Home upgrades and renovations aren’t just things that home flippers do to make more money. It’s actually a common expectation across the market from buyers that sellers improve their homes before they put them on the market. Many homeowners don’t always get all the features they wanted in their first home. If you are in the market for a new home and are looking for upgrades, here are some things to consider.
Dedicated Laundry Room
Many homes, even modern ones, have their laundry machines just tucked into a closet somewhere. That closet might even be double doors that pull open in a hallway or another room. What’s nice is having a dedicated laundry room where you can hide your dirty clothes, have space to fold and store things, and may feature a sink for washing things by hand, and even a drying rack to air dry their delicate clothes. Of course, there should be space and connections for a washer and dryer as well as extra cabinets for storage.
Energy Efficiency
Whether you’re looking at luxury homes or more modest residences, you’re going to have utility bills either way. You also might be one of the growing numbers of citizens concerned about climate change and the environment. Environmentally friendly homes have become increasingly popular.
Energy efficiency is a huge upgrade to any home, so look for it when house hunting. You can see it in two different ways. One is how effective doors and windows are at maintaining temperatures inside your home. Upgraded insulation and window panes can drastically increase the R-value of a house. The second is appliances and how little power they use. This includes the HVAC system, refrigerator, and more.
Master Suite
A master bedroom should be a spacious room that can feature a large, comfortable bed and other furniture. You might want it on the first floor so you don’t have to go up and down any stairs too often. However, a great master suite has other elements to it. For example, a lot of natural light helps make the space feel open. Look for skylights, floor-to-ceiling windows, and proper lighting in the room. Secondly, there should be lots of closet space, possibly even his and her walk-in closets. Built-in shelving and accent lighting will help you get the most out of the space. An en-suite bathroom is a plus, especially if there can be a dual vanity, shower, and tub.
Exterior Amenities
Illumination and outdoor lights are a big feature these days. More than just one light at the door, having light across the whole yard makes everyone feel safer. In the backyard, a patio or some kind of entertainment area where people can relax is also a nice upgrade to have. Whether or not you want a swimming pool is up to you.
The next time you have to move, make sure it’s an upgrade to your lifestyle and not just a relocation. Knowing the upgrades to look for when buying your next home helps you establish a better quality of life.