Kitchen renovations – to do or not to do
To cut a long story short — no, you don’t always need to renovate before selling.
After chatting with a friend who has worked in kitchen design for 12 years, I learned just how many components go into renovating a kitchen. According to her, the average kitchen costs around $20K–$30K, while Canstar suggests it can be anywhere from $30K–$50K
A kitchen is the most practical and most used room in the house. It’s where we prep meals, cook, bake, clean, store food, plan menus, write grocery lists, make drinks, and wash dishes. Because so many activities happen in one space, design becomes the most important part of any renovation. There are also multiple trades involved, which adds to the complexity. This guide from Mastercraft Kitchens gives a clearer picture of who and what is involved.
Many people become so used to their kitchen that they don’t realize what isn’t working. Practicality matters more than familiarity especially when thinking about renovating to sell. For example, having the bin, sink, and dishwasher close together usually makes cleaning up easier — scrape, rinse, load. Bins are often placed under the sink for this reason. Mine isn’t, but it still works because someone can use the bin even if another person is at the sink. It’s a different story if you are going to continue to live there and you prefer familiarity.
My friend also mentioned that people often renovate and install their dream kitchen, then they immediately put the house on the market. If you’re renovating to sell, the design and layout need to appeal to a wide range of buyers. Small improvements can also make a big difference — like adding drawers to the bottom of a pantry so items don’t disappear into the back, leading to double-ups you didn’t realize you already had. Adding a sauce slide is also a great practical addition when upgrading a kitchen.
When selling, the big question is whether you need to renovate the kitchen or bathroom. These are the two rooms people assume must be updated, but they’re also the most expensive — and renovations can cost more than the value they add. There’s always a risk of overcapitalizing, especially in markets where buyers care more about location and potential than presentation.
Renovations also take time, energy, and decision-making — something many homeowners don’t want to take on. And depending on the age of the home, a kitchen renovation may require moving or adding power points, updating plumbing, or choosing between wall ovens, under-bench ovens, induction, electric, or gas cooktops. It can quickly feel overwhelming.
The good news is that not all buyers expect a brand-new kitchen. Many prefer to add their own style and choose their own finishes rather than pay for someone else’s choices.
For homeowners who feel overwhelmed by maintenance or simply don’t want the hassle, selling “as-is” can be a very practical option. It lets you move forward without the stress, delays, or financial pressure of renovating.
Ultimately, the right decision depends on your situation — but it’s important to know that renovating is not your only option. You can sell your home without making any updates to either kitchen, bathrooms, interior walls, flooring or anything else.
Melissa Kala, April 2026