Adding Value to Your New Build
We absolutely agree that your new home should be designed around your lifestyle and your family. Here’s the good news: with a few smart choices, you can improve your resale value and make your home more enjoyable to live in.
Increase your home’s footprint
It’s always a smart decision to add an extra bedroom to your home if your budget allows it, even if you don’t need the additional space. If your build budget doesn’t stretch to a full-size bedroom, think about work-from-home options. The recent rise in flexible working means a small home office or study nook will add significant appeal!
For those on a tighter budget, there’s also the potential to increase your home’s value in the future by adding a self-contained sleepout or home office elsewhere on the property.
Design a kitchen that stands the test of time
Have you ever noticed that when you have guests around, everyone naturally congregates in the kitchen? The kitchen is called “the heart of the home” for a reason; it acts as a social space as well as a functional area and is usually one of the busiest parts in the house. As a result, kitchens play a big part in buyer decision-making.
A well-designed kitchen should include plenty of benchtop space, generous storage, and an easy flow to other living areas. In such a heavily used area it’s important to choose durable fixtures and fittings, and reliable appliances that will stand the test of time.
We recommend keeping your kitchen design simple and modern, and avoiding heavily trend-based design. Trends come and go, and buyers are less likely to fall in love with a kitchen that looks dated or tired.
Maximise your storage space
You can never have too much storage, especially in a family home. As well as including plenty of kitchen and living room storage, think about where you can add more storage with clever design choices. Inbuilt recessed shelving, butlers’ pantries and walk-in wardrobes all add to your available storage space, with the added bonus of elevating the look and the feel of your home.
If you’re building in a busy subdivision or on a city section, consider sacrificing some of your front lawn and adding an extra space or two for off-street parking. It’ll make life much easier for multi-vehicle families!
Keep your living spaces versatile, light and bright
Make your home feel immediately bright and welcoming with open-plan living spaces and windows that let in plenty of natural light. Whether you’re building from a plan or starting your design from scratch, show your designer and builder around the section; it’ll help them to ensure your home is positioned to capture as much light as possible throughout the day.
It can be tempting to add a lot of unique or unusual design elements to your home but bear in mind that when you’re selling, potential buyers need to be able to imagine making the home their own. We recommend keeping your design as versatile as possible and showcasing your style and personality through interior design choices (like a feature wall, statement furniture pieces, or striking lighting features).
Incorporate clever outdoor design
A well-designed outdoor living space extends your liveable area, effectively adding a new ‘room’ to the house. Once you’ve designed your deck or patio, transform it into a year-round space with a permanent cover and outdoor heating options. You can also add some more storage in with a bench seat that doubles as a storage box for outdoor toys or gardening gear.
It’s worth investing in landscaping when you build; if you plant throughout the property when you first move in, you’ll have a stunning established garden and extra ‘kerb appeal’ when you’re ready to sell.
Explore sustainable and energy-efficient options
Adding a solar power system to your home is a great way to add value, especially as we move towards having more electric cars on the road. Solar technology has come a long way in the last 5-10 years, and solar systems are more affordable and effective than ever before.
If your budget doesn’t stretch to solar, choosing energy-efficient options throughout your home will appeal to both planet-conscious and price-conscious buyers. Think about energy-efficient appliances, smart security systems, and insulation that goes above and beyond the required standards.
Our team are on hand throughout the design process to help you add value. Give us a call for a free consultation to discuss your ideas.