Replace kitchen cabinet should add stove, microwave and dishwasher?

Question

Hello all, I am working on replacing all kitchen cabinets for selling my rental property in CA. Want to know should I purchase range, refrigerator, microware range over type, and dishwasher for buyer or just leave the spaces empty? Do most buyers like to buy their own?

Please check attachment, if I should leave a space for dishwasher, the only proper space is on the right of the sink. Since this is a small kitchen, it is good to sacrifice the drawer for the dishwasher space?

Thank you for your advice.

Theresa Harris · Answer

Too bad about the window.  That would be a nice spot to make a peninsula coming out from the outside wall and give you some extra counterspace.

John Mary · Answer

@Scott Mac

Thank you. Yes, there are many electric outlets at the island bar and around the stove. Just not showing in the CAD.

I have checked around the for sale properties around this area and it seems like 60% seller installed appliances, and most of the appliances installed are old style one. After hearing all the comments, it is better to have the applicances then empty spaces.

Theresa Harris · Answer

As you're selling, they won't expect brand new appliances.  See if you can find good used ones.  While I don't like dishwashers, I know a lot of people expect them.  I'd install one.  I wouldn't install an above the range microwave. do a normal vent.  Microwaves above the range are a pain to replace.

From the layout you have, there is a good amount of space.  Where are the two walls relative to each other?  Is the wall with the fridge to the left of the stove?

Scott Mac · Answer

If you are selling, you want it to be desirable to the buyers, but not over spend on doing that.

You could do an over range microwave (it might require a special circuit).

If the electrician is already there, on the salad bar next to to the fridge, more outlets than normal might be nice (point that out to the buyers).

Keurig machine, blender, waffle maker, toaster, air fryer, etc..tends to end up there, as well as the microwave if not above the fridge or stove.

Or you could do a range hood and omit the cabinets over the fridge, and put the microwave up there, (but shorter people might not like it).

A fridge with a bottom pull out freezer might be an option--are those covetable things where you live?

Under cabinet lights, and a blower vent that actually vents outdoors might be nice.

Since there is so little counter top space have you given any thought to a deep sink with a cutting board.

You don't want to overspend/over-improve, so asking a FEW local successful Area Realtors what features are hot and which are duds, vs what you or I like might be time well spent (before spending dollars).

Good Luck!

Jay Thomas · Answer

When it comes to real estate, first impressions are key. As a seller, you want prospective buyers to be wowed by the appliances in your kitchen. While they may not expect brand new appliances, there's no reason why you can't make sure that the ones you have are in good used condition - and if possible, install a dishwasher as well! However, I would suggest avoiding an above-the-range microwave since they're difficult and expensive to replace.

John Mary · Answer

@Theresa Harris

thank you. here is the picture of the kitchen. On the left, it is the area to place the refrigerator.  And the door (to the garage) is between stove and refrigerator. Actually, this kitchen is in C shape.

As you can see there is a larger window on the right which sits lower, making the cabinet cannot extent more for better dishwasher location.

Brad S. · Answer

Quick/Easy answer is - it depends on the specific market the property is in. I'm guessing in your CA area, most buyers expect the appliances to be there when they buy. And you want to be better than, or at least similar to, your competition (i.e. the other active listings in the area). So, YES, I would put in appliances.

In all my rehabs, from South LA to higher end LA neighborhoods, I would always install appliances (range and microhood), prior to selling. I would usually put in microwave range hoods, and duct them if possible, and a nice looking range. Those are not much money these days, especially for the return and "perceived value" you will get from buyers. I usually find "scratch and dent" appliances from reputable stores and get steep discounts on quality appliances. So, the buyers feel they are getting nice upgraded appliances, even though I didn't spend a lot of money. They are brand new, never used, but may have some imperfections. I look for the ones with minor to moderate imperfections or those that are not noticeable, like a dent on the side, which doesn't show when installed. There are a couple of specific stores I use near me, one is a Lowes outlet store.

I rarely have put in refrigerators in the houses I sell, unless that was part of the negotiated contract, or a higher end project with a built-in fridge. But it may be a good idea to have one, if your market seems to want it and if your budget can accommodate it. Re Dishwashers - my answer is yes, even in that size kitchen. It's going to give buyers a sense of perceived quality and they may even feel a need to have one anyway, so your house would satisfy that requirement. I'll include a couple of pics of projects I did long ago, with relatively similar sized kitchens.

Look at other listings and sales in the area and see if they have appliances, etc. Also, talk to realtors in the area, especially one you may use to sell your property, and ask them what buyers expect, etc. Or reach out to me directly if I can have a chance to list it (I'm a Broker). I'm happy to review the market and see what's happening in that specific market.

Another important thing to know is if the house does not have appliances, that is an expense they will have to pay out of pocket for after they buy. If the house sells with the appliances, it gets financed into the whole purchase, since they will be fixtures of the real estate, except for the fridge, but that shouldn't affect anything.

Jonn Vidal · Answer

Disposals sit with stagnant foul water in them unless the electric motor is run very often; bewilders me how common they remain despite weekly garbage collection well as consumers now composting amidst climate & pollution woes.

Mwave + hood combos aren't modern-looking as today's exposed range vents but save such a huge counter footprint so its a no-brainer to keep them off such valuable workspace when tight.

Replace kitchen cabinet should add stove, microwave and dishwasher?

Most Popular Reply