Kitchen islands are a great way to increase countertop surface area if you plan on doing a lot of cooking. Why let empty kitchen space go to waste when there exist a range of affordable options to help you maximize precious real estate?
Kitchen Remodeling: Islands and Island Ideas
A kitchen island can help you maximize real estate by providing more surface area to floor space. Some islands come as roll-away carts that can be removed if and when you need additional room in your kitchen. Others are permanent fixtures, complete with island sinks, heating equipment and electrical outlets. Needless to say, islands come in all shapes and sizes, for all kitchens and budgets. Before you begin pricing island costs, it pays to know exactly what you want.
Kitchen Island Costs
Cost is usually a factor of portability, functionality, and design. Portable kitchen sinks are typically available as kits that you can set up on your own. You typically do not need a contractor for such islands. Prices range from $50 all the way up to the thousands, depending on the sizes, designs, and materials that you want. If functionality is more important for you, expect to expand your budget accordingly. That is because kitchen islands that provide plumbing, heating, and electrical access typically require professional contracting, unless you know exactly what you are doing. Moreover, it is not uncommon to need permits if you require major structural changes. Expect to pay anywhere from $5K all the way up into the hundreds of thousands, depending on the island sinks and ovens you explore.
Kitchen Island Resale Value
Whether or not a kitchen island can boost the resale value of your home really depends on a range of factors including the level of improvements, the housing market, and the personal tastes of the next buyer. As such, do not let resale value be the driving force behind kitchen remodeling and island installation. Think about what having extra space and functionality can do for you and your culinary needs over the lifetime of your mortgage. If indeed your home becomes more valuable in the long run, this is just icing on the cake.
