With the economy slowly gaining ground, Americans are also regaining their taste for building and remodeling homes. These home improvement projects aren’t small, either: According to Scarborough research, among homeowners who have done home projects in the last year, 56% spent more than $1,000. In fact, American homeowners spent a total of $134 billion on home construction and remodeling during the third quarter of last year alone.
According to research by Houzz, 83% of the projects done during 2012 were intended to improve the “look and feel” of the homes — meaning that homeowners are turning their attention from doing only necessary repairs to actively creating more luxurious home environments. If you’re currently involved in the construction of a home, whether that’s a new custom-built house or a serious remodel, here are some things you can keep in mind to keep up with the high-end tastes of the recovering market:
1. Choose the Best Materials
One of the features that distinguishes custom building and renovation jobs from builder-basic houses is the materials that are used. Not only should the materials look beautiful and feel unique, they should also be durable, natural materials that will last for many years to come. That means hardwood instead of laminate, stone instead of tile and the best construction and insulation materials. You should also think about finishes such as solid wood paneling and molding, which can give even new homes an historic feel that sets them apart.
2. Focus on the Most Important Rooms
Bathroom and kitchen designs are the most important parts of the construction of a home; they both add the most value to a house and have the most potential to scare off buyers in the future, if you’re not careful. Go for a contemporary look that isn’t too trendy; remember, remodeling kitchens and bathrooms is expensive, so you’ll want to maximize the lifespan of the current design.
3. Think About Efficiency
If you’re starting from scratch, think about building a green home. Green home construction is a rapidly growing industry, and there are benefits for you both while you’re living in the house and if you decide to sell someday; you’ll enjoy lower utility bills, and future buyers will have a little extra incentive to put in an offer. Consider everything from solar panel installation to geothermal heating and tankless water heaters. There are even graywater recycling systems that can take lightly used water from your home and use it for tasks such as watering the lawn. Recent developments have allowed green initiatives to be virtually invisible from the standpoint of the user, so you don’t need to worry about sacrificing comfort for the sake of the environment.
What else do you think owners and builders should keep in mind during the construction of a home? Join the discussion in the comments.