On the Home Front Blog
Five Home Upgrades that are Worth the Price
by Brandon Simpson and Dan Lawson
Your home is one of the most important investments you will make. Naturally, you want it to increase in value over the years. You can protect your purchase by keeping your home’s structure, roof and interior in optimal shape, and checking your HVAC system regularly. In addition, there are upgrades to consider when planning or building your home that will increase its equity if and when you decide to sell.
So which features should you invest in, and which projects should you avoid?
In our opinion, these five home upgrades are worth the price:
Square Footage
Ample square footage is one of the most important features buyers are looking for in a home. Every square foot is worth every dollar you spend, from a spacious kitchen and living area, to a roomy master bedroom suite. According to a study for the National Association of Realtors, every 1,000 of square feet added to a home increases it sale value by at least 30%.
Modern Kitchens
The last thing anyone wants to do after moving into a new-to-them home is to remodel an older kitchen. Buyers are not necessarily looking for a gourmet kitchen, but they do like to see stainless steel appliances, double ovens, granite tabletops, “soft close” drawers and cabinets and a tile backsplash.
Crown Molding and Cased Openings
Crown molding can transform a room from regular to regal. Named for the appearance of a crown at the top of the room, it provides a unifying effect between the ceiling and the room. In the homes we build, we provide two-piece crown molding in the main living areas and master bedroom, in addition to cased openings on our room transitions. This is a standard feature for AB Homes by the way; not an upgrade.
Open, Multipurpose Spaces
Floor plans that easily transition from one room to another are here to stay. In an open kitchen/dining/living area, for instance, parents can oversee dinner arrangements and the kids at the same time. Plus, the “flow” is great for entertaining.
Luxurious Bath Areas
Bathrooms that feature both a soaker tub and a separate shower are very popular with our buyers. We offer these in our master bathrooms, along with double-bowl vanities, granite counter tops and tile flooring. These features would be considered upgrades elsewhere, but come standard.
So what isn’t worth the investment? Features that cost money, but don’t add to the total square footage or dollar-for-dollar value of your home. These include large decks, screened-in porches, detached garages, exterior lighting and fences. You can check out these upgrades for yourself when you schedule a tour of our model home. Call us today at (757) 435-9900, and we’ll show you what AB Homes can do.
All the best,
Brandon and Dan
See all of our floor plans and feature options.
Check out our Facebook page and our YouTube videos of our home floor plans!
AB Homes Specialists
(757) 435-9900
We’d love to answer your questions! Call us to schedule an appointment to see our model home.