Daniel Jackson
Gaston Gazette

Whether it’s the aroma of food on the stove or the ability to enjoy a glass of red wine without endangering an expensive rug, the kitchen’s allure for social gathering in the home is undeniable.

And for some home buyers, an ugly, outdated or old kitchen can kill the deal. That’s why sellers often find that remodeling the kitchen not only gives their house a competitive edge in the real estate market; it also generates a nice return on their investmefnt.

“When people walk in a house that’s the first thing they want to see,” said Martin Eudy, owner of Gaston Real Data, a company tracking area real estate sales. “Most people spend most of their time in the kitchen. Anytime people come to my house, that’s right where we head. Everybody wants to see what’s cooking.”

A group of appraisers, real estate agents, contractors and county tax assessor Jay Heavner all said a kitchen remodel is one of the best ways to improve the value of your home and make it more attractive to buyers.

The value of a home is based on dozens of factors including the location, the size and the age of the home, but also the desirability, the utility, the quality of materials and the condition of the house, Heavner said. When it comes to selling a house, the appeal often depends on the buyer’s taste.

Kitchen remodeling tends to be one of the more expensive home improvement projects for a homeowner, which is another reason that an updated kitchen can have so much buyer appeal. A full remodel with high-end materials for an average-sized kitchen costs about $25,000, said Allan Slaydon, co-owner of Changes Remodeling in Gastonia. But Slaydon said he’s remodeled kitchens for as little as $7,000 and as much as $50,000.

Granite is a solid investment

“A kitchen remodel can get pretty costly,” Slaydon said, especially if you go with granite countertops, but granite ensures a return on your investment more than anything else, he said.

Formica countertops and vinyl flooring aren’t as popular as they used to be, but there are still attractive and affordable options for a laminate countertop. Today many homeowners like granite countertops, ceramic tile, stainless steel appliances and hardwood custom cabinets.

Sid Wellman, owner of Wellman’s Granite and Marble in Belmont, said granite and other natural stone has grown in popularity in large part because they have become more affordable. Wellman, who has been installing countertops for 27 years, said the cost of granite has come down because more suppliers are competing for business.

“The price of granite has come down to half of where it was three years ago because there are so many more suppliers,” Wellman said. “It used to be only the wealthy had granite and marble, now even the budget-minded homeowner can afford it.”

Other improvements that make cents

Timothy Almond, owner of Gastonia Home Improvement, said an updated kitchen is valuable, but there are other important improvements.

With utility prices rising, Almond said a lot of home buyers are looking for energy efficiency. A well-insulated home with new energy-efficient windows and doors can be real attractive features as well, he said.

And if you already have a nice kitchen, you might want to fix up or add a bathroom. Because the bathroom has water running underneath it, an older lavatory can have extensive damage, said Slaydon.

Shannon Smith, an agent with Allen Tate and president of the Gaston Realtor Association, said a master bathroom with a separate tub and shower and higher sinks and vanities are definitely in.

“Kitchens and bathrooms are very important,” Smith said.

Clean from the curb to the closets

Closet space is important too, Smith said, especially in older homes. If don’t have ample storage space to offer, you should at least, get the clutter out of your closets before you show it to potential buyers, she said. You might put your off-season clothing in the attic instead, she said.

Cleaning your house is one of the least expensive and most effective ways to market your home, said Michael Dickson, an appraiser in the Gaston County area with 20 years experience.

“Elbow grease is probably the best investment they can make in a home,” Dickson said. “It gives you a strong indication of a well-cared-for house and it’s very inexpensive.”

And beauty is important inside and out. Smith said a lot of homeowners are investing in outdoor living spaces, screened porches, outdoor fireplaces or a terrace. When she walks up to a house, Smith said she notices inexpensive things like a planter with mums or fresh pine straw.

Without curb appeal, buyers will never see your beautiful new kitchen, Smith said. “If you can’t get them from curb into your house, you’re done for.”