What Can I Add to a Newly Constructed House to Give It More Value?

Add Space

• Adding functional space is one of the surest ways to add value to the home. In 2004, the National Association of Home Builders reported that adding another bedroom to a three-bedroom house increased the value of the house by nearly $9,000. If the house has more bedrooms than bathrooms, an additional bathroom could increase the value by over $25,000. The NAHB study found that adding 200 square feet of living space to a 2,000-square-foot home increased the value by about $5,000.

Kitchen and Bathroom

• Kitchens and bathrooms are highly prized in the real estate market. The appliances should be attractive and functional, and flooring, countertops and cabinetry durable and modern. Luxury or trendy items aren't advisable; people won't necessarily pay for custom-built cabinets and expensive materials. Mid-range materials and fixtures are among the highest in recovery at resale. Details such as a skylight and radiant heating in the floors are worth investigating for return in the local market.

Curb Appeal

• Curb appeal is an important factor in enticing people to look further or, for that matter, deciding that they don't want to see any more of the house. Good quality and durable siding, such as fiber cement siding, and a well-kept, landscaped front yard make an attractive first impression. Mature trees are valuable to home buyers; save any existing trees or plant one or two. An extended driveway is simple to add at construction time, and pays for itself in curb appeal.

Energy Efficiency and Lighting

• Insulated windows and doors, and a well-insulated building envelope, add to the value of the house. People will often pay more for a house that will cost less to operate and maintain in the future. Energy efficient appliances and fixtures are also attractive to buyers. Another draw is plenty of light, natural and artificial. Allow for sufficient fixtures and outlets. They don't add much cost to the construction but are value-added components for the house sale.