4 OPTIONS THAT DELIVER THE GREATEST RETURNS TO CUSTOM HOME BUILDERS

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Custom Home Options that Pay Off

TellaFirma_BuilderingPlansSometimes the proof is in the details. By paying special attention to the home features and options buyers value the most, custom builders can help ensure their projects command the highest price at the time of sale, while also protecting the buyer’s investment and value over the long term.

We’ve identified four primary areas where the addition of extras can really pay off.

Energy efficiency.
According to real estate industry research, 80% of homebuyers say that energy efficiency has a somewhat to very important impact on their selection decision. In fact, Energy Star-rated appliances are at the top of the list of most-wanted home features, and an Energy Star rating for the whole home is very high on the list as well.

Beyond appliances, homebuyers prefer energy efficient features such as LED lighting, intelligent HVAC systems, and tankless water heaters. Also, it’s hard to go wrong with high-quality insulation and energy-efficient windows that reduce heating and cooling costs.

TellaFirma_NewHomeSmart home features.
Research also shows that between 65-85% of homebuyers are willing to spend more for homes with smart technology installed, with the Millennial generation representing the demographic group with the greatest interest in this area. Think about pre-wiring the home and installing some of the features that tech-savvy consumers want most – wireless home security systems, programmable thermostats, security cameras, lighting control systems, and wireless home audio systems, for example.

Design features.
The design of the home itself is another important consideration, as 65% of homebuyers say the most influential characteristic when buying a home is “living space and number of rooms that meet their needs,” according to a study from the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB).

Prospective buyers tend to focus first on the number of rooms and details of the floor plan: 60% of homebuyers are willing to pay more for a walk-in closet in the master bedroom, for example, and 40% would pay more for an eat-in kitchen. Buyers also appreciate features such as flex rooms, garage storage and outdoor living space.

Beyond considerations related to the layout and flow of the home, buyers focus on quality and appearance when looking at most home components (such as flooring, doors, kitchen countertops, cabinets and carpeting) but also focus on brand name when it comes to appliances. More than 50% of prospective buyers would pay more for granite countertops in the kitchen, and 41% are willing to pay more for stainless steel appliances. 

Structure.
Finally, certain aspects of the structure of the home itself will appeal to homebuyers looking for long-term value in their investment. Quality materials used in windows, roofing and ventilation are key considerations for many homebuyers.

The foundation of the home cannot be overlooked in its importance to the performance of the structure over time. One new option from Tella Firma is an elevated slab foundation, which appeals to buyers in many locations due to its cost-effective solution that protects the foundation against movement in areas with unstable soil conditions.

The Bottom Line.
If you keep these four areas in mind when planning your next custom home build, it will likely pay off in the long run – for you and your buyer.

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PLANNING YOUR DREAM HOME – REMEMBER TO LOOK BEYOND THE SURFACE

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How to Make Sure Your Dream Home is a Sound Investment

tellafirma_dreamhomeAfter years of wishing, saving and planning, the time has finally come to build the home of your dreams! Most homeowners will spend plenty of time in advance thinking about the floorplan and visual look of the home, with a particular focus on the various surfaces and features that are visible throughout the residence – floors, countertops, appliances, tiles, and more.

Certainly these design features make a big impact. But it’s equally important to think beyond the surface and consider other features that can make a home more energy efficient, more comfortable, more sustainable, and perhaps save money over time. Here are some of the key areas where you can take that look beyond the surface.

Inside the Walls 

Think Smart. It helps to plan ahead if you want to incorporate smart-home technology, and you need to make sure you have an adequate number of electrical outlets, in-wall transmitters and data cables to support computers, entertainment systems, home security and the latest technological goodies. Consider asking your builder to add a neutral wire at each wall switch, required for many types of products, as well as deep junction boxes that offer more flexibility when you’re selecting technology. A whole-house surge suppressor is a good idea too.

Don’t Forget the Airwaves. Much of today’s smart home technology runs on Wi-Fi. And with larger homes, installing multiple routers will provide better connectivity throughout the house and ensure a strong signal for each device. Make sure your new home comes with plenty of wires and cables, and think about placement carefully.

Stand Tall. If you’re looking for strength and stability in construction, engineered studs may be the answer. They are more expensive than traditional lumber products, but some contractors believe the outcome may be worth the expense, particularly in rooms where cabinets must hang straight or where an architectural feature takes center stage.

TellaFirma_DreamHomeBuildUnder the Floors 

Nice and Toasty. One of the most useful and luxurious features in a new home may be radiant heating under the floors in certain rooms. Not only can it help save money on heating costs, but most homeowners appreciate this feature in bathrooms and kitchens where cold tile floors can present a chilling experience during winter months.

Quality from the Ground Up. Each new home project begins with a solid foundation, but the performance of the foundation itself may be hindered over time by unstable soil conditions. One solution is a new type of elevated slab foundation from Tella Firma, which protects the foundation against soil movement at a much lower cost than an alternative pier-and-beam foundation.

Above the Ceiling 

High and Dry. High-quality insulation in the attic can provide an energy-efficient solution that saves money in the long term by keeping a check on energy usage. Closed-cell foam spray insulation is preferred by many homeowners for its strength, performance and the tight barrier it creates against air and moisture.

The Right Light.  LED lighting not only produces a brighter light than conventional bulbs, these bulbs are also more energy efficient and last longer. Homeowners purchase fewer bulbs over time, and see real savings on energy bills and maintenance.

Get Smart. Most HVAC manufacturers offer smart thermostats that allow homeowners to monitor and control temperatures and usage through a phone app, but newer intelligent HVAC systems can go much further by diagnosing problems and improving the performance of heating and cooling technology.

When planning a dream home, if you keep these ideas in mind, your home will not only be a dream to look at, it will also represent a long-term investment that’s efficient, comfortable and strong.

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