Is a Kitchen Renovation a Good Investment?

For most homeowners, a kitchen renovation is a good investment, but deciding whether it’s a good investment for you depends on what kind of returns you prioritize. In our experience, a kitchen remodel improves both resale value and lived-in value.

Designer Priyanka Korat in a San Mateo, CA kitchen with stunning natural stone countertop and backsplash.

Resale value is easier to quantify. Having a nicer kitchen almost always makes your home more attractive to buyers and increases what you can get when you put it up for sale. According to Remodeling Magazine, a complete kitchen renovation in the Bay Area yields an average ROI of 78% for mid-range projects and 60% for upscale remodels. The resale value of a well-designed kitchen can significantly offset initial costs.

Lived-in value is harder to pin down, but it reflects how much an upgraded kitchen contributes to your quality of life. Since you spend time in your kitchen every single day, it’s worth creating a space that you enjoy and that is custom-designed to suit your needs.