Thinking about selling your Reunion home in the next 12–24 months? The right kitchen and bath updates can help your listing shine, attract more buyers, and protect your bottom line. You do not have to take on a full remodel to see a payoff. In Reunion’s builder-home market, focused, midrange improvements often deliver the best return.
This guide breaks down what buyers expect in Reunion, which kitchen and bath upgrades tend to resell well, realistic spend tiers and timelines, and a simple plan to move forward with confidence. Let’s dive in.
What buyers expect in Reunion
Reunion is a planned community of primarily single-family, builder-built homes from the 2000s and 2010s. Many buyers are local families, first-time move-up buyers, and Denver commuters. That buyer profile rewards practical, low-maintenance updates and neutral, modern finishes.
The key is to align your upgrades with neighborhood norms. In mass-market builder areas, midrange cosmetic improvements usually outperform high-end custom work on resale. You want your home to photograph as move-in ready without pricing it out of its comparable set.
Industry reports repeatedly show kitchens and baths as top priorities for buyers. Surface-level and functional updates in these rooms tend to recoup better than full gut remodels in average-priced neighborhoods.
Kitchen upgrades that resell
Counters that photograph well
If you still have laminate or older tile, upgrading to quartz or a midrange granite is one of the most visible improvements you can make. Quartz is popular for durability and a consistent look that reads clean in photos and in person. Keep patterns simple and colors neutral so your home appeals to the widest buyer pool.
Cabinets: paint or reface
Painting or refacing cabinets refreshes a builder kitchen much faster and for less cost than full replacement. New doors and drawers paired with updated hardware can modernize the space quickly. Choose a soft white, light greige, or warm wood tone that fits the rest of your finishes.
Backsplash and flooring
A simple, neutral tile backsplash adds polish without overwhelming the space. If flooring is worn, swapping dated vinyl or linoleum for luxury vinyl plank can create a cohesive look, especially if you carry it into adjacent living areas. Floor continuity helps rooms feel larger in photos and at showings.
Lighting and hardware
Lighting changes are small on cost and big on impact. Replace outdated ceiling fixtures with recessed cans or add contemporary pendants over the island. Under-cabinet lighting improves both function and mood. Coordinate metal finishes for cabinet hardware, faucets, and lights in matte black, brushed nickel, or satin chrome for a pulled-together look.
Storage that families value
Buyers in family-friendly markets pay attention to storage. Add roll-out trays, pull-out shelves, deep pot drawers, or a pantry organizer system. These upgrades are relatively quick to install and can tip a buyer’s decision when comparing similar homes.
Appliances that match
A matching stainless package looks current and signals fewer immediate expenses for the buyer. If your appliances are less than 5–7 years old and in good shape, a deep clean and consistent styling may be enough. If they are mismatched or near the end of their life, consider a midrange replacement set.
Bathroom updates that impress
Vanities, tops, and fixtures
In guest baths, a fresh vanity, updated mirror, and new lighting can transform the space on a modest budget. In the primary bath, midrange updates like a new double vanity with quartz or cultured marble tops and coordinated faucets feel modern and move-in ready.
Showers and tubs: refresh smart
If tile surrounds are tired, regrouting or replacing with a clean, simple tile pattern goes a long way. For primary baths, a tiled shower with a clear glass enclosure looks elevated without veering into luxury customization. Keep finishes neutral and easy to maintain.
Simple storage wins
Add practical storage like a linen cabinet, medicine cabinet with shelving, or under-sink organizers. These details help buyers picture daily life without renovations right after closing.
Budgets, timelines, and ROI basics
Here are common spend tiers and timelines for the Denver metro area when you are not moving walls or changing layouts. Actual costs vary by contractor and materials, but these ranges work well for planning.
Budget tier: about $500–$5,000, 1–3 weeks
- Projects: paint cabinets or walls, update hardware and faucets, swap light fixtures, add a small backsplash run, replace vanity mirror and lighting, deep clean and regrout.
- Impact: Strong visual lift for minimal spend. Ideal if you want to list within a year and keep projects simple.
