House Shopping? Here’s How to Evaluate the Kitchen
No matter what the rest of your house looks like, there are some rooms that matter more than others. When you’re shopping around for a new home, you probably have a list of must-haves, depending on where you spend most of your time. Some love a handy garage. Others prefer a spacious bonus room for the kids to run. But no one can argue that the kitchen is pretty darn important to just about anyone.
If you’re a homebuyer, we want to make sure you are getting the best bang for your buck—so we’ve created a checklist of things to look for when touring potential new homes. (P.s. If you’re thinking about putting your Northern Colorado home on the market soon, you can use this list to make sure your kitchen passes the test!).
Homebuyer Checklist: What to Look for in a Kitchen
As a potential homebuyer, you should be able to spot red flags when touring each space. Here is a list of items to pay close attention to in every kitchen you enter.
Appliances
Buying a home with dysfunctional appliances is a huge mistake…and one you might not regret until it’s too late. In the seller’s disclosure statement, they should itemize any deficiencies or quirks with any major kitchen appliances orfeatures—i.e. the refrigerator, dishwasher, garbage disposal, etc. To ensure the best possible buy, you’ll want to conduct your own research, too. Ask the homeowner or realtor questions about when the appliances were installed and find out about any upcoming warranties.
Counters
Countertops are not cheap to replace, so this is one kitchen feature you want to pay special attention to. Are the counters chips? Do you see cracked tiles? Make note of any major blemishes and consider the cost to repair down the line. If it’s really beaten up, you might consider passing.
Flooring
Does the wood flooring need to be refinished? Are you noticing broken tiles? Is the vinyl scratched or stained? Many kitchen flooring materials are made to withstand a lot of wear and tear. It’s where food is prepared, so many homeowners spend their mornings and their nights bustling around this space. Check to see what type of flooring is installed, its current condition, and consider replacement costs down the line.
Cabinetry
Cabinets are another major feature to observe on any home tour. Check to see what materials the cabinets are made of—this will tell you a lot about their durability. Solid wood cabinets will last; melamine and thermofoil are less expensive and might not withstand too many years of wear and tear. Next, examine drawer pulls and hardware. Seeing how well knobs and handles are properly attached can give you an idea of how well the kitchen was maintained by previous residents.
To catch any major, under-the-hood home issues, your inspector should do a thorough check of the electrical systems, plumbing system, HVAC unit, and more. So, any major issues can be discussed later down the line. However, it’s best to be observant from the start—so make sure to take good notes of each property during your house hunt!
Looking for a New Home Near Denver, CO? Call 970 Team
For any style, budget, or location, the 970 Team is always here to help our fellow Colorado homeowners find the home of their dreams. We proudly serve the entire Northern Colorado region and have extensive experience in the smaller towns dotted around Fort Collins and Loveland. When you’re ready to invest in your very first home, we’re the team you want on your side. To provide you with easy access to a real estate agent, we have two office spaces—one in Loveland, CO and one in Fort Collins, CO. Click here to choose the right office for you—and contact our team today!