{"id":21546,"date":"2021-01-27T17:42:15","date_gmt":"2021-01-28T01:42:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/?p=21546"},"modified":"2026-04-06T23:58:10","modified_gmt":"2026-04-07T06:58:10","slug":"add-a-pantry","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/add-a-pantry\/","title":{"rendered":"Before You Add a Pantry, Note These 15 Design Tips"},"content":{"rendered":"

The events of 2020 changed our approach to many things, including our eating habits. With a marked increase in \u201capocalypse shopping<\/a>\u201d and people cooking more meals at home, walk-in pantries are undoubtedly having a moment.<\/p>\n

If you want to add a pantry in your kitchen, you\u2019re not alone. In HomeLight\u2019s Top Agent Insights Survey for Q4 2020, 62% of agents<\/a> ranked walk-in pantries as one of the most popular kitchen upgrades for 2021, second only to a kitchen island (64%). Moreover, according to the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), 83% of buyers<\/a> indicated that a walk-in pantry was a must-have or highly desirable home feature.<\/p>\n

With help from a top real estate agent, we\u2019ll tell you all you need to know about adding a walk-in pantry: costs, return on investment, project planning, and clever design details.<\/p>\n

\"A<\/a>
<\/a> Source: (MainStreet Design Build<\/a> and KateBenjamin Photography)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The average cost to add a pantry is $750 to $3,500<\/h2>\n

The exact cost of adding a walk-in pantry is difficult to pinpoint since prices vary by project size, finish, and location. However, according to HomeAdvisor, a project similar in scope, a walk-in closet<\/a>, costs between $750 and $3,500 on average<\/a>.<\/p>\n

The space you use to add a walk-in pantry significantly influences the cost. For instance, it costs roughly $300 to $1,000<\/a> to remove a non-load-bearing wall. If you add a bump-out<\/a> to extend your project area two feet past the exterior wall, expect to tack on $5,000. Other cost factors include square footage, required permits, and electrical. Here\u2019s an overview of the average cost to add a pantry:<\/p>\n

Size<\/h3>\n

Small walk-in pantry (5 x 5 feet): $750 – $2,000<\/p>\n

Large walk-in pantry (100 square feet): $2,000 – $3,500<\/p>\n

Additional cost factors<\/h3>\n

Cost of permits: $400 – $2200<\/p>\n

Cost to repair drywall: $300 – $800<\/p>\n

Cost to install electrical wiring: $6 – $8 per square foot<\/p>\n

Walk-in pantries add value and marketability<\/h2>\n

Rick Fuller<\/a>, a top-selling agent who works with over 74% more single-family homes than the average agent in Antioch, CA, shares that for median-priced homes to luxury homes, walk-in pantries are not optional \u2014 they\u2019re mandatory. Buyers at these price points expect a sizable pantry in the kitchen<\/a> and may not even consider homes without one.<\/p>\n

In addition to a major marketability boost, adding a pantry brings homeowners a solid return on investment<\/a>. The National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI) and the National Association of Realtors (NAR) estimate that homeowners can expect to recoup anywhere from 52% to 67% of their investment<\/a>.<\/p>\n

\"An<\/a>
<\/a> Source: (Marchand Homes<\/a>)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

15 tips for designing the perfect walk-in pantry<\/h2>\n

If you want a kitchen pantry that\u2019s functional and stylish, plan every detail with your contractor. Consider your storage needs and how to make the most of the project area. The devil\u2019s in the details \u2014 so heed these 15 tips:<\/p>\n

Plan your walk-in pantry upgrade<\/h3>\n

1. Hire an experienced contractor: <\/b>Unless you\u2019re an experienced DIYer, you\u2019ll want to hire an experienced contractor<\/a> to complete the work on time and on budget. Search for a contractor with significant experience designing pantries and closets. You can browse professionals and read reviews on sites like HomeAdvisor<\/a> and Thumbtack<\/a>.<\/p>\n

2. Pull the necessary permit: <\/b>Fuller reminds homeowners that they\u2019ll likely need a permit to add a pantry: \u201cYou also wanna make sure that it\u2019s done with a permit because when you have unpermitted work when selling a house<\/a>, it can create some adverse impact on the sellability of the property or the ability for it to reach the maximum price.\u201d<\/p>\n

3. Evaluate your food storage needs: <\/b>Once you\u2019ve worked through the logistics, you\u2019ll want to consider what type of shelving and storage<\/a> will work best for your usual groceries. Consider the weight and height of these items to ensure everything can fit perfectly.<\/p>\n

4. Consider electrical additions: <\/b>Do you want outlets in the pantry for an appliance or chilled wine rack? Let your contractor know in advance so they can add electrical to the project scope.<\/p>\n

\"A<\/a>
<\/a> Source: (Stacy’s Savings<\/a>)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Design for maximum organization<\/h3>\n

5. Vary shelf heights<\/b>: For the most functional design, vary the spacing between shelves. Here are a few items to consider as you plan:<\/p>\n