Four House building Trends To Embrace And Four To Avoid
In addition to building new homes, more Americans are renovating their houses in large and small ways. Some of these changes are for the better, increasing the value of a property, while others are for the worse, potentially turning off future buyers and missing out on much of any return on investment. So which trends should be embraced and which should be avoided?
Do Define The Kitchen
Large open kitchens that smoothly transition into a living room were a popular trend in newer homes and a refreshing departure from the closed kitchens of the 1940s. Today, however, home buyers may be more inclined to seek out some barrier between the kitchen and the rest of the house; one that provides an open feel but is still defined as its own space.
Do Add A Second Full Or Half Bath
Single bathroom homes can have a tough time on the market, but the addition of a full or even half bath can be a significant change despite a relatively minimal add-on or adjustment. The return is especially substantial for homes that start out with just one bathroom.
Replacing a second bathroom tub or tub-shower combos with larger walk in showers also opens the home to a growing market of older buyers that are seeking homes with easier mobility options.
Do Add Extra Bedrooms That Flow
Adding bedrooms are one way to add value to a home and attract couples and families, as well as boomers and retirees with adult children or need for a guest room. However, additional rooms that do not enhance or suit the current flow of a home can actually hurt the overall appeal.
Do Update Unusual Features With Crowdpleasers
While some new homebuyers might look for something with character, it’s better to update elements like countertops and backsplashes from highly stylized or taste-centric with more neutral crowdpleasers that future buyers won’t have to worry about replacing to suit their tastes.
Don’t Reduce Or Remove Closet Space
Removing a closet to make a bedroom bigger or add in a larger master bath might seem luxurious on the surface, but today’s homebuyers might be more inclined to seek out a home with practical storage space rather than a personal spa.
Don’t Fully Transform The Garage
Using garage space to create a larger living room, den, or office can be a major turnoff for future buyers, especially if that space can’t easily be converted back into a garage. While extra living space might seem like a good addition, buyers still want ample storage space and a place to safely park their cars.
Don’t Overdo The Wallpaper
Wallpaper has made something of comeback, but overusing it can be a problem. Unlike simply painting over a color that doesn’t suit their tastes, new homebuyers might dread the time and expense required to properly remove wallpaper, especially if it dominates a space.
Don’t Make Bedrooms Massive
Big, open master bedrooms with room for ample furniture was once an attractive home feature, but that trend is on its way out. Buyers are more likely to look for closet space rather than an open area for superfluous bedroom furniture and may even prefer homes with two smaller bedrooms that take up the same space as one massive bedroom.
Articles Sources:
http://www.constructiondive.com
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http://www.builderonline.com
