When buying your home, your first instinct is to include all the coolest and trendiest features. Then reality sets in and you are forced to limit your wish list to fit a budget or other practical limitations. So now it is time to get smart and creative so you can prioritize and still be happy with your new living space. The list below is a compilation of home features recommended by home builders, realtors and home designers. Consider these items when finalizing your must-have list and you will be happy for years to come.
A large kitchen with Island: Spend your design dollars where they will be best utilized. The kitchen is the place where family and friends tend to congregate the most. Be sure to include large counter spaces, an island and a place for chairs and serving dishes. Keeping it open to the main living space is also a recommended must and further adds to the allure.
Energy efficient features: Although this might not sound exciting, the added comfort and cost savings associated with an energy efficient home, rate it high on every homebuyer’s priority list. Energy-efficient appliances, high-efficiency insulation, radiant barriers and high efficiency windows, are the items homeowners tend to value the most.
Home Office/Study: Many homebuyers are choosing the practicality of a more frequently used home office/study over a seldom-used formal living or dining room. A home office should include wiring for computer and network equipment, an entertainment center as well as extra lighting and ventilation.
Main Floor Master Suite: As well as convenience, a main floor master suite also offers serenity and privacy, compared to master suites that are adjacent to other bedrooms in the house. Make sure however that your master suite is not too close to the kitchen or garage, as that could cancel out the benefits.
Large Walk-In Multi-Purpose Storage Spaces: His and her master bedroom walk-in closets, linen closets, a dedicated laundry room with storage and an additional garage storage area, are considered essential minimums, at almost all price points today. Extra storage spaces make your remaining living spaces less cluttered and more enjoyable.
Cleanup Entry/Mud Room With Half Bath: If you have kids, pets and/or a do-it-yourself husband, you get this one. It’s a great idea to also include storage for outdoor toys, sports equipment and dirty shoes. It makes it easy to use the bathroom without dragging dirt into the house and for kids and adults to cleanup before entering the house.
