What materials should I upgrade for higher end flips?

Question

I like to do everything the same way. For this flip, I used:

-Sand Beige 16"x16" tile from Home Depot. Cost I think $0.65/sq. ft. when I bought it.

-Butterscotch cabinets.

https://www.homedepot.com/b/Kitchen-Kitchen-Cabine...

-Behr Premium Plus paint

Are these types of materials good enough for higher end flips? Maybe just upgrade the choice of tile?

Brian Pulaski · Answer

low end flips do well with budget tile, cheap cabinets, and basic finishes. Higher end flips will need higher end products. Instead of buying the cheapest neutral tile (like I'm sure you did, not an insult, I do it too!) on a higher end flip, your going to want to spend more effort on the design and picking a better looking product. Carry a higher $/SF when budgeting and make the design reflect that.

Another place you can and should step it up, lighting and fixtures. Don't just grab the $12 flush mount fixture, plan to spend more, put more effort into the lighting plan. Get higher end fixtures here.

Cabinets, on a lower end deal fit the space, probably 30" uppers, no soft close doors/drawers, no crown etc. As you spend and expect higher returns, get creative and make the kitchen design pop. Farmhouse sinks, some glass uppers, 36 or 42" cabinets. Multi layer crown details, stagger the sink base, add nice islands with extra touches, wine racks, wine fridges... there's tons you can do. Don't buy level 1 granite, get something high end, or nice quartz.

I don't know that buying a $75/gallon bucket of paint matters to the buyer. But I think adding more trim/moulding and accent walls go a long ways in creating a higher end look.

In the end I feel the design plays as big a role in the final product as the level of the products being used. Try and utilize both the more high end you go.

Charlie DiLisio · Answer

Go larger with the tile and I recommend porcelain.  I also use crown molding for higher priced properties and expensive tile for bathrooms since they are low square footage.  Good luck.