Kitchen upgrade-what would an appraiser consider as an upgraded kitchen? Is there a standard?

Generally speaking, an "upgraded" kitchen is one in which the surfaces and appliances are replaced. The reality is, kitchens and bathrooms are the spaces which are most crucial when appraising/selling a home. They are, after all, the spaces which "date" most quickly.

If the layout of your kitchen is already workable, you need only address the surfaces and consider new appliances. This might involve painting/staining existing cabinet fronts, replacing hardware, replacing counter-tops (granite is the current standard) and addressing the flooring, if needed. It may not be necessary to replace the appliances. At the very least, you can purchase a stainless steel door panel (check with the original manufacturer) for the refrigerator and dishwasher if the current units are other-wise in good shape. Also, under-counter lighting will make your kitchen appear larger and increase the amount of task-friendly surfaces.

You should try for new appliances, stainless steel would be best, upgrade the counter tops with granite. While there is no set standard most would agree that these two things would give you an updated kitchen.

if you cannot afford this try to just clear out the clutter and give the room a fresh coat of paint. Evwen the cabinet doors could use a touch up.

Upgrading can offer you many choices depending on the amount of money you wish to spend and your particular needs. Mostly it means your kitchen needs to meet the basic trends of the moment....now it's stainless appliances, stone countertops, stone backsplashes, hardwood or stone floors at a minimum. Opening up the space if you can to make more of a great room area is a big plus. From there it's all a matter of frills and money. There are a lot of innovative new kitchen appliances and accessories.

That would depend on the type of appraisal. If its a real estate appraisal, I guess it would depend on how much you paid the appraiser.

I do Insurance 2 Value appraisals. An upgraded kitchen from that perspective is from - Kitchenaid,Maytag,Broan,Thermafoil Cabinetry, Formica, Chrome, etc. to Sub-Zero,Thermador,Wolf,Cherry or Tigerwood Cabinetry, Granite countertops, Brushed Nickel or Bronze plumbing.

There is also einstein. Dirt to Formica is absolutely an upgrade.

God Bless