remodel is a great choice for budget-conscious homeowners who want a fresh, modern look without the hassle of completely tearing up their current kitchen. “It’s ideal for anyone who demands high visual impact and improved everyday usability, and wants it on a reasonable budget,” says Nancy Dow, interior designer at Sierra Living Concepts in Fremont, California. It’s also a smart choice for those planning to sell their home soon since it provides quick, livable upgrades, she says.
Which projects qualify as a minor kitchen remodel?
The Zonda report provides examples of projects that fall within a minor kitchen remodel. In a functional but dated 200-square-foot kitchen with 30 linear feet of cabinetry and countertops, for example, leave cabinet boxes in place but replace cabinet fronts with new wood panels and drawer fronts. In addition, you can replace the cooktop, oven, and slide-in refrigerator with new energy-efficient models; replace laminate countertops with a material like quartz, granite, or solid surface for better durability and style; install a new sink and faucet; add new resilient flooring; and paint the walls, trim, and ceiling.
Other minor kitchen upgrades might include:
- Installing a new backsplash.
- Adding under-cabinet lighting.
- Replacing cabinet knobs and pulls.
- Choosing a new garbage disposal.
- Installing a new range hood.
- Hanging new light fixtures.
Before you get started, set a realistic budget for a minor kitchen remodel project based on your current home value. If you overspend, it can quickly eat away at your ROI. Plan to invest 5 to 10 percent of your home’s current value into a minor kitchen remodel, says Anderson. “This keeps your renovation in proportion to your home’s worth, helps avoid over-improving, and usually offers a strong return when it’s time to sell.”
Set a budget for your minor kitchen remodel.
Whitcher suggests looking at comparable homes in your neighborhood to stay on target. “You won’t get a good ROI if your kitchen is the priciest one on the street. I always look at comparable homes in the neighborhood to make sure my upgrades are comparable to the neighborhood standards.”
How do you know when enough is enough? Prioritize upgrades that improve function and appearance, and aim for timeless choices over trends, says Anderson. Dow recommends first identifying what is worn out or no longer in-style and repairing those items first. Then change what’s visible and gets lots of use, like countertops, cabinet fronts, faucets, and lighting.
Stay away from extremely trendy styles that might date the kitchen within a few years. Instead, opt for materials and finishes that will remain popular with a wide audience, says Dow. “The idea isn’t to impress. It is to create a clean, functional look that suits your lifestyle and adds long-term value to your home—not just the short-term “wow” for that particular renovation,” she says.
Recoup the cost of a minor kitchen remodel.
Making decisions about how you will spend money on your kitchen remodel will be a bit of a balancing act to ensure you’re happy with your new kitchen, while also investing in the future. “Kitchen remodels do not come back dollar-for-dollar—a $30,000 remodel won’t add $30,000 to your home’s value. Rather, they eliminate sale hurdles and avoid lowball offers,” explains Whitcher.
To maximize your ROI and hit the sweet spot for your minor kitchen remodel, focus on improvements that boost resale appeal:
- Stick with a neutral color palette. “A clean, neutral look draws in more buyers and helps your kitchen feel fresh and move-in ready without overspending,” says Anderson. Think grays, whites, and wood finishes.
- Select expensive-looking materials: Be strategic about choosing attractive products without high price tags, such as quartz countertops instead of high-end natural stone, says Whitcher.
- Choose upgrades that are universally appealing and functionally smart: “Refinished cabinets, modern hardware, quality countertops, and updated lighting all go a long way,” says Anderson.
- Invest in modern energy-efficient appliances: Given the long-term utility bill savings, these products are attractive to buyers.
- Change out the small stuff: “Hardware improvements (faucets, pulls, knobs) provide a huge bang for your buck,” says Whitcher.
- Save personal style for easily changeable elements: Keep your kitchen market-ready by adding your own taste in items like furniture fabrics, table linens, art, and colorful small appliances, suggests Dow.
