Value of Built-in Cabinets for Dining Room (countertop, expensive, state)

[Zack]

We are in a difficult situation. About 2 years ago we remodeled much of our kitchen with new cabinetry, but didn't remodel the dining portion; our kitchen is an eat-in kitche and these are on opposite sides of the room.. Now we want to add cabinetry to that side of the kitchen/dining room, but the company we bought from no longer makes cabinetry in the color we originally purchased (it's a unique brownish tone). Our options are:
1. Purchase same style cabinetry from the same company in a different color (probably white) - about $7-8k plus countertops

2. Get custom colored cabinetry from the same company in the same color as the original - about $14k plus countertops

3. Purchase dining room storage furniture from a store (e.g. Room and Board) - $3-4k

Our issue is that we plan to sell this home in a couple years and we need to put something in to show more storage as our current setup is a bit tight; we had been holding off doing anything as we didn't expect the cabinet color to become unavailable. We're looking for opinions on whether using furniture vice cabinets would effect resale value. Our design preference is for the furniture as doing custom colored cabinets is really expensive for the small space.

The custom cabinetry would look best - since it would be consistent throughout - but has a poor ROI. Our main concern with furniture is the perception to a buyer that their isn't enough built in cabinetry. However the furniture would likely look better than different colored cabinets. One additional option were considering is that we could give a buyer the option to convey the furniture with the home when we sell.

We're not real estate experts so we don't have a good idea how much built ins are valued at. Advice is appreciated.

[davebarnes]

My personal experience as a seller (Denver, 2011, $600K) is not much. Our built-in dining cabinet was custom made of cherry and birds-eye maple by Boykin Pearce Associates . Expensive and gorgeous and valued at $zero by prospective buyers.

Buy from Room and Board and take it with you.

[Silverfall]

I find most people prefer their dining rooms devoid of cabinetry. It seems everyone has grandma's hutch that needs a place to be. I say buy storage and take it with you.

[StilltheSame]

I join the crowd - I would purchase furniture I like and either give the buyer the option, or take it with me.

[Zack]

Just to be clear it's not a separate dining room, but a dining area of our kitchen. When we remodeled we took out an existing island and moved our table into that area to create better flow. Even though we removed the island we created more cabinet space by removing a pantry closet, getting taller cabinets, and using better cabinet designs.

This furniture or cabinets are intended to go where the table was so as to have more storage.

[MrRational]

Originally Posted by Zack

Our issue is that we plan to sell this home in a couple years and we need to... Advice is appreciated.

Regardless of the room or the specifics the answer to this preamble is the same: Don't.

Don't spend money or time/effort or install anything permanently.
If you can't or won't want to take it with you... do without.

[NOLA2SGF]

Originally Posted by StilltheSame

I join the crowd - I would purchase furniture I like and either give the buyer the option, or take it with me.

+1 Buy movable furniture and take it with you, unless the buyers say they want it included.

[ACWhite]

Built-ins reduce the flexibility for future buyers, in addition to the other reasons that people gave for saying "don't". I agree with them.

[sweetana3]

1. I would not like more built in cabinets since it limits what wall space I have for my furniture and is restrictive. I prefer a hutch arrangement to show off china.

2. I would suggest, instead of spending retail on furniture that will immediately depreciate, consider consignment furniture or craigslist. I am amazed at the variety of high end furniture for pennies on the dollar. People are moving all the time or redecorating. Mix in some antiques for interest. Nothing is more boring than a totally matched set. Even cabinets can be more interesting with a mix of finishes. If you go with cabinets, how about a painted set? But I would not go with any cabinets.

[Momma_bear]

I would stay away from built ins. Not only do buyers value them at zero, some buyers may see them as a negative feature and factor removal into their offer.