Mid tier: about $5,000–$20,000, 2–6 weeks
- Projects: cabinet refacing, quartz counters, full backsplash, new LVP flooring, replace midrange stainless appliances, refresh a bathroom with a new vanity, tile surround, and fixtures.
- Impact: Best balance of cost and buyer appeal in Reunion-style builder homes. Often delivers more perceived value than the same dollars spent on luxury features.
Premium tier: $20,000–$60,000+, 6–12+ weeks
- Projects: full kitchen remodel with layout changes and custom cabinets, high-end appliances, full primary bath remodel with a custom tile shower and glass enclosure.
- Impact: Can command a higher price if nearby comps support it. In mass-market areas, these costs may not fully recoup and extend your timeline. Consider this path only if you plan to stay longer than 24 months or if top-tier comps set a higher bar.
Quick decision rules for 12–24 months
- Match your comps. If nearby homes show midrange updates, aim for mid-tier cosmetic work.
- Do not over-improve. If many comps are not fully updated, focus on clean, neutral, and functional rather than high-end.
- Remove buyer objections first. Fix visible damage, update tired lighting and faucets, and address obvious deferred maintenance like a failing disposal or an aging water heater.
Upgrades to skip right before selling
- Highly personalized finishes or bold colors that narrow the buyer pool.
- Structural changes and layout reconfigurations that add cost and time without comp support.
- Luxury custom cabinetry and top-tier appliances that exceed neighborhood norms.
Permits, contractors, and timing in Commerce City
Most cosmetic work like painting, hardware swaps, and fixture replacements typically does not require permits. Electrical, plumbing, and any structural changes often do. Always check Commerce City and Adams County requirements and make sure your contractor pulls any required permits.
Plan lead times carefully. Budget projects often take 1–3 weeks, midrange refreshes 2–6 weeks, and full remodels 6–12+ weeks. Order long-lead items like cabinets, quartz slabs, and appliances early to avoid delays.
Vet contractors with three itemized bids. Ask for licensing and insurance, confirm recent work in neighborhoods like yours, and use a payment schedule tied to completed milestones. For midrange kitchen and bath projects, a specialized remodeler can be cost-effective and efficient. For simpler cosmetic work, a reputable handyman or painting contractor may be enough.
Prep for photos and showings
Your upgrades work best when paired with clean presentation. Declutter countertops and vanities, use neutral towels and a few simple decor pieces, and keep the space bright. Professional photos are worth it. In your listing description, highlight functional improvements like quartz counters, refaced cabinets, pantry organizers, and new flooring. Many buyers filter for move-in ready and updated kitchens.
Plan your next step
If you are 12–24 months from selling, start with a quick walk-through to note easy wins and any deferred maintenance. Then price out a budget or midrange plan that aligns with Reunion comps. A targeted set of kitchen and bath updates can protect your equity and make your home stand out.
Want a room-by-room plan and a comps-backed budget for your address in Reunion? Schedule a free consultation with Alfredo Rodriguez to discuss pricing, staging, and a pre-list strategy tailored to your timeline.
FAQs
What kitchen updates have the best resale impact in Reunion?
- In most builder homes, midrange upgrades like quartz counters, cabinet painting or refacing, a neutral backsplash, updated lighting, and coordinated hardware provide strong visual impact for a manageable cost.
Are full kitchen remodels worth it in Commerce City neighborhoods like Reunion?
- Only if nearby comparable homes support the higher finish level. In mass-market areas, large custom remodels often do not fully recoup and extend your listing timeline.
Which bathroom changes matter most to buyers?
- Fresh vanities with modern tops, clean tile surrounds or regrout, coordinated faucets and lighting, and simple storage additions help bathrooms feel modern and move-in ready.
How much should I budget and how long will it take?
- Budget projects often run $500–$5,000 and take 1–3 weeks. Midrange refreshes typically cost $5,000–$20,000 and take 2–6 weeks. Full remodels can exceed $20,000 and take 6–12+ weeks.
Do I need permits for these upgrades in Commerce City?
- Cosmetic work usually does not require permits. Electrical, plumbing, and structural changes often do. Confirm with Commerce City and Adams County and ensure your contractor handles permitting where required.
