Have the last two years changed what makes a home a home? It’s no surprise that many of us would say “yes” without hesitating. But ask if the last two years have made a long-term impact on how we assess a home’s resale value? That may be a more difficult query.
According to the National Association of Realtors, homeowners stay in their homes for an average of 13 years (it’s less than half that in most of the nation’s 100 largest metro areas). Right now, it’s difficult to say whether the effects of the pandemic will have an extended reach into statistics like these. While many of us doubled down and reinvested in our domiciles in the pandemic, the forthcoming months and years show promise for those wanting more dramatic changes in how and where they live.
Combine that with the fact that about a third of today’s housing market is made up of first-time home buyers and it’s easy to see the importance of resale value isn’t waning but rather being braced by new trends that maximize how homeowners enjoy their home now and its resale value later.
Whether building a custom home or updating an existing one, a well-informed homeowner always tries to factor future resale value into their design choices. Here are several you’ll want to consider. If that sounds like you, then your best course of action is to find out what buyers want, and which of those wants best stand the test of time. That way, you can make design choices that support resale value without compromising on what makes you happy. Here are some of the main design features you’ll want to consider.
Open floor plans have been trending strong for the last decade and will continue to do so in the next. But as some homeowners continue to work from and spend more time at home, a floor plan’s expression of openness will look different. Expect a return to more traditional dedicated spaces like entertainment rooms, playrooms, and offices while the kitchen, dining, and great room remain connected and uninterrupted as the most welcoming (and largest) spaces of the house.
Don’t forget about general flex spaces and bonus rooms, they’re more popular than ever; especially when flex spaces can stand in for so many things including work from home or workout spaces. These help your home better fit the needs of potential buyers, reimagining these spaces as an extra bedroom, game room, office, or even an in-law suite. And of course, you can take advantage of this added space if your needs change.
A split bedroom floor plan continues to remain attractive to many buyers (and builders) because it isolates the owner's retreat from the rest of the house. For families that means some extra private space for parents while still having kids in proximity. Likewise, empty nesters who’ve downsized and don’t always use the additional bedrooms find that split bedroom plans greatly simplify things.
There are two easy ways to pull off a split bedroom floor plan. For a two-story home, place the owner’s retreat on the first floor while keeping other bedrooms upstairs. For a single-story home, put it on the opposite side of the house from the other bedrooms.
Curb appeal matters, not only to you but also to potential buyers. It’s the first impression of your home, and it’s not easy to change. If you plan to sell within the next 3–5 years, curb appeal is something you should take into consideration now. Our design team pays special attention to your home’s entryway – curb appeal says hello, your home’s entrance says welcome. Door color, lighting, and decoration can create further appeal and added distinction.
If you’re building in a development or subdivision, you probably already have some guidelines to adhere to. If you’re not as restricted, then regional design trends are a great place to start looking for ideas. Also check out the exterior styles of comparably sized and priced homes in your area. Modern Farmhouse and Traditional homes are two on-trend styles whose exterior designs withstand the test of time.
When choosing flooring for your custom home, or installing new flooring in your existing home for that matter, consider its lifespan. Looks matter, but so does durability. Pick flooring that can resist whatever wear pets, children and guests throw at it.
Back to looks, select colors and materials that work with a variety of interior design styles. LVT flooring (luxury vinyl tile) is extremely popular today. Not only does it capture the upscale look of wood, ceramic, or slate, but it’s also durable and easy to replace.
When it comes to color, our design experts recommend a color palette that complements multiple interior design styles. That helps homebuyers envision themselves and their style within the home. Stick with bright, clean colors that make your home inviting and relaxing — whites and blues are usually good choices. Avoid painting every room a different color, as it can be hard to look at and may deter potential buyers.
Additionally, when selecting tile or stone for accent walls, backsplash, fireplaces, or other areas of your home, focus on neutral tones. White subway tile never seems to go out of style, nor do light tans or grey stone colors.
Kitchens and bathrooms are often what sell homes because, often, potential buyers don’t want to take on renovating them. Make smart design choices here, and you’ll likely get a strong return on your investment. Things like a farm sink, touchless faucets, large kitchen islands, spa-like bathtubs, standing showers and upgraded countertops will grab buyers’ attention and increase your home’s overall value in their eyes.
As for the trim of your home (upper and lower cabinetry), this should also be as neutral as possible. White or dark brown wood finishes are on-trend and fit a wide variety of interior design styles.
We’re seeing the traditional straight lines of certain design elements starting to bend the rules. Curvy design is influencing countertops, archways and even some ceiling design trends. Is curvy design here to stay? Time will tell.
Homebuyers love to see an outdoor living space when touring homes on the market. Even more so today. One of the trends we saw during the pandemic was rediscovering the possibilities in our own backyards. The lasting impact on buyer expectation and custom home building innovation can be seen in a bolder emphasis on outdoor possibilities. Whether it’s including windows and doors that provide a seamless transition from inside to outside or an extended patio with an outdoor kitchen, it’s a win-win for you too. Add an outdoor space to your build and not only will you enjoy outdoor living from the start, but you’ll also likely see a significant return on investment down the road.
Schumacher helps you make design choices that support resale value without compromising on what makes you happy.
Schumacher Homes, based in Canton, Ohio, is America’s largest custom homebuilder, with operations in 30 markets in 12 states across the country. The National Housing Quality award winning company has built over 20,000 homes, customized to fit each family’s lifestyle, since its founding by Paul Schumacher in 1992. Schumacher Homes takes each customer’s inspiration and gives it a home. Each Schumacher Homes location includes a one-stop shopping design studio and model homes displaying the latest in architectural and product trends. Stop in today, be inspired and receive your no obligation price quote.