5 Of The Most Common Things Being Built Into New Homes
If you are planning your new home, you probably have a list of the amenities you would like. Before you take your list to your architect or designer, it may be worthwhile to know what new home amenities buyers are looking for. Sure, you may spend a lifetime in your new home, but life happens. There is no telling when you may have to move and sell your home. If you have to sell, you want your home to have value for potential buyers. If you want to know about some of the most popular items being built into new homes, here is a list of the top five.
Laundry Room
It may not sound very exciting, but many new home buyers want a laundry room. A laundry room is a dedicated space for your washer and dryer. It should also be large enough to accommodate a few other features you may need for managing your laundry such as a sink, folding table and shelves. You may also want room enough to set up a drying rack for items that are better air dried than put into the dryer such as sweaters.
Walk-In Closet
Most home buyers today are looking to be “wowed” by the master suite. Not only should the master suite have a bathroom, but it should have a walk-in closet. This gives plenty of room for a couple to keep their wardrobe and often contains a closet system for keeping things organized. For many homeowners the walk-in closet may also function as a changing room. That means if you can fit a window or a vanity in there, you score a big bonus.
Multi-Car Garage
Most households have more than one vehicle, so most households need multi-car garages. Not only do homeowners need a place to keep vehicles out of the elements, but garages also function as storage spaces for items like bicycles and sporting equipment as well as lawn and gardening tools. You may keep a mower or even a mobile basketball hoop in your garage. With all that need for storage, you will need a garage that can handle it.
Energy Efficiency
Energy efficiency is a big one on home buyers' lists. Everything from windows to insulation help to create energy efficiency. Keeping the home's envelope tightly sealed will help to keep the home comfortable. It will also prevent money leaks by preventing air leaks. Appliances should, naturally, meet Energy Star requirements. A programmable thermostat is also a must-have to help manage utility bills and use resources efficiently.
Kitchen Island
Most home buyers are in the market for a home with an open floor plan. This means that the kitchen flows into the dining area and living room without any walls to interrupt that flow. They form what is known as the great room. A kitchen island, in this set up, serves several purposes. The first is a visual divider between the kitchen and other spaces. It helps to divide the space without separating anyone in the kitchen from conversation in the living room.
An island is also a practical amenity. With a beautiful granite or butcherblock countertop, it offers room to and even serve meals. Some islands can have sinks and even range tops in them. Most have seating making them an ideal place to have breakfast or for guests to sit and have a drink while their host is preparing dinner. An island often provides plenty of extra storage, as well, with cabinets and drawers underneath the countertop. Some have even incorporated a wine fridge.
When you are planning your new home, it is a good idea to do it with an eye toward its future resale value. Besides making the home more valuable, it offers many amenities that you will be able to enjoy while you live there. Let this list help you to decide what amenities to include in your new home build.
