When building a custom house with Odyssey Homes, you get the option to choose from our huge selection of standard finishes and upgrades. This ability to customize your new home not only creates a space that’s just how you want it, but can also improve the desirability of your home when it comes time to put it on the market. You may think that you are going to live in your home forever, but most families move every six years. That’s why we think it’s important to choose your finishes and upgrades carefully, and opt for the ones that will count the most when it comes to increasing your property value.

Upgrades that count the most

1. Anything that has to do with the kitchen.

Kitchens sell houses. Upgrades to cabinets, countertops and appliances will all be big winners when it comes time to re-sell your home. Of particular value are kitchen islands and stainless-steel appliances. To increase their future value, make sure to opt for neutral colors.

2. Bathroom upgrades.

Bathrooms are almost as important as kitchens to homebuyers. Natural stone countertops, dual sinks, deep soaking tubs, lots of storage space and large walk-in showers with dual showerheads are all value-boosters.

3. Flooring.

The flooring your choose can dramatically affect how quickly your home will sell in the future. It’s a good bet that the carpet you choose will have to be replaced by the new homeowners. However, if you invest in quality hardwood flooring, tile, or LVP, you’ll not only have beautiful, easy-to-care-for floors, but you’ll have a sales advantage in the future when you go to market your home.

4. Home offices.

With more and more people opting to work at least partially from home, designated home offices have never been more popular. Add a few built-in cabinets and good overhead lighting to make the space even more desirable. According to a 2021 survey by HomeLight, 60 percent of real estate agents cited a home office as a top priority for homebuyers.

5. “Green” options.

Energy-saving options are “hot” now and are likely to be just as popular in the future. Saving money on energy bills and reducing the household’s carbon footprint isn’t trendy; it’s just smart living. “Green” upgrades include upgraded insulation, high-quality windows and doors, energy-star-rated heating and cooling systems, zoned heating and cooling systems and smart thermostats. Keep in mind that these options will not only increase your home’s future value, but will start saving your family money on your energy bills as soon as you move in.

6. Smart technology

Smart home features aren’t just a fad; it’s the way of the future. Being able to “communicate” with your home while you are at work or on vacation is increasingly something that homebuyers expect. They want to be able to adjust the thermostat, lock and unlock the doors, see who’s ringing the doorbell and regulate lighting all from their mobile devices.

7. Curb appeal

You can’t overrate good curb appeal. It’s the first thing visitors and guests see when they approach your property. When you market your home, your curb appeal often determines whether a potential buyer makes an appointment to view your property or drives on by. Upgrades that will improve your curb appeal in the long run include stone veneer siding, an upgraded garage door and an extra parking space.

8. A finished basement.

A finished basement not only gives you more room to entertain and relax as a family, but it adds to the total square footage of your home. That extra heated living space in your basement can be enough to bump your property up into the next price bracket and be a deal closer if buyers are trying to decide between your house and an otherwise comparable property.

9. Outdoor living space.

A deck or outdoor patio will all add value to your home, plus give you an attractive and enjoyable place to host parties and hang out as a family.

The bottom line

Choosing the upgrades and finishes you want to make you home your own is one of the prime advantages of building a custom home. Make the most of your choices by opting for those upgrades that will get you the most value when it comes time to re-sell your home.

To learn more about which upgrades will increase the value of your custom home and to get started planning the home of your dreams, contact Odyssey Homes. We’ve been helping families like yours create the home they’ve always wanted. You can view our online portfolio of past projects on our website.