Bang for the Buck: Air Conditioning vs. Kitchen Cabinets?

Question

I live in a rowhouse in Baltimore and was wondering for resale purposes, should I replace the AC window units for central air (lowest quote was $5300) or should I pump that money into updating the kitchen? Which one will help out the most when it comes time to sell in this competitive market?

Thanks to all for your helpful responses! Just to add another factor into the equation, for $5,300 it is likely that the air conditioning won't effectively cool the entire house. I've had quotes from Sears of up to $14k - warning me that any less won't do the job. This contractor comes highly rated by Service Magic, and isn't listed on the BBB - but I am a little wary.

Answer 1

Wow, that's a tough one. They are both big for resale. Is there any way you can do both? Or, replace the AC and try to update (paint, or reface) you kitchen cabinets? Window units are unsightly.....I'd definatly ask a realtor that knows the area well. Good luck.

Answer 2

Obviously AC is a practical and attractive option. But when people look round your house they're not going to be living there for a month in the heat of summer, so that's not the major concern, although of course I'm sure AC might be something they'd have in mind.
The thing they are going to be experiencing is their initial visual impression, and really its appearance that counts. Have you seen those shows where they take un "unsellable" home and give it an inexpensive redecoration and tidy, and then then it sells almost immediatly? I'm no expert, but I'd say go with the cabinets - a sleek and modern stylish look in a room as important as the kitchen will be attractive to any buyer, and the look of your home will be the impression they walk away with.

Answer 3

Why not get some quotes on having the kithcen cabinets resurfaced instead of replacing. It saves money and they look great.
A/C is recommended today and really helps with resale value, but then again, kitchens can sell the house.
You certainly picked out a tough question.
I had kitchen cabinets resurfaced at a relatively inexpensive price at the time. The FIRST couple that looked at the house bought and stated that "the kitchen' did it.

Answer 4

Without seeing your kitchen, I'd say the AC. Having a modern energy saving unit is more practical.

If the kitchen is the pits however, it does make a first impression and if that impression is gloomy, they aren't going to stay around long enough to look at the AC unit(s)

Problem with kitchen cabinets, then you are talking counters and granite is all the rage.......there's $5,000 alone for counters.....then the light fixtures, sink and faucet....it starts to add up.

Alternative is to look into having the cabinets refaced.....far cheaper than new cabinets.

Answer 5

they are both very good selling points, however depending on the style of your kitchen (if its not a 1960 retro disaster) then go for the AC. Also, the AC is dependent on the type of weather you have.....I live in California where it gets 100
+ in the summer so AC is A MUST!
If you do have ancient cabinetry, then i apologize and that is where you need to put your money....