Kitchen remodel questions - Steiner (Austin, West: sale, real estate, countertops)

[cBach]

I need to remodel my kitchen which will include appliance replacement and new granite counter tops. However, I am skeptical as to whether I should redo the cabinets or simply have them painted. Also, I have old square tile floor and it is in pretty good shape. I know the trend is for the long white/greyish rectangular tile but do I need to redo this or if as long as I pick matching granite and paint the cabinets a complementary tone that I wouldn't have to do this?

I haven't solicited bids because I would like to know what I could "get away with". I know what people want but taking up those tile floors to replace with a new one is going to majorly disrupt my life for a long time. When I took up my bathroom tiles to replace them it took two days just for them to get the tiles up.

I guess the question is mainly to Austin area home buyers. When you look at a kitchen, do you expect everything to be the latest trends or as long as it has stainless steel appliances and granite counter tops you're good?

[TexasRedneck]

My personal suggestion - include a "remodel allowance" in your sale price of say, $10k. You'd spend AT LEAST that much in what you're describing, and the potential new owner will be able to select what THEY want. I'm watching my son as they go through the house hunting process right now - the "updated" homes they've seen are all pretty much what they DON'T want.

When we sold our last house, we left it as is was, including the old avocado green countertops.<lol> Gave a $5k "upgrade allowance" on the sale price, and it sold in a week - and everyone was excited about being able to use the funds the way THEY wanted.

[cBach]

Well I've spoken to realtors and they said in Steiner folks pretty much are families that don't want to have to do any remodeling whatsoever. They want a 100% "move-in" ready house. So I'm hoping that if I can get an interior designer to help pick color choices then all can be good.

[hts]

Tough one, and I suspect you'll get answers on both sides, so I'll just give you my opinion, which isn't worth much either.

I think most people are unable to see past cosmetic flaws, be they with flooring, cabinetry, paint, appliances, etc., and will disregard a house as a result. They're attracted to good looking, new, shiny objects.

That being said, I'm pretty particular, and for the most part, unless an updated house is up to my standards, I'd typically pass, as I don't want to spend the money to replace relatively new appliances/counters/floors if they're fully functional just because they're not my taste. I'd much rather get the price break associated with POS floors, cabinetry, counters, appliances and come in and gut them all and replace with exactly what I want. But I do think I'm more of the exception rather than the rule.

* Disclaimer: I am not a real estate professional nor do I play one on TV.

[CarnivalGal]

I'm in Steiner too. I would paint the cabinets and not bother replacing the floor. That long, rectangular tile is going to be dated soon too. Although I do think switching to more of white / grey tones is worth your while. I think people here are tired of seeing seas of brown. I would paint the cabinets white and get a counter top with some grey tones that can also tie in the floor. Unless your house is very high end, I wouldn't put too much money into it.

[cBach]

Originally Posted by CarnivalGal

I'm in Steiner too. I would paint the cabinets and not bother replacing the floor. That long, rectangular tile is going to be dated soon too. Although I do think switching to more of white / grey tones is worth your while. I think people here are tired of seeing seas of brown. I would paint the cabinets white and get a counter top with some grey tones that can also tie in the floor. Unless your house is very high end, I wouldn't put too much money into it.

Thank you, very helpful.

[FalconheadWest]

Originally Posted by cBach

Well I've spoken to realtors and they said in Steiner folks pretty much are families that don't want to have to do any remodeling whatsoever. They want a 100% "move-in" ready house. So I'm hoping that if I can get an interior designer to help pick color choices then all can be good.

Yes, this is correct. Buyers with families want it done for them. It's more of the singles or young couples who think they want to do it themselves. Without seeing the pictures of the flooring you're talking about, it's hard to say to keep it or not. If it's the smaller 10" tiles, gross, get rid of it. If it's basic 12+" tiles, you'll be fine.

Originally Posted by CarnivalGal

I'm in Steiner too. I would paint the cabinets and not bother replacing the floor. That long, rectangular tile is going to be dated soon too. Although I do think switching to more of white / grey tones is worth your while. I think people here are tired of seeing seas of brown. I would paint the cabinets white and get a counter top with some grey tones that can also tie in the floor. Unless your house is very high end, I wouldn't put too much money into it.

Just like brass is actually making a comeback, everything goes in and out, so I agree that the rectangle will just be a fad, but it could be a 10 year one.

[cBach]

Originally Posted by FalconheadWest

Yes, this is correct. Buyers with families want it done for them. It's more of the singles or young couples who think they want to do it themselves. Without seeing the pictures of the flooring you're talking about, it's hard to say to keep it or not. If it's the smaller 10" tiles, gross, get rid of it. If it's basic 12+" tiles, you'll be fine.



Just like brass is actually making a comeback, everything goes in and out, so I agree that the rectangle will just be a fad, but it could be a 10 year one.

It is 12" tiles.

[FalconheadWest]

Originally Posted by cBach

It is 12" tiles.

Then you should be fine.

[cBach]

Originally Posted by FalconheadWest

Then you should be fine.

Ok and painting cabinets white should be fine too?