According to Freddie Mac, there was a U.S. housing shortage in 2018 of about 2.5 million homes. That deficit increased by 52% as the housing supply in 2020 showed a 3.8 million shortage. Building and selling houses can be a great business.
There are a few features that you can include in your design to make sure that your houses will sell quickly and for high prices. This article will discuss some of the best features to include in your next project.
Install a Steel Entry Door
A steel entry door installation is your best bet for the main entrance. Steel entry doors made of iron and carbon are incredibly strong, heavy, and almost impossible to break into, especially if fitted with deadbolts and other security mechanisms. They can be designed to look aesthetically pleasing and even mimic the look of wood without its weaknesses. For more classic designs, you can even incorporate tempered glass that is extremely hard to break.
Steel entry doors are also heavy and offer up to three hours of fire resistance. In contrast, wooden doors burn in 20 minutes. Hence, using a steel entry door will provide you with the highest return on investment. Buyers will appreciate its strength, durability, and beauty.
Build a Well-Equipped Kitchen
The kitchen is a key room in the house, and buyers will be looking for one with all the needed features. For instance, a study by Zillow on more than 3.1 million houses sold in 2020 and 2021 showed that for those two consecutive years, homes that listed high-end steam ovens in the kitchen sold for 3.7 percent higher than the expected price. Meanwhile, houses with new appliances generally sold for 2.6 percent higher than expected.
While home buyers have always looked at the kitchen first when checking out a house, people have become even more interested in cooking during the pandemic. They are cooking more meals at home, and people want a well equipped kitchen so they can cook anything they want.
Some of the additional features you should include in your kitchen design are:
- An induction cooktop
- Double wall ovens
- A wine fridge
- Pot filler faucets
- Soft close cabinets and drawers
- Quartz or granite countertops
If you want to go above and beyond, you can include a butler’s pantry or a walk-in pantry. Potential buyers who love to cook will appreciate these extra storage spaces.
Provide a Home Office and WiFi
According to the same Zillow report, homes with a home office sold six days faster than expected. Those that have high-speed wi-fi sold for 2.5 percent higher than the expected price.
As more and more people are working from home, they need a dedicated space where they can focus on their work. A home office provides them with a quiet place to get away from the distractions of daily life.
People also need fast internet speeds so they can do their work without any issues. If you include WiFi in your house, potential buyers will see it as a valuable amenity.
Include a Smart Home System
A smart home system is another feature that potential buyers will be looking for. A study by Realtor.com in 2020 showed that buyers are willing to pay a higher price for a home with smart systems. The top smart features mentioned were solar panels for the roof with a battery pack and smart home security, including smart doorbells.
For specific demographics, women wanted a smart kitchen, including touchless faucets. For consumers aged 18 to 34, having smart speakers in all rooms and a home theater was sought.
These results tie up with the finding of the Zillow study that houses with an electric vehicle charging station sold 9.5 days faster than expected. The study also showed that houses with programmable thermostats sold six days faster than expected.
People want a house that is equipped with the latest technology so they can have a modern lifestyle. If you include a smart home system in your design, you will be able to sell your house at a higher price.
Make the House Stand Out from the Competition
When you build a house to sell, you must make it stand out from the competition. By following these tips, you can build houses that will sell quickly and for a high price. Include a steel entry door, well-equipped kitchen, home office, WiFi, and smart home system in your design to make your house attractive. Potential buyers will be looking for these features and will be willing to pay more for a house that has them. With a little bit of extra effort, you can make your house shine and reap the rewards.
