The decision to undertake a kitchen remodeling project in Mission Viejo is not one that should be made lightly. The type of remodel you do, as well as the design choices you make, can have a huge impact on the value of your home. If it is a possibility that you will be selling your home in the near future, you definitely want to make smart choices in your kitchen so you can get top dollar.
According to the annual 2024 Cost Vs. Value Report put out by Zonda, a minor kitchen remodel has a much better return on investment (ROI) than a major upscale kitchen remodel in Southern California. Here is how they describe a minor kitchen remodel: “Update a functional but dated 200-squarefoot kitchen. Leave the 30 linear feet of cabinet boxes in place but replace fronts with new shaker-style wood panels and drawer fronts, including new hardware.” It also includes replacing the appliances, sink, faucet, countertop, and flooring with mid-priced options. A major upscale kitchen remodel, on the other hand, is one that includes replacing all cabinetry with custom cabinets, and adding stone countertops, commercial-grade appliances, high-end flooring, and special features like water filtration systems and undercabinet lighting.
The difference in cost between these two types of kitchen remodeling projects can be substantial. The minor kitchen remodel can often be done for under $30,000, while a major upscale kitchen remodel can be upwards of $150,000.
When it comes to the percentage of those costs that a homeowner can expect to recoup, the minor kitchen remodel is over 130%, while the major upscale kitchen remodel will only give homeowners a ROI of about 57%.
Does this mean it’s never a good idea to do a major upscale kitchen remodeling project in your Mission Viejo home? Not necessarily. You just shouldn’t do one solely for resale value. A major kitchen remodel using upscale materials and appliances should be done for you and your family’s use and enjoyment.
Scott McKee of Scott McKee Construction, a general contracting company that specializes in upscale kitchen remodeling in Mission Viejo, had this to say, “More and more, kitchens in Mission Viejo are becoming highly personalized spaces that reflect the personality and style of the homeowners. The sky really is the limit when it comes to the features and customized touches you can include in your kitchen (budget permitting, of course). But if you’re designing your kitchen with resale in mind, it’s important to appeal to a broad audience, and you should do what you can to keep your budget in check.”
Before embarking on kitchen remodeling in Mission Viejo, it’s important to examine your goals. Do you want a highly customized kitchen that you and your family can enjoy for many years to come? Or are you looking to simply update what is already there so you can get top dollar for your house in the real estate market? Those are two very different kitchen remodeling projects that will require very different budgets.
