Custom Home Builders Raleigh NC
Top 9 New Home Features in '09
Recommended Renovation Projects Important in New Homes Too
Buying a home with long-lasting value is always important. A recent article focused on the top recommended home improvement and renovation projects for 2009.
When buying a home, you'll want to consider each of these factors. They may be features you'll need to consider renovating yourself. Or if you're leaning towards a new home, you'll want to know how many of these Top Features are included!
1. Siding and Windows
The quality of the siding and windows in your home are both important. North Carolina now requires low-E windows, or more energy efficient windows, so a home built even a few years ago may require more energy to heat and cool.
The three main kinds of siding in the Raleigh area are vinyl (or a vinyl siding and vinyl shakes combination), Hardiboard, or brick, with or without stone accents, depending on the price point. Ask about the warranty and maintenance required for the type of siding on your new home.
2. Energy Efficiency and Green Features
Most energy efficiency programs should be integrated into the home during construction, for maximum effectiveness and minimum cost.
The most common energy efficiency program in North Carolina is Energy Star. An Energy Star certified home usually costs only 1% more than a standard home - but is 15% more energy efficient than a home built to minimum codes, and qualifies Triangle area buyers for a 5% monthly discount from Progress Energy.
An EnergyWise home is another great energy option. EnergyWise technology has been time tested to provide a guaranteed 50 to 70% savings on heating and cooling costs. Not all builders are EnergyWise certified, so ask about this program.
A new home can be green certified (must happen during the construction process), or can incorporate greener features like tankless hot water heaters, solar hot water heaters, low flow faucets and toilets, energy efficient appliances, or a multitude of other options.
3. Decks
Having an area in the backyard to retreat during the many Carolina seasons is an added benefit. Consider a patio, deck, or screen porch, depending on your budget.
4. Cosmetics - Paint, Carpet, Tile, and Hardwood
When comparing several homes, look at the features of each home. It's becoming expected over a certain price point to see hardwood floors in at least a couple of rooms, a great full tile master bath, quality carpeting with 8 lb padding (instead of basic 6 lb), and a paint scheme that includes a coordinating accent color in a key room like the formal dining or the master bedroom.
5. Pizzaz Factor - The Extras
A home with extensive crown moulding and multi-tiered trey ceilings will stand out dramatically next to their simpler cousins. Same for rounded corners in the living areas, archways, built-in plant shelves and display shelves, and barrel vault ceilings.
6. Kitchens That Count
A home with a ten year old kitchen will contrast vividly with today's kitchen.
Cabinetry colors are lighter now, with many homebuyers opting for maple or painted maple. Extra details go far here too. Bright brass fixtures were very popular fifteen years ago, but today, classic chrome or brushed nickel are the way to go.
Countertop options have changed too - today's Corian has tremendous depth and color, as well as integrated, one piece sinks. For the green customer, pressed paper countertops have increased in popularity, but are still pricier than granite. Look closely at quality and the overall package before focusing on a single feature.
7. Bathrooms - Bold Retreats without Breaking the Bank
Master baths with the best resale value tend to have a great soaking tub and a separate shower, ideally a custom tile shower with some detail work and a full glass enclosure. Lots of tile work makes the difference here, as do lighting, ceiling treatments, and choice of fixtures. Laminate countertops in bathrooms have become less popular, except at entry level price points.
8. Reinventing Space
For some homebuyers, a formal dining room and a breakfast room are redundant. A formal dining can easily be converted in the early construction stages to a downstairs office, often with full French doors or other details. Great rooms and open living areas are more important, and smaller formal living rooms are becoming less popular. Experienced builders can work to expand living areas or rearrange space to offer a more ideal arrangement.
9. Electric Radiant Heat
This isn't something commonly requested in the Raleigh area - we're more likely to need some extra cooling power! But anyone intent on radiant heat should definitely request it early in the building process, so that it can be integrated into the structure.
You may also be interested in these popular articles:
New Home Trends and Ideas - What's the Latest?
Energy Wise - Find Out How to Save 50 to 70% on Heating and Cooling Costs!
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Article copyright Stanton Homes 2010. Provided for informational purposes only, no claims are made by Stanton Homes regarding the validity of any statements. Please note: all listing information per MLS, and current as of posting date. Information subject to change. Stanton Homes does not make claims to ownership of above lot listings, but can work with homebuyers to purchase lots and build. Home plans to be approved on an individual basis, subject to neighborhood restrictive covenants and lot restrictions. Ask for further information regarding any community, lot or floor plan. Photos represent typical homes and details of each neighborhood, to help highlight different options available in the Raleigh/Triangle area. No claim of ownership is made to homes or land pictured.
Hey guys, good information. I hope you have some new housing starts in 09. The sure sign to recovery.
great information and hope business is as great in 09
Hi Penny,
Wonderful information for Cosumers - I just wrote a contract for new construction last week. Yeah!!!!
Penny! Great info! I think folks need to know what to concentrate on as they work to keep their property value up!
Kevin - We've been quite busy, particularly in December. There is a lot of interest right now in finding the home you want rather than rushing to purchase the only thing available.
Randall - Glad you found this helpful, good luck to you!
Cynthia - Congrats on the contract, I'm sure your clients are very happy...
Eleanor - These are features that buyers and sellers should be aware of, in new construction as well as in existing homes. It makes a big difference when everything is done right the first time!