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by Lauren Busser, The House Designers’ Editorial Director
You’re building your dream home but you want to be prepared just in case you need to sell it in the future. There are many ways to improve your home's resale value from the very start. Not only will these upgrades drastically improve your home’s resale value but they can also benefit you while you are living in your home. Here are some of the elements that are high on potential homebuyers wish lists.
Invest in Energy-Efficient Materials and Appliances
You can’t go wrong spending on energy-efficient building materials or appliances no matter what project or upgrade you are considering. More than ever, homebuyers are moneywise so if you can make your home more efficient, you should.
You can build a home that is ENERGY STAR® rated for your area. Or you can invest in building materials that will aid in your home’s energy efficiency. From doors and windows to roofs and appliances there is an energy efficient solution for every aspect of your home. For your specific project, take a look at this ENERGY STAR® catalog to find products that are green and stylish for your new home.
Enhance Your Entryway
Don’t forget that potential homebuyers will be entering your home through the front door. A front porch, portico or overhang to shelter arriving guests from the weather can mean a lot to an interested buyer.
A State-of-the-Art Kitchen
The kitchen is one of the most popular rooms in a home and it is no surprise that renovating or upgrading your kitchen will earn back most if not all of your investment. Consider adding things like high-end tile floors, premium appliances, islands, and undermount sinks to attract attention and increase the value of your home.
Hardwood Flooring
One thing that is consistently popular with homebuyers is hardwood flooring, especially as your home’s main flooring. Hardwood floors are durable and can be easily sanded and refinished should you decide to sell your home. Take it even further by using Bellawood® flooring which comes with a 100-year transferrable warranty.
Add a Finished Basement
Finished basements tend to rank high on buyer’s wish lists. If you are building a new home, considering insulating the basement so that it adds to your home’s living space. A finished basement could become a rec room, or maybe even a spare bedroom depending on your home’s layout.
Upgrade Your Master Suite
In recent years the master suite has become an oasis for homeowners. Master suites can include things like fireplaces and sitting areas as well as spa-like bathrooms. Giving your master suite little luxuries such as a whirlpool or air jet tub, separate tub and shower, or a rainshower head are upgrades that you and any future owners of your home will enjoy. Heated floors and double sinks are other features that potential homeowners love.
Open Floor Plans
When you are building your new home, an open floor plan that has a sense of flow is a must amongst choosy home buyers.
Tame Your Landscape
Landscaping can make or break a home’s curb appeal. Tangled trees and vines can obscure street views and even darken your home’s interior. Investing in your landscaping is a place where you could see the biggest return. Properly maintaining and manicuring your home’s lawn isn't difficult and really helps at the time of resale. Making sure the trees around your house are in optimal health could save you and future homeowners on home repairs.
Overhaul Your Lighting
Thinking about your home’s lighting can improve its resale value drastically. Windows are a large part in making sure your home is effectively sunlit and attractive during the day. For the evening hours considering adding light switches with dimmers to increase efficiency and adjust the mood at night.
You can also adjust the atmosphere in your home through careful lighting choices. High-output bulbs make your small spaces feel larger, whereas lower wattages will give a warmer feel.
Address Regular Care and Maintenance
Once you build your home, be sure you address the basics of home maintenance consistently. Maintain exterior surfaces, repair plumbing leaks, inspect your furnace and septic systems and check your windows and doors regularly for leaks. These tasks maintain value and prevent costly repairs or surprises later.
Making sure all your home’s systems are in top working order matters. Buyers will want all of these systems to function correctly and keeping them that way from day one is not just good for your home’s energy efficiency but it is a big advantage in the market.
As you build your new home, remember that your home is your most valuable asset. Making initial investments that will increase resale value are always a good move but they alone are no replacement for regular care and maintenance. Shop our styles and collections to find a home that is perfect for you, with the best resale potential.
