Going the custom-home route gives you the freedom to choose every detail of your dream home. For some, it means having a fully functional home office. For others, adding a claw-foot tub to the master suite is on the wish list. Or, maybe you prefer your entertaining to revolve around the kitchen. So what are most custom-home buyers looking for? Here is a list of the top 10 design features that are showing up on a typical buyer’s list of must-haves.
- Spacious kitchen: Kitchens are the new living rooms. They’re not just for dining any more. Most homebuyers are looking for a large, open space for guests to sit, while the homeowner is cooking or a convenient spot where kids can do their homework, while peppering Mom or Dad with questions. Buyers also want kitchen islands. This amenity goes right along with the whole great-room concept that situates the living room, dining room and kitchen in close proximity, while also adding an element of spatial separation when preparing food.
- Energy efficient appliances: Keeping energy costs down are a big concern for buyers. Homebuyers are also dining at home more often and desire efficient appliances so as to save on energy bills.
- Home office/study: More people are working from home these days and a home office is an indispensable feature. Most buyers are willing to forgo a formal dining room in favor of a home office.
- Linen closets: Functional storage is a big issue for buyers. A lot of builders were taking these spaces out of their architectural plans, but now buyers want them.
For the most part stairs are out, especially for Baby-boomer buyers. And speaking of the master suite, soaker tubs and separate tubs and showers, as well as separate vanities in the master bathroom are also on the list of must-haves.- Overall energy efficiency: Not only do buyers want their appliances to be energy efficient, they also want their entire home as energy-efficient as possible. This includes high-efficiency furnaces and water heaters, high-efficiency insulation and eco-friendly construction materials.
- Large high-efficiency windows: Buyers love plenty of natural light and fresh air, which translates into demand for more windows.
- Outdoor living space: The idea of an outdoor room is growing in popularity as buyers want more usable outdoor space. Courtyards, decks and patios are on the list of commonly requested amenities.
- Walk-in closets/walk-in pantries: Just about everybody wants more closet and storage space and custom-home buyers have a wide range of choices in storage options.
- Ceiling fans: Most buyers rank these as a must have, especially in the master bedroom, because fans circulate airflow, stretching heating and cooling budgets even further.