If you’re considering a custom home remodel, you’re probably trying to balance out the luxuries of custom home design with the practical knowledge that you’ll probably want to sell your home one day. Here are some features that will serve you well both while you live in the house and when it comes time to list it:
1. A Gourmet Kitchen
Kitchens are becoming popular as gathering spaces in the home, and that’s reflected in their designs. Gone are the tucked-away kitchens of the ’60s and ’70s; with open floor plans becoming more popular and formal dining rooms becoming less popular, buyers will want to see a spacious, open kitchen with a breakfast nook or island for eating. Cabinets, countertops and appliances are considered showpieces, as well as functional necessities, so pay a little more for custom fitting, natural stone and stainless steel.
2. Spa-Like Bathrooms
Bathroom renovations also have a very high return. When it comes to bathroom design ideas, think about classic design elements that won’t go out of style. Bathroom remodeling is expensive, and new homeowners won’t want to buy a house if they’ll need to update within a few years.
3. Hardwood Floors
Hardwood floors can be pricy to install, but they sell much better than carpet or laminate. The good news if you’re remodeling an older home is that many houses remodeled in the ’50s through the ’90s have hardwood floors underneath the carpet that may need only sanding and re-staining.
4. A Unique Front Door
This is relatively small investment, compared to the previous three, but it can make a big impact. A builder-basic white front door can’t compare to something that has glass, detailing, decorative handles or a splash of color (or a combination of several of these factors). Plus, your friends will always know which house on the block is yours.
Walk-In Closets
It’s tempting to spend all your money in prominent spots throughout the house. But a custom walk-in closet can make every day you live in your house less stressful. The good news is that buyers love walk-in closets too, so you’ll get some of your investment back when you sell.
Don’t let these categories limit you, though. One of the beauties of custom home design is that you can inject your personality into your living space. If you’re OK with the fact that a quirky feature might not result in a higher offer—or may even need to be removed—when it comes time to sell, then enjoy all the possibilities custom home design allows.
