Are you wondering what home improvements will add the most value at resale? The secret is to plan new construction upgrades that add value before you build your home. We know it seems simple, but trust us – planning it now is much easier (and more affordable) than adding a home addition or doing a full home remodel later down the road.
Here are 10 steps you can take to increase your home’s resale value by improving its condition, size, quality features, and usable space. These 10 home upgrades will add value and pay off in the long run.
1. Quality is Key
First, let’s talk about the features of the house. A home’s resale value can be enhanced by investing in the right quality features, such as appliances that are up-to-date as well as adding durable flooring. Think about it: no one wants outdated kitchen appliances, wall paint that chips, or flooring that cracks easily. Investing in new construction upgrades at the beginning will pay off in the long run, and the quality will also last longer!
Before building your home, consider the following features:
- Modern kitchen and utility appliances
- Durable flooring
- Quality countertops
- Mould-resistant wall paint
- Contemporary, energy-efficient lighting
If you plan to live in your new home for several years, make sure to maintain and clean all of its quality features regularly. In order for your home to stay fresh and young, you need to keep everything in good working condition.
2. Add a Second Story to Your Home
As a general rule, size and usability of space are two of the most important aspects of resale value. In today’s society, there is a growing trend toward multigenerational living, which has led to many people choosing larger homes with second stories. It makes it possible for several members of a family to live comfortably together.
As such, if you are serious about including new construction upgrades that add value, consider adding a second story. You can even plan to design a custom home with an in-law suite if extended family members decide to move into your home in the future.
3. Create an Open-Concept Kitchen
There is no doubt that the kitchen is the heart of every good home. Why? Having an open-concept kitchen enables guests and family members to prepare tasty food, move around, and spend quality time with each other.
It’s no secret that houses with closed-off, dark, and outdated kitchens feel uninviting. When a kitchen is poorly designed and has low-quality appliances, a house can appear cluttered and claustrophobic. In turn, the value of a home at resale is drastically decreased.
You should design a kitchen that is user-friendly, has easy-to-access cabinets, drawers, and electrical outlets, and offers plenty of countertop space.
4. Leverage Natural Lighting
Picture this: a beautiful Vancouver sunrise filters through the windows in the morning and illuminates each room with a soft orange glow. An airy, warm feeling fills the home, bringing a fresh, bright feeling to the space.
Natural lighting is the best type of lighting, there’s no doubt about that. That’s why you should invest in quality windows that let in natural light. You should determine the best location for each window so that natural sunlight is maximized. The next step is to choose windows that are strong, stylish, and weatherproof. Lastly, install them and enjoy!
5. Add a Sunroom
Speaking of lighting, you can bring natural light into your home by building a sunroom! Adding a sunroom to your home allows you to enjoy a lot of light under a glass roof while protecting yourself from the elements.
Addition of a sunroom increases usable space of your home, thereby improving its resale value. The sunroom can be furnished with comfortable patio furniture and you can also add lush potted plants and an herb garden.
Now that you’ve seen the best interior improvements, let’s move on to the best exterior improvements for your home.
6. Add a Screened-In Porch or Patio
If you plan to build a custom home in Vancouver, you know first-hand that the province is notorious for its hot summer rays and pesky mosquitoes. Therefore, one of the best outdoor home features in Vancouver is a screened-in porch or patio.
As well as minimizing the impact of powerful UV rays, screen enclosures keep mosquitoes and no-see-ums out of your outdoor space. This way, you don’t have to worry about sunburns and bug bites while while you’re sunbathing and having a summer kitchen cookout!
7. Consider an In-ground Pool
In addition to your new screened-in patio, you can increase your home’s resale value by installing an in-ground pool. Swimming pools are a highly sought after feature for homes. A downside to in-ground pools is the cost of installation and maintenance. A pool can, however, increase home value by 5-8 percent, according to recent studies.
8. Don’t Underestimate the Garage
Next, let’s take a look at that garage. Almost all garage doors are found at the front of the house, which means that people will see them immediately when they drive past your property. That being said, no one wants to look at an eyesore!
Can you see where we’re going? The best way to keep your garage looking cohesive and attractive is to install a well designed garage door. Choose a garage door material that is sturdy and durable, rather than one that will dent, scratch, or rust easily.
When it comes to garages, another way to increase resale value is to convert the space into a multipurpose garage. More usable space = more resale value.
Now it’s time to look at the roof!
9. Install Solar Panels
Did you know you can install solar panels on your roof to provide sustainable, cost-effective energy for your entire house? You heard right – solar panels are one of the best new construction upgrades that add value to your home because they can save you thousands of dollars each year on energy costs.
10. Upgrade Your Landscape
Another great way to add value to your home is to improve the landscaping around your house. According to some studies, proper landscaping can increase a home’s resale value by as much as 25%. Talk about an amazing investment!
You should keep your landscaping clean, natural, and well-maintained. Here are some of our top landscaping tips:
- Maintain your lawn regularly
- Add a deck or a walking-path
- Use mulch or pebbles to reduce weeds
- Add a pop of colour with tropical plants
- Install a water feature, such as a fountain
Quality Home Upgrades with Square One Construction
It is important to lay a good foundation before you start building new construction upgrades for your home. As a leading construction company in Greater Vancouver, Square One Construction has over 20 years of experience building and renovating homes. Building your dream home is what we do best! Contact us today for a free consultation and quote.