Buying your first home is an exciting time. When you make the big purchase, you and your family couldn’t be happier. Yet, a few years down the line, many homeowners consider making improvements. The changes could be to improve its overall value for resale or create a new ambience.
However, not all improvements are equal. Some might devalue the property, while others might increase your selling price by 25 percent.
Common Home Improvement Requests
Adding a Fireplace: A source of light and warmth is important. As families move away from the dining room to the TV and their electronic devices, fireplaces create a cozy feeling.
Eat-In Kitchens: For those who are always on the go, meals can become casual occurrences, eliminating the need for a formal dining room. Popular with the 35-to-54-year-old age group, this improvement turns the kitchen into a hangout, incorporating a TV and other entertainment features to use while you cook and eat. However, too many idiosyncratic or high-end changes might deter potential buyers in the future. Rather, experts recommend keeping the space simple and functional, yet versatile.
En Suit Master Bath and Walk-In Closets: A master bath and walk-in closets provide a more personal, luxurious feel while adding more space. Walk-in closets are very popular among the middle aged group and can be practical if you have a large wardrobe. However, how you allocate space matters. Downsizing the bedroom to create a large closet has been known to lower the future selling price.
Bathroom Remodeling: According to the National Association of Home Builders, 78 percent of homeowners eventually undergo this project to upgrade the space with new fixtures or tiles.
Kitchen Remodeling: Practical kitchen improvements can include adding an island, putting in stainless steel appliances or installing granite counter tops. Consider the appliances that potential buyers would find useful if you plan to sell in the future.
Window and Door Replacements: These projects improve your home’s energy efficiency by retaining more heat and keeping out the cold.
Finished Basement: Whether you want an additional space or a personal mancave, turning the basement into a finished living area allows you to get more use out of your home.
Roofing and Siding: Older shingles or siding lessen your home’s protective barrier, allowing leaks to occur. Anywhere from five to 20 years down the line, homeowners should plan to have these aspects cleaned thoroughly or replaced entirely.
Hardwood Floors: More and more homeowners have discovered the benefits of hardwood, including its aesthetic appeal. Whether you prefer the rustic look or find that hardwood is far easier to clean than carpet, many homeowners under age 54 request this upgrade.
Are you in the process of looking at new homes? When you purchase a property in one of By Carrier’s communities, you can choose the features you want the first time, avoiding the need for future improvements. To explore our various energy-efficient properties, give us a call today.