It’s common for homeowners to turn to DIY projects when they want to refresh their kitchen without spending a fortune. Things like painting kitchen cabinets, vinyl tiles and vinyl worktops are all common jobs tackled at home. However, one expert is warning that not all DIY improvements add value.
Caitlin King, CEO of Wrap Your Kitchen, said: “Your kitchen is often the heart of the home, but when you’re planning to sell, you need to think like a buyer, not just a homeowner.” With this in mind, the expert has shared the project, which “could be hurting your home’s value”.
Overly personal paint colours or decor
The kitchen expert said: “When buyers walk into a kitchen with highly personalised colours, they often struggle to see past it. What might feel like a creative expression to you can feel more like a project to them.
“Neutral tones give buyers a black canvas, which is exactly what you want when trying to sell.”
Bright purple cabinets or lime green walls force viewers to imagine the cost and effort of repainting before they can picture themselves in the space.
Poorly installed flooring or tiles
DIY flooring projects may seem like a great idea, but common mistakes like uneven tiles, visible gaps, or poorly finished edges can be costly for buyers.
The expert said: “If you’re not confident in your tiling or flooring skills, it’s worth getting a professional involved.
“Poor workmanship not only looks bad, but can also suggest there might be other hidden issues in the home.”
Removing storage
Open shelving and minimalist designs may be trendy and look great, but removing upper cabinets or reducing storage space can be a dealbreaker for many.
Kitchens need to be functional, and storage is a top priority for many.
The expert added: “I’ve seen homeowners rip our perfectly good cabinets to create an airy, open feel, but buyers specifically look for storage space.
“If you’re going to remove storage, make sure you’re adding it back elsewhere in a clever way.”
When it comes to DIY projects which add value to the home, Caitlin recommended opting for replacing dated tiles and daps, installing energy-efficient lighting and appliances, as well as adding smart kitchen technology.