Homeowners often upgrade the kitchen to maximize the sale price of the house. If this includes you, our real estate agents want to caution you to consider whether you will get a meaningful return on your investment (ROI) or if you are following a fad that will quickly lose value. Here are a few renovations that may not be in your best interests:

• Trendy Backsplashes
  This may contradict everything you read because designers know they offer a huge visible impact on the space. But spending a lot of money on an area that depends so much on personal taste is risky. Instead of the significant cost of something like colored stone, consider less expensive options such as classic subway tile in a neutral color.
  
  
• High-End Appliances
  Previous generations were convinced that brand names were better than lesser-known companies, but that is rarely true when it comes to kitchen appliances. The internet has blessed us with thousands of reviews on every company and product, making shopping for reliable options a breeze. Diligent research can save you a lot of cash on renovations. 
  
  
• Gadgets
  We can all get sucked into the latest technology, but some things don't offer significant value and are quickly outdated. Instead of built-in gadgets, consider investing in things that offer long-term convenience. Quartz countertops and self-cleaning paint will still offer beauty and convenience long after the latest technology has been replaced by the next new thing. 
  
  
• Reconfiguring Electrical and Plumbing Systems
  Getting ice and cold water from your refrigerator door may be very convenient, but is it worth the expense of rewiring and re-plumbing your kitchen? The same holds for building an island. Increasing the workspace is always a plus, but the cost can quickly become prohibitive if it requires electrical work or moving a sink. Labor and materials are significant investments for this type of renovation. 
  
  
• Open Shelving
  While they look gorgeous in the latest magazines, open shelving presents you with a host of challenges you probably weren't anticipating. Cupboard doors prevent dust from covering your dishes and small appliances, so expect to have a new chore added to your kitchen tasks. They also hide the clutter of boxes, cans, electrical cords, and more. It can be very difficult to store dry goods and appliances in a tidy fashion. In the case of our Franconia homes for sale, they may offer a sizable walk-in pantry that will make this issue moot. But if not, taking the doors off the kitchen cabinets will likely bring more headaches than joy. 
  
  
• Mismatched Styles
  When attempting to make the kitchen more appealing, it's easy to forget how it blends with the rest of the house. An ultra-modern kitchen design would look very out of place in a colonial home. From lighting to fixtures to flooring, kitchen renovations should be appropriate to the house's architectural style. Fortunately, you have plenty of options when it comes to available materials. It just takes time and research to determine the most appropriate. 

No matter what stage of homeownership you're in, from buying your first home to preparing your house for the market, our real estate professionals are ready to help. Contact us before taking another step!