How to Prepare Your Kitchen for a Quick Sale
Understand that hygiene is king!, De-Clutter!, Take a Critical Look at the Walls!, Take a Critical Look at the Cabinets!, Take a Critical Look at the Worktops!, Create a Place to Eat!, Accessorise!
Step-by-Step Guide
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Step 1: Understand that hygiene is king!
- Buyers are more sensitive than mothers-in-law when it comes to cleanliness.
Nothing kills a sale quicker than dirt and grease in the kitchen.
Deep cleaning a kitchen is a chore but because it works, it’s worth the effort.
To get a “for sale” standard of cleanliness it’s recommended you:
Wipe down all work tops Clean the sink & taps Clean the floor Clean the inside of the fridge Clean the inside of the oven Organize the contents of all cupboards Empty the trash bin -
Step 2: De-Clutter!
- Concentrate on the counter tops because buyers like to see lots of clear workspace.
Put away all appliances, dishes, cookbooks etc.
Next, turn your attention to the fridge & the cupboards.
Throw away as much as possible (or box it up for the move) and keep what's left neat & ordered. ,
- As with the rest of the house, a light neutral paint job is the safest & most effective option.
However, totally neutral kitchens can sometimes look a little too bland.
Two or three rows of quality tiles can double as a splash back and an effective way to add color.
If you already have wall tiles & they need replacing, don’t hesitate just because it looks like a tricky job
- 9/10 times new tiles are easy to apply straight over the old ones. ,
- If the doors are made of dark wood and make the room feel small and oppressive.
Fix this by re-painting the doors in a light neutral color. don't use brushes to paint trim, doors or cabinets use foam rollers. you can see the brush strokes when the paint is dry which to some people looks like a "patch job". take your time some cabinet finishes do not take paint very well or the paint will peel and chip very easily. use a bit of sandpaper to scuff the finish down before you paint.
If there are too many cabinets and the room feels boxy and oppressive.
Fix this by taking off one or two of the doors and convert the cupboard into open display shelves.
This will give the room breathing space.
If the doors are outdated or damaged, this is where the classic “Changing Rooms” trick works a treat.
Why buy new cabinets when you can just buy new doors at £15
- £25 a pop? Together with new door handles (simple stainless steel always looks good) it’s one of the most cost-effective ways to modernize a dated kitchen. ,
- If your worktops are battered, chipped, burnt or scratched, consider replacing.
Laminate worktops are the cheapest option and in this day and age actually look rather good (about £50 for 4m from Ikea). ,
- Because modern living habits have changed over the years, today’s buyers are looking for “flexible space”.
In a kitchen that just means finding space for a table & a couple of chairs.
This shows that the room is more than just a space for food preparation.
It makes the space more valuable in the eyes of your buyers. ,
- By now your kitchen will be looking fresh, clean and nearly ready to sell.
You just need to give it that “show home” finish.
This doesn’t take much (in fact in a kitchen “less is more”), just a few artfully placed objects such as:
Leafy green plants in a modern vase or pot.
Designer kettle & toaster (buy them for your new house but put them on display now).
A stylish bowl filled with fresh fruit.
A display of designer Italian olive oil bottles.
Contemporary glass pasta jars.
A thick wooden chopping board complete with crusty loaf… -
Step 3: Take a Critical Look at the Walls!
-
Step 4: Take a Critical Look at the Cabinets!
-
Step 5: Take a Critical Look at the Worktops!
-
Step 6: Create a Place to Eat!
-
Step 7: Accessorise!
Detailed Guide
- Buyers are more sensitive than mothers-in-law when it comes to cleanliness.
Nothing kills a sale quicker than dirt and grease in the kitchen.
Deep cleaning a kitchen is a chore but because it works, it’s worth the effort.
To get a “for sale” standard of cleanliness it’s recommended you:
Wipe down all work tops Clean the sink & taps Clean the floor Clean the inside of the fridge Clean the inside of the oven Organize the contents of all cupboards Empty the trash bin
- Concentrate on the counter tops because buyers like to see lots of clear workspace.
Put away all appliances, dishes, cookbooks etc.
Next, turn your attention to the fridge & the cupboards.
Throw away as much as possible (or box it up for the move) and keep what's left neat & ordered. ,
- As with the rest of the house, a light neutral paint job is the safest & most effective option.
However, totally neutral kitchens can sometimes look a little too bland.
Two or three rows of quality tiles can double as a splash back and an effective way to add color.
If you already have wall tiles & they need replacing, don’t hesitate just because it looks like a tricky job
- 9/10 times new tiles are easy to apply straight over the old ones. ,
- If the doors are made of dark wood and make the room feel small and oppressive.
Fix this by re-painting the doors in a light neutral color. don't use brushes to paint trim, doors or cabinets use foam rollers. you can see the brush strokes when the paint is dry which to some people looks like a "patch job". take your time some cabinet finishes do not take paint very well or the paint will peel and chip very easily. use a bit of sandpaper to scuff the finish down before you paint.
If there are too many cabinets and the room feels boxy and oppressive.
Fix this by taking off one or two of the doors and convert the cupboard into open display shelves.
This will give the room breathing space.
If the doors are outdated or damaged, this is where the classic “Changing Rooms” trick works a treat.
Why buy new cabinets when you can just buy new doors at £15
- £25 a pop? Together with new door handles (simple stainless steel always looks good) it’s one of the most cost-effective ways to modernize a dated kitchen. ,
- If your worktops are battered, chipped, burnt or scratched, consider replacing.
Laminate worktops are the cheapest option and in this day and age actually look rather good (about £50 for 4m from Ikea). ,
- Because modern living habits have changed over the years, today’s buyers are looking for “flexible space”.
In a kitchen that just means finding space for a table & a couple of chairs.
This shows that the room is more than just a space for food preparation.
It makes the space more valuable in the eyes of your buyers. ,
- By now your kitchen will be looking fresh, clean and nearly ready to sell.
You just need to give it that “show home” finish.
This doesn’t take much (in fact in a kitchen “less is more”), just a few artfully placed objects such as:
Leafy green plants in a modern vase or pot.
Designer kettle & toaster (buy them for your new house but put them on display now).
A stylish bowl filled with fresh fruit.
A display of designer Italian olive oil bottles.
Contemporary glass pasta jars.
A thick wooden chopping board complete with crusty loaf…
About the Author
Jerry Ramirez
A seasoned expert in government, Jerry Ramirez combines 3 years of experience with a passion for teaching. Jerry's guides are known for their clarity and practical value.
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