What Are the Must Have Features Homeowners Want?

Over time we can be used to how our home looks and functions, and not realize with some home remodeling, one can level up their experience. A great perspective to gain what would make an impact can be the fresh eyes of those wanting to buy a new home. People want a move-in ready house that looks its best, and not home remodeling projects that need to get done! Perhaps one of these top must-haves is something you want to enjoy in your home too!

The National Association of Home Builders surveyed recent buyers and ranked the top features home shoppers across the United States wanted.  The good news is a well-designed home remodeling project can recoup a significant amount of the investment. These projects ranged a return of investment (ROI), of 48-94% of the cost of the improvement went into increasing the selling price of the home. Here are the top must have home features:

• Dedicated Laundry Room, 87% ROI. A sufficient space for clothing care, including utility sink for soaking or pretreating stains, hanging system to dry, and a place for ironing, folding.
• Exterior Home Lighting, 87% ROI. People want the increase of safety and security with walkway lighting. Sconces and spotlights can serve to accentuate the beauty of the home and yard. Some can be on motion detection.
• Ceiling Fans, 83% ROI. Although a fan does not change the temperature of the air, having a breeze on you can make you feel that it is 10 degrees cooler. One can raise the thermostat 4 degrees and still feel comfortable and enjoy saving on utility costs.
• Energy Efficient Windows and Appliances, 83% and 81% ROI respectively. Energy efficient windows can lower heating and cooling costs by 12%!
• Patio/Outdoor Living & Entertainment space, 82% ROI. An outdoor room extends the amount of living space. Make it comfortable, easy to maintain, and protected from the elements. It should flow from in the inside of the house and be inviting.
• Double Kitchen Sink, 81% ROI. Having a 2-bowl sink gives more options, like setting dishes out of sight until you are ready for clean-up while having a sink available for rinsing produce you are preparing. Make sure it is deep enough to accommodate large pots or pans. Stainless steel is more durable, and quality ones are less noisy.
• Walk-in Pantry, 81% ROI. With more people buying in bulk from warehouse clubs, storage space and the ease of being to visually inventory supplies have made walk-in pantries very popular. Having more storage helps keep kitchen counters clutter free.
• Covered Front Porch, 81% ROI. People are wanting to be more connected to others and sitting out front relaxing while saying hello to neighbors passing builds community. It needs to be 6 feet deep for comfortable seating. To minimize the reduction of light in the home that the patio covering may create, you may want to consider some skylights in the porch roof.
• Hardwood Floors in main living area, 81% ROI. Wood floors give a natural look and warmth, is less allergenic than carpet, and easier on the body than tile. However, it may be best to have the same flooring throughout to make the home cohesive and seem larger.
• Full Bathroom on the main level, 80% ROI. Having a multi-level home, it is smart having an accessible full bathroom on the main floor for those who want or need to avoid stairs. It would be best adjacent to a room that could become a bedroom for parents, or for someone injured, or if the homeowners want to make their master bedroom on the main floor.
• Energy Efficient Lighting, 80% ROI. LED lights only use 75% less energy and last 25 times longer, they also put out less heat. People want well-lit spaces, especially in the kitchen.
• Eat-In Kitchen, 78% ROI. Rather than having a table, a kitchen island offers storage and a place for informal dining, as well as a place for working in the hub of the home where many like to hang out.
• Dining Room, 70% ROI. Sitting down in a dining room apart from the kitchen has a sense of creating a special memory or celebrating something important.

Two other features that were chosen by a majority of second time home buyers were having a master bedroom walk-in closet and a garage storage organizational system. If you are thinking about selling your home soon, consult a realtor to see what is in demand in your area so you can have your home be its best!

Happy Home Remodeling!

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Tagged bathroom remodel, Custom construction phoenix az, design trends, home remodeling, kitchen remodel