Spring has sprung and with it the traditional spring home buying season has begun. For those of you who love to entertain and are looking for a new home for your next social event of the season, finding one with the right kitchen is key. In addition to a house with an open, flowing floor plan to accommodate all your guests, the kitchen serves as not just the heart of your new home but the command center for hosting memory-making events for years to come.
As you’re scrolling through virtual tours of homes for sale in your area and walking through open houses this weekend, here’s what every host and hostess with the mostest should have on their kitchen must-have list to make food prep and entertaining as easy as pie in their new home.
Walk-In Pantry
A pantry is a place to keep all your non-perishables and other food-related items out of plain sight yet within reach. Pantries can range from broom-closet size to walk-ins for storing food and much more. As you’re checking out the pantry, think about how much space you’ll need for non-perishables as well as party supplies, accessories and small appliances you only use for special occasions.
Make sure there’s enough shelving you can work with (is it adjustable or built-in?) and that it’s accessible. (With a walk-in, it’s a good idea to have a stepladder in there to reach high top shelves or cubbies.) Depending on the size of the walk-in, check to see if it has its own interior light (which will come in handy for finding those late-night snacks).
Cabinet Space
Is there such a thing as too much cabinet space? Not really. But too little is a whole other question. Moving from one home to another you’ll be surprised at what you have accumulated and need additional cabinet space for, so be sure your new kitchen has plenty of it. Having extra storage space lets you stock up on those BOGO deals at the grocery store so you’re less likely to run out of essentials for meal preparation. You can also take advantage of all that cabinet space to decrease the clutter that accumulates on useful surfaces around the kitchen.
Remember that little kids love cabinets, too, so check lower cabinets for child safety locks and add them to your move-in list if needed.
Farmhouse or Apron Sinks
Not just for farmhouse kitchens, the apron sink has become a lasting trend among homeowners who are updating their kitchens. The deep basin of this sink style makes washing up after big parties a cinch. Why should the dishwasher have all the fun?
However, one thing to remember is that the deep basin also means it’s a long and heartbreaking fall into the sink for stemmed glasses and other precious items. When handwashing, take care and consider getting a rubberized mat to line the bottom of your gorgeous farmhouse sink.
Kitchen Island
If the kitchen is the heart of the home, the island is one of its valves. In all kinds of shapes and sizes depending on the layout and configuration of the home, kitchen islands do a lot of heavy lifting, from directing traffic to providing flexible seating, plus providing lots of extra storage for large items. Some kitchen islands also do the cooking and cleaning, with stovetops, sinks, dishwashers and trash compactors built in.
Dishwasher
News flash. Not all homes come with all major kitchen appliances. While it’s easy to see the big, empty space where a fridge used to be, sometimes it’s a little harder to realize that all those cabinets are just for storage. Any party planner knows you need to plan on cleaning up after a big soiree, too, so make sure your new kitchen has a dishwasher (unless you really want to get the most out of that farmhouse sink).
If you’re buying an existing home that does have one, check the age and size to be sure it fits your needs, as well as its energy efficiency rating. It may be time for a new one anyway, even if it does pass a home inspection and you’re concerned about saving energy (and money).
Pullout Spray Faucet
Water fight, anyone? Functional, flexible pullout spray faucets are more than fun. With adjustable nozzles to control the flow of water, they’re great for pressure washing sticky sauce pots and pans or gently rinsing out shapely carafes and vases. Reach and direct water to any area of the sink. They work particularly well with double sinks to help speed clean up.
Here’s something else to put a little spring in your step. If you’re looking for your next new kitchen and home, you don’t have to look any further than right here on Offerpad.com for available homes for sale.
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