The average home buyer has a list of must-haves for when they go house hunting. This includes the number of bedrooms, the size of the home, the school district and accessibility. For example, if you have limited mobility, you may rule out a home with stairs. Similarly, you might rule out a house with a garden that requires a ton of work or a long list of repairs. There are also amenities that add value to the home. So here’s a checklist to help you get started.
An Easy to Use Bathroom
First up, make sure the bathroom is functional. Start by checking what type of showerscreen has been installed. Frameless shower screens are becoming popular along with walk-in showers. Check its stability and assess how easy it would be to clean. Determine whether it gives you the level of privacy you want. And look to see if the shower floor has the right level of tilt to cause water to slide down into the drain, without making it slippery to walk on. Once you’ve assessed the functionality of the bathroom, have a look at the design elements. Think of these as design choices that make it easier for anyone to use the facilities. It can take the form of lever door handles and broad handles on faucet controls. It may be touchless controls so that you don’t have to reach for the handles at all.
Energy Efficiency
People are on the hunt for homes that are more energy efficient and eco-friendly. But you need to make sure these amenities come with little to no extra work on your part. For example, double and triple pane windows are a plus because they save money on energy bills and make the home more comfortable. Running a battery array in addition to maintaining solar panels or complex solar plumbing systems is tedious. Whereas ceiling fans that let you stay cool without having to run the air conditioner is a plus.
Little Luxuries
Home buyers like little luxuries. So keep an eye out for additional amenities that are a step up from most homes. A pool for example is a create addition. But you need to consider the ongoing effort or cost of cleaning it. Saunas can be a plus, but a large jet spa is generally better. Built-in barbeques and fire pits are a popular choice, though fireplaces are on the decline. Decks are often a selling point, as they combine the indoor and outdoor living paces while also reducing lawn maintenance. Patios are a plus for the same reason. You’ll get points from home buyers if you take steps to reduce their maintenance requirements as well. One example would be automatic sprinklers.
Multi-Functional Spaces
Multi-functional spaces are a major selling point. For example, a front office with an attached bathroom that can be turned into a spare bedroom. These spaces will dramatically add to the value of your home. A finished basement or living area that can double as a multi-media room are also useful.
