Adding value to your home can be a potent way to future-proof it while making it more comfortable and enjoyable at the same time. But the sheer range of upgrades available is spectacular. Which should you prioritize?
That’s the topic of this article. It runs through some of the smart choices you can make to add value to your home without detracting from its character. Here’s everything you need to know.
Drought-Resistant Landscaping
The future weather might not be as clement as it is today. Therefore, many smart homeowners are exploring the possibilities of future-proof landscaping.
Future-proof landscaping is essentially outdoor areas that can withstand long periods without rainwater and don’t depend on regular watering or sprinkling from other sources. You can design and create this sort of landscaping by using desert shrubs and more inorganic materials in your outdoor space. Artificial turfs are becoming more popular in areas that can’t sustain natural grass or soil.
Universal Design Features
Another future-focused trend we are seeing is the emergence of universal design features. These make properties accessible to people of all abilities and, therefore, don’t require further modification to adapt to people’s needs.
Specific design changes include things like step-less entryways, wider doorways, and walk-in showers and baths. Grab bars are being transformed into design features of rooms to help the increasing numbers of disabled people enjoy the perks of living at home just as much as everyone else.
Electric Vehicle Charging Stations
The inclusion of electric vehicle charging stations is another future-proof home upgrade that is becoming more popular. People want the ability to add power to their vehicles’ batteries while not in use without running through a conventional outlet.
The best electric vehicle charging stations can top up vehicles in less than an hour, giving homeowners more flexibility. However, any purpose-built charging station is likely to attract the interest of keen buyers, looking for convenient homes that meet their needs. Having a charge point gives people option value, letting them buy an electric vehicle when the time is right.
Air Sealing
The trend towards air sealing and keeping homes insulated is also growing. Whether the property is in a hot or cold climate, people want to prevent air from escaping and increasing their utility bills, according to https://energysavingtrust.org.
You can get professionals to air-seal your home in a couple of days. Most strategies involve plugging gaps around doors and windows and stopping heat from escaping through the ceiling and into the roof. You may need to replace double-glazing if you’ve lost the argon gas in the middle sandwich section, as this can leak out over time, even if the windows themselves experience no damage.
Air sealing can also be low-tech. Simply adding a draft excluder to exterior doors can reduce airflow and prevent you from feeling cold in your home.
Recycled And Sustainable Materials
Adding recycled and sustainable materials to your home is another excellent way to add value and future-proof it for generations to come. Upcycled and sustainably sourced components are attractive to buyers looking to reduce their ecological footprint.
Some top material choices include things like bricks made of recycled rubber or bamboo canes for walls. You can also go for more natural materials, like wood, slate, and clay sourced from sustainable producers.
When advertising your home, ensure you keep a record of the provenance of the materials. If you can show that you sourced them sustainably, you may make your property more attractive to future buyers by appealing to their sensibilities.
Multifunctional Spaces
You should also build multifunctional spaces in your home. Adding rooms that can become anything gives buyers more flexibility and reduces the risk of buying considerably.
For instance, consider adding attic, garage, and basement spaces. Buyers can turn these into gyms, craft studios, additional bedrooms, second kitchens, and utility areas. These additional options can be the thing that tips the balance in your favor and encourages them to purchase from you instead of someone else locally.
When designing multifunctional spaces, focus on improving the fixtures and fittings in the room. Ensure that the electrical system can cope with any installation, and add plumbing to the walls for additional flexibility and functionality later on.
Include A Covered Patio Area
Another way to add value to your home and future-proof it is to add a covered patio area. These are highly desirable among people looking for properties that meet their lifestyle needs, as sites like https://www.clearambershop.com/ point out.
Choose a fixed and durable patio covering made of a material that meets all your requirements for light and shade. Polycarbonates are a popular option because they can withstand all weather, don’t require much upkeep, and are quick and easy to install compared to wood or tiles.
Once you have a covered patio area, be sure to include plenty of seating and amenities for people to enjoy. Focus on building a livable space that’s suitable for people no matter what the weather decides to do.
Smart Thermostats
You might also want to consider adding a smart thermostat to your property. These future-proofing devices can help new buyers manage their energy consumption by adjusting heating and cooling automatically.
Smart thermostats also let you control them remotely. That means that you can connect to them via your smartphone and set the heat in your home via an app instead of having to fiddle around with a manual timer.
High-Speed Internet
Adding high-speed internet to your home can help attract people who rely on a secure and low-latency connection for work or business. Including this feature in the asking price reduces the risk of buyers viewing your property as impractical or poorly set up for their needs.
High-speed internet usually involves installing a fiber-optic cable. If there is already one in your area, hooking your home up should be pretty straightforward. However, if you don’t have a mains cable running locally, you will need to apply to local power companies to install one.
That might sound like a hassle, but it depends on how close the nearest fiber-optic connection is. If you live near a main road, the chances are that it already has one and all the company needs to do is create a new cable for your street instead of wiring a new one miles to your location.
Modular Furniture And Built-In Storage
Modular furniture and built-in storage on your property is another way to future-proof it and encourage people to buy it. People want solutions that have a low impact on the room’s functionality and blend into the aesthetics.
Start by considering whether you want to add built-in cupboards to the bedroom. Adding closets can be an excellent way to encourage people that your home is the right choice for them.
You could also use modular furniture for the living room that you can disassemble if your living arrangements change. For example, corner sofas often come apart, letting you stow them somewhere else, safely tucked away.
Solar Panels
Finally, you might want to consider adding solar panels to your home to future-proof it. Including these can be beneficial to you and buyers looking for more energy security and a greener home.
You will need to discuss the size of your solar panel installation with professionals who understand your requirements. These individuals can tell you the square footage you need on your roof to power your home.
You can also talk to them about adding battery storage to your power supply. This feature lets you continue using green power at night instead of relying on the grid.
Featured Photo: Billy Jo Catbagan