Building a new home can be one of the most exciting times in a homeowner’s life. This is your opportunity to design the home of your dreams, with all the features and finishes you have always wanted. However, it’s also important to think beyond the home’s first residents—you and your family—and ensure its attractiveness for future buyers.
Of course, you want to build a home that you will truly love, one that will work for your lifestyle. But how do you also ensure its strong resale value in five, 10, or 20 years down the road?
Features to Focus On
In terms of resale value, not all features are equally important. This is great news, because it gives you the opportunity to incorporate a few key features in your new home, without feeling the need to go overboard.
These eight feature upgrades can really influence your home’s resale value.
1. An open floorplan.
These days, everyone loves an open, functional floorplan—a trend that's likely to stick around for decades to come. Whenever possible, opt for a floorplan that feels open and creates a sense of flow, especially in the areas of the living room, dining room, and kitchen.
2. Go stainless.
The kitchen is easily one of the biggest focal points for potential buyers, so carefully consider your selections in this area. These days, most people gravitate toward stainless-steel appliances, since they feel fresh, modern, and clean.
3. Embrace the gourmet kitchen.
The vast majority of buyers want a roomy, functional kitchen, so think about changes designed to make your kitchen stand out. This might include incorporating an island for more preparation space or installing a double oven for easier entertaining. Classic details such as a farm-style sink, or quartz or granite countertops, can add to a kitchen's universal appeal.
4. Upgrade your bathroom.
Along with a kitchen, a bathroom is another key decision point for future homebuyers. These days, many buyers are looking for separate, spacious showers, dual sinks, and granite or quartz counters. Add even more value by opting for a roomy garden tub with jet massage.
5. Add skylights.
Skylights are an easy way to brighten up a kitchen, bathroom, or other space. They flood even the smallest rooms with natural light, which can help everything seem fresh and new, even several years down the road.
6. Take garage space up a notch.
If you’re building a spacious custom home, odds are that the next owners will have a large or growing family. Think about the kind of space they will need to accommodate teenage or grown children, aging parents, or frequent guests. This type of buyer would likely benefit from having a larger, upgraded garage. (In the meantime, your family will probably love the extra space.) Features that may increase home value include a third-car bay—handy for additional vehicles, hobby work, or storage—as well as built-in cabinets, insulated walls, and additional windows.
7. Think long-term flooring
Consider which flooring materials are durable enough to handle daily wear and tear until you sell the home. Many buyers are drawn to hardwood or laminate flooring because it wears well and looks great for a very long time. Plus, it can accommodate a variety of decorating styles, from traditional to modern.
8. Add curb appeal
One of the great things about a custom home is that you can choose the exterior to suit your taste. Of course, if you plan to sell one day, also consider overall curb appeal. You want the home to feel inviting and warm, thanks to features like Craftsman details, upgraded garage doors, or a roomy covered porch.
A Strategic Investment
Throughout the journey of building a custom home, you should feel thrilled about the time that you and your family will spend there. However, also consider the home’s resale value at every stage of the design process. That way, your journey will end with a home that not only fits your needs, but also it will be a great investment throughout the coming years.
