Ask Joshua: Does Removing Built-In Cabinets Affect Property Value?

Hi Joshua,

Last month, my siblings and I started the difficult task of clearing out our mother’s house after her passing. This house, having been our parents home since the 70s, shows its age and feels quite outdated. With plans to modernize and enhance its appeal to buyers, we're ready to invest in upgrades. We’re a little concerned about the numerous built-in cabinets throughout the home. They were our parents' solution to manage a tendency towards hoarding, but now, these fixtures make the house feel cramped and overwhelming.

The dilemma we face is whether to remove these built-ins. While my sister worries that their removal might reduce the property's value, my brother argues that removing them would open up the space, potentially making it more attractive to buyers. I see merit in both arguments and believe perhaps a selective approach—keeping some and removing others—might be best.

I'd greatly value your professional insight on this matter. Would removing these built-in cabinets affect the property value? Attached are photos of the rooms in question for your reference.

Thank you for your guidance,

Nancy - Sacramento, California

Modern eclectic style dining room with the built-ins. AI created by Dall-E 3.

Hi Nancy,

Thank you for reaching out with such a pertinent question regarding the impact of removing built-ins on property value. First and foremost, please accept my condolences for your loss.

This is a common dilemma faced by many, including some of my virtual design clients, whether they've inherited a home or purchased one with built-in features. The answer to whether removing built-ins affects property value can indeed be both "yes" and "no," and I'll explain why.

In my experience, many clients find themselves overwhelmed by existing built-ins. They often consult me for solutions to either enhance or remove these features. Your situation mirrors what many others experience. Generally, built-ins are valued in living rooms and dining rooms if they are well-executed. For instance, built-ins flanking a fireplace can add a stylish, elegant touch, whereas those designed for TV walls might restrict the space for modern, larger TVs or contribute to a cluttered appearance.

In the dining room, charming built-in display cabinets are often seen as a luxury and can add value to a home. However, in bedrooms and home offices, where space is at a premium, built-ins can feel overly imposing and generally aren't welcomed unless the room lacks adequate closet space. Removing built-ins from bedrooms can make these spaces feel larger and more appealing to buyers.

After reviewing the photos you provided, I suggest that the built-ins in your living room and dining room, which are fundamentally sound, could be revitalized with a fresh coat of paint and new cabinet fronts. The built-ins in the family room, however, seem to overwhelm the space and hinder the placement of a TV, which is crucial for most modern families. As these rooms typically function as entertainment spaces, removing these built-ins might be advisable. Similarly, since all bedrooms in your home already have closets, removing the built-ins could make these spaces appear larger and more attractive.

I hope this guidance assists you and your siblings in making informed decisions as you upgrade and prepare your parents' home for sale.

Wishing you all the best,

Joshua

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