13 Overpriced Kitchen Upgrades You Should Avoid
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When redoing your kitchen, it’s easy to get swept up in trendy upgrades and high-end appliances. But what feels like a worthy investment will often not do much to raise the value of your house or even improve your cooking experience. Before spending money on expensive add-ons, consider whether this will suit your needs and lifestyle.
The list below outlines 13 nice kitchen renovations that you probably won’t get a return on your investment. From fancy gadgets to upscale materials, most of these items tend to inflate costs without offering too many benefits. By not spending on these overpriced options, you’ll free up more money to reinvest in functional, budget-friendly upgrades that will enhance not only your kitchen’s functionality but also its beauty.
Luxury Countertops
Marble and quartz create a rich look, but this is one of the priciest features available and requires much upkeep. The problem with these surfaces is that they tend to scratch and stain easily over time, making them less appealing than they were upon first installation. Using more durable and less expensive materials can create a similar appearance for a much lower price.
Higher-End Appliances
Top-of-the-line appliances can be very tempting, but they are seldom justified in cost for the average homeowner. Often, these appliances have features that one rarely uses, which take up space. Instead, focus on buying appliances that serve your everyday needs and offer reliability.
Custom Cabinetry
Although custom cabinets perfectly fit the place, they usually come with a hefty price increase. You can often achieve the same objectives with standard or semi-custom cabinets—and at a considerably lower cost. Consider refacing or repainting existing cabinets to renew their look.
Wine Fridges
Wine fridges are a niche product, and most kitchens don’t really require them. They take up a large amount of space that could be better utilized, and unless one is a serious enthusiast of wine, a wine fridge does not make much practical sense.
Smart Faucets
Smart faucets are all about advanced technology features, but for most people, they have few benefits over regular faucets. They break down easily and require expert repairs. A high-quality manual faucet can serve well at a fraction of its cost and without hassle.
Decorative Tiles
Decorative tiles can create a stunning-looking backsplash, but many are very expensive and even provide maintenance headaches. Styles go out of fashion in very little time, which means added investment further down the line. Instead, choose more timeless and less expensive tile styles you can be happy with for years to come.
Walk-in Pantries
Although a walk-in pantry may sound like a good idea, it takes up valuable space that could be used more usefully elsewhere in the kitchen. Efficient shelving and smart storage can provide equal organization without the hassle. Make as much use as possible of existing storage to avoid construction you don’t need.
Pot Fillers
While pot fillers sound handy, they are generally placed a few feet from the sink anyway, and the added plumbing greatly increases the installation cost. Consider simpler, more versatile solutions for your cooking needs.
Built-In Coffee Stations
It’s a luxurious addition to any house, but it’s not cheap and sometimes serves no function. It also reduces kitchen flexibility for the future. Using mobile coffee makers and beautiful storage can create an irresistible and flexible area for making coffee.
Double Ovens
Doubtless, double ovens are of little use if you do not cook for big groups frequently. They are space-consuming and may be used at the expense of other valuable elements in your kitchen. Don’t double up; focus on maximizing oven capability.
Commercial-Grade Ranges
Commercial-grade ranges are generally oversized for the home cook—the designs are upsized for professional chefs. Expenses go up disproportionately for these models. A good-quality residential range typically handles all but the most ambitious culinary efforts.
Oversized Islands
In most cases, an oversized island might be a showstopper, overwhelming smaller spaces and impeding kitchen ergonomics. By downsizing, you maintain the flow and movement inside the room. You do not want fixtures to overwhelm you; instead, go for functional design.
Integrated Sound Systems
Integrated sound systems offer ambient entertainment but may not suit everyone’s taste. These are also hard to upgrade or technologize and quickly become obsolete. Portable smart speakers are modern and versatile options available today.
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