CR July edition's "Your New Kitchen" special report engaged real estate agents in order to pinpoint features that help sell kitchens and, by association, the home.
The report, which includes ratings of 400 appliances, kitchen materials and a look inside stores that sell them, is worth the nominal price of a subscription you'll need to read the full article in print or online.
And you can use agents' advice to help guide you in your kitchen improvements. Here's a peek.
Functionality is a must.
In today's hurry up world, households often need to get into the kitchen, get out and get on with their lives. The kitchen also doubles as the home's primary entertainment and gathering space.
In line with research from architects and home builders, agents say kitchens integrated with family living space is the best of two worlds in one.
Such a "great room" with an open floor plan is both inviting and functional with plenty of space for preparing meals, entertaining, watching Blu-ray movies and using and charging electronic devices from cell phones and computers to iPads and Zune MP3 players.
Space permitting, and appropriate to the scale of the room, kitchen islands are big sellers, but under-cabinet and wall-chimney hoods are better than downdraft island systems, CR said the agents advised.
Appliances should reflect the same form and function as the kitchen. Stainless steel or black appliances may not be a good fit for a restored Victorian or Cape Cod, but French-door fridges with external ice and water dispensers and ultra-quiet dishwashers are big.
Saving energy is paramount.
Appliances should be Energy Star rated to help keep utility bills down. Also, buyers want to know if the owner has made other energy-saving improvements, including adding insulation and plugging leaks.
Natural lighting with ample windows, including an exit to a patio or backyard is important, but not just for letting the sun shine in and making the outside connection. Insulated, heat-reflecting windows and doors help keep heated air in and cold air out when it's freezing outside and cool air in and hot air out when it's simmering outside.
Using sustainable products likewise helps save energy in the long run, but be sure the material is greenest. CR says some bamboo floors outperform wood, but bamboo countertops "aren't ready for prime time." Likewise, reclaimed timbers was among the worst materials for floors.
Practicality sells.
For countertops, granite and quartz are easy to clean and, as such, tops, but you'll have to reseal granite from time to time. Laminate resists impact better than stone, but you can save by getting granite or quartz remnants at stone yards, salvage or reuse stores, CR reports.
Also, because countertops are a focal point in the kitchen, they leave a lasting impression about the rest of the home. Don't sell your home with outdated, marred or damaged countertops.
Agent say, when it comes to upgrading the kitchen the bottom line is don't over do it, but also don't do it on the cheap.
For example, opulent faucets can cost you a mint and look great, but the cost has little to do with performance, CR reports and you aren't likely to recoup their cost when you sell, agents added.
In another example, an agent said, a laminate counter and linoleum floor can save you money, but the combo could be a deal killer if the kitchen is in an upscale home.
