There are many factors to consider when purchasing a dream home. Obviously, you will want to zero in on those characteristics that will allow you to maximize the enjoyment of your property. However, you also need to keep an eye on features that will have staying power and increase the value of your house on the resale market. To this effect, there are some materials that perform better than others. Keep reading to find out more about some stunning features to look out for in a new home.
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1. Rustic-Look Siding
There is nothing quite like a home sided in wood planks, brick, or stone to create that old-fashioned homey feeling. However, for all of their rustic charm, these traditional siding materials must be regularly maintained in order to guarantee their ongoing insulative properties. For example, masonry products must be sealed every other year in order to prevent moisture absorption that can lead to cracking in cold weather, while natural wood products must be stained or painted on a similar schedule to avoid rot.
As a result, innovative inorganic siding options, such as manufactured stone veneer and fiber cement board and batten, are increasing in popularity across the country. These modern siding choices can be fabricated in a manner that is nearly indistinguishable from traditional masonry and wood products, yet require none of the assiduous upkeep of their classic counterparts. Equipped with the highest fire and impact rating on the market, these inorganic siding materials will last at least 50 years with a modicum of care.
Another trending siding material is EIFS stucco. Sometimes referred to as "synthetic stucco," this extremely insulative option can use a textured finish to create a Mediterranean-style exterior for your home, or employ a sandy look to mimic the modern appearance of traditional stucco products. Despite the stunning curb appeal, synthetic stucco use a layered approach to create a truly airtight and impermeable building envelope that has an R-value over 20X higher than traditional stucco choices.
2. Open Kitchen Design
The open kitchen concept is all of the rage in modern homes. Not only does it promote natural light flow tat reduces reliance on artificial light, but it creates a more spacious, inviting ambience that is ideal for hosting get-togethers.
When exploring new homes, look for features such as partial walls that employ bar-style seating and pass-through windows, large central islands topped with nonporous quartz countertops, and open shelves in place of closed cabinets. In addition to this type of design making the kitchen an ideal central hangout when having people over, it also connects the kitchen to adjoining areas of the home, giving it utility as a transitional space for doing homework, arts and crafts, or even as the center for family game night.
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3. Quality Exterior Space
While the COVID-19 pandemic spurred people into all types of home improvement projects, arguably no place received quite as much attention as the exterior -- a trend that is still being felt today. Homeowners are increasingly valuing functional exterior space that allows them to get some fresh ai and enjoy their property in new ways.
Therefore, when searching for a new home, look for any exterior features that increase curb appeal while also making the exterior more livable. Some features include stylish pergolas that provide some shade and weather protection, composite or rot-resistant cedar deck planks that will keep the deck safe and attractive with minimal upkeep and permeable landscape pavers that will not be eroded by hydrostatic pressure.
4. Composite Roofing
Like modern siding options, composite roofing gives homeowners the ability to enjoy the classic appearance of traditional roofing products with few of the maintenance and upkeep requirements. manufactured from a blend of rubber, fiberglass, and recycled paper, composite roofing has the highest fire and impact rating in the roofing industry -- important considerations in a time when severe weather events are rocking the country with increasing frequency. It can be manufactured in a vast array of colors and designs -- even mimicking high-end slate and Spanish barrel tiles -- making it a strong option for homeowners looking for a unique means of establishing curb appeal.
5. Luxury Bathrooms Features
Although it may be debatable how much value a high-end luxury bathroom will add to the value of a property, there is no denying that some luxury features will definitely speak to the right buyer. Many homeowners value the ability to escape into a spa-like environment within the confines of their own home, so features such as a heated shower floor, warm shiplap accent wall, and stand-alone tub are some of the items that can carry significant appeal.
Top Features to Look for in a New Home
When in the market for your dream home, it is important to look for features that will both maximize your enjoyment of the house now while also having staying power in order to appeal to the broader market should the need to sell arise. With this in mind, rustic-look siding, an open kitchen design, quality exterior space, composite roofing, and luxury bathroom items are a few of the most stunning features to look for in a new home.
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Andrea Erickson in freelance writer that loves sharing her knowledge and expertise on real estate. She lives in her hometown of Austin, Texas where she enjoys spending time with her husband and decorating with her children. Andrea's work as a freelance writer can be found on Building Product Advisors, a new construction industry resource launching in Fall 2022.