I'm considering replacing my builder grade kitchen appliances with upper end stainless models. I'm curious as to whether this will increase the value of my home when I sell in a few years, and if so will it increased enough to recoup the cost of the appliances?

If you are planning on selling in the very near future it sure will. But in a few years although they are stainless and upper end I don't think it will increase it noticeably. After allin a few years they are out of waranty and who know what can go wrong with them.In the past, as long as mine are operating properly I would use my builder grade then when I put house on market I would replace with again builder grade. The house was on the market with new appliances. I feel I was ahead financially.

I agree with esquire, even though stainless is popular now, it may be a different story once you sell.