Considering Resale Value When Building a Custom Home on Your Lot

You have to make many choices when you build a custom home, why add to that by worrying resale value, and the imaginary preferences of a future buyer? I f you’re planning to sell in 3–5 years, it’s crucial to consider resale value when designing a custom home. According to Tim Turner of Turner & Son Homes, “If your goal is to maximize the equity you can extract in three to five years, you definitely need to give some consideration to the floor plan and features. Do your research on the sizes, features, and prices of building in a neighborhood. Plan to build in the middle to small range for the neighborhood.” Even if you are building your “forever home”, things can change and you may decide to move or even build a different “forever home.” It does happen!

To avoid the stress that could come with worrying about resale value, a better approach is to find out what buyers want that benefits the experience of living in your custom home. That way you’ll be happy whether you stay or sell.

Read on to find out which upgrades will get you the most bang for your buck!

High Quality Windows

More than a way to see out and let natural light in, windows impact the look of a home, and offer different levels of weather protection. High-quality double-pane windows increase energy efficiency, keep your home’s temperature stable, and reduce noise from outside. The impact-resistant glass of storm windows protects your home from the forces of nature, in addition to increasing home security.

Beautiful Flooring

Realtors around the country agree that hardwood flooring is the best f flooring option for your custom home. “Hardwood flooring is definitely a bling feature, especially in the living rooms and dining rooms,” says Janice Caputo, a realtor with Coldwell Banker Real Estate Services in Pittsburgh. One line of hardwood flooring, Bellawood, offers a 100-year transferable warranty, which gives you an idea of how solid and durable hardwood is and that it retains its value.

Keep in mind that in humid places like Florida, it is better to go with engineered hardwood flooring or ceramic tiles, as they both do well in humid environments.

Multi-Functional Kitchens

Kitchens designed for preparing food, hanging out, and entertaining guests have increased in popularity year after year. This family hub is wonderful for you and appealing to future buyers. At the center of all this activity is the kitchen island, where you can wash, chop, and cook food, eat breakfast, check email, have your kids do their homework, and set out finger foods for a get-together. Because kitchens are high-traffic rooms, choosing upgrades that last is a smart move.

Energy-Efficient Materials and Appliances

Energy Star Certified New Homes are built according to specific green standards, while providing everything you’re looking for in a new home. These standards include high-efficiency heating and cooling, a complete thermal enclosure system, efficient lighting and appliances, a water protection system, all certified by independent inspections and testing. While not everyone can afford that option, there is still the possibility of using select materials and appliances that are Energy Star Certified. Choosing Energy Star will help you save on the cost of utilities, and is an attractive feature for buyers. Plus, it’s great for the planet! Win-win-win.

A Spacious Master Suit

Master suites are like having your own apartment in your home. They provide a calming reprieve from your family duties, enabling you to relax in your spa-bathroom, peruse a magazine in your reading nook, watch TV in bed, grab a drink from the mini-fridge, and more. This “home within a home” is great for you and definitely something homebuyers look for when they go house hunting.

A Welcoming Entryway

There’s nothing like a beautiful entryway to welcome family and friends to your home. Future homebuyers will also feel welcomed, and don’t forget that how a home makes someone feel is a crucial part of selling it. It needs to feel right, and the right entryway will accomplish that. Steel doors are a plus (in terms of looks, durability, and security), as is a well-designed porch that provides shelter from the weather. Porticos are popular for a reason!

Luxurious Landscaping and Built-In Irrigation

Front landscaping is an extension of the entryway, and it can improve a home’s efficiency and increase your level of comfort indoors. Some plants improve the quality of the soil, while drought tolerant plants can keep your watering costs. To easily maintain the yard, a built-in irrigation system is essential.

Additional Features

According to Remodeling’s 2019 Cost vs. Value Report, two trends that homebuyers love include “Carriage House” style garage doors and manufactured stone veneer on the front facade of the house.

So should you focus on resale value when building a custom home on your lot? If you want to sell in 3–5 years, then yes. Otherwise, as Tim Turner states, “There’s a reason you’re thinking about going through the painful process of designing and building a new house. You want things exactly how you want them, and you don’t want to pay for features you don’t care about. It’s for you, not for some stranger in the future.”

He’s not wrong! However, if you plan to stay longer, our advice is to choose the upgrades that meet your needs and preferences now and also appeal to potential buyers in the future. It’s the smart choice.

Ready to begin the process of building a custom home? Visiting NewHomeSource.com today to check out thousands of builders and beautiful new homes.