10 Home Features for Long-Term Value

When you’re looking at home features that add long-term value, it’s important to focus on renovations and upgrades that not only improve the functionality and aesthetics of your home but also provide a solid return on investment (ROI).

Whether you’re thinking about selling in the future or simply increasing your home’s value for personal satisfaction, certain features will yield better long-term results.

Here are the top 10 home features you should consider:

1. Energy Efficiency

Energy efficiency is one of the top features that both homeowners and buyers look for today.

By making energy-efficient upgrades, you can reduce your utility costs and increase the appeal of your home.

Energy-efficient windows: Replacing single-pane windows with dual-pane energy-efficient ones can provide substantial energy savings and increase your home’s value.
- Product: Dual Pane Energy Efficient Windows on Amazon
Smart thermostat: Installing a smart thermostat, like the Ecobee or Nest, can allow homeowners to control their home’s temperature remotely and save on heating and cooling costs.
- Product: Ecobee SmartThermostat with Voice Control on Amazon
Insulation upgrades: Adding or upgrading insulation is an inexpensive way to improve energy efficiency.
- Product: Owens Corning R-19 Insulation Roll on Amazon

2. Updated Kitchens

Kitchens are often the heart of the home, and modern, well-equipped kitchens are at the top of most buyers’ wish lists. Upgrading your kitchen can significantly increase your home’s value.

Quartz countertops: They provide a modern and luxurious look and are extremely durable.
- Product: MSI Quartz Countertop Slabs at Home Depot
Stainless steel appliances: Stainless steel appliances not only look sleek but are also long-lasting and energy-efficient.
- Product: LG Stainless Steel Refrigerator on Amazon
Kitchen cabinet hardware: Replacing old cabinet handles with new, modern ones can give your kitchen a refreshed look at a low cost.
- Product: Ravinte 30 Pack Cabinet Handles on Amazon

3. Modern Bathrooms

A well-designed and updated bathroom can make a big impact on your home’s value. A few small changes can make your bathroom feel like a luxury spa.

Water-efficient fixtures: Low-flow toilets, faucets, and showerheads save water and improve sustainability.
- Product: High-Pressure Showerhead with Water-Saving Feature on Amazon
Heated floors: Adding heated floors in your bathroom can give a luxurious touch while also improving energy efficiency.

4. Open Floor Plans

Open floor plans are highly desirable as they make homes feel more spacious. Knocking down non-structural walls to open up the living area and kitchen can make a home more appealing to buyers.

Removing walls: If your home has a closed-off floor plan, consider removing non-load-bearing walls to create a more open layout.
Lighting: Open floor plans allow for more natural light to flow through the home, which adds to the aesthetic appeal.

5. Outdoor Living Spaces

Outdoor living spaces are increasingly important to homeowners. Decks, patios, and outdoor kitchens extend the usable living area of your home and provide additional entertainment spaces.

Patio upgrades: Adding or upgrading a patio can significantly increase your home’s value.
- Product: Outdoor Patio Furniture Set on Amazon
Outdoor kitchens: Built-in grills and outdoor kitchens are popular additions for entertainment spaces.
- Product: Weber Genesis II Gas Grill on Amazon

6. Smart Home Technology

As technology becomes more integrated into our lives, smart home features are becoming more popular. Homes with smart lighting, security systems, and home automation technology are more attractive to buyers.

Smart lighting: Smart lighting systems allow you to control the lighting in your home remotely or via voice commands.
- Product: Philips Hue Smart Bulb Starter Kit on Amazon
Smart security systems: Homebuyers are increasingly looking for homes with integrated security systems, including smart doorbells and cameras.
- Product: Ring Video Doorbell on Amazon

7. Home Office Space

With the increase in remote work, having a dedicated home office space is a highly desirable feature. If you can create or repurpose a room in your home as a home office, it will add to the value and appeal of your home.

Office furniture: A well-equipped home office with ergonomic furniture can make the space even more appealing.
- Product: Ergonomic Office Chair on Amazon
Desk setups: Modern desk setups with smart charging stations and good lighting are important to remote workers.
- Product: Adjustable Standing Desk on Amazon

8. Curb Appeal

Curb appeal makes the first impression on potential buyers, and small updates can provide a high return on investment. Landscaping, a fresh coat of paint, or a new front door can all make a significant difference.

Front door: Replacing your front door is one of the highest ROI projects.
- Product: Fiberglass Front Door at Home Depot
Landscaping: Improving the landscaping with new plants, trees, or even a new lawn can give your home a facelift.
- Product: Outdoor Plant Kit on Amazon

9. Garage Upgrades

Whether it’s adding more storage or upgrading the garage door, improvements to your garage can add significant value to your home.

Garage door replacement: A new garage door offers one of the best returns on investment.
- Product: Chamberlain MyQ Smart Garage Door Opener on Amazon
Storage systems: Adding built-in storage or overhead racks can maximize space.
- Product: Garage Storage Rack on Amazon

10. Finished Basements

Finishing a basement can add valuable square footage to your home. A finished basement can be used as a living area, additional bedroom, or home theater, increasing the overall appeal of your home.

Home theater system: Adding a home theater to a finished basement can make it a focal point for entertainment.
- Product: Sony 4K Ultra HD Home Theater Projector on Amazon
Basement flooring: Installing durable, moisture-resistant flooring is essential for a finished basement.
- Product: Vinyl Plank Flooring at Home Depot

The Bottom Line

Investing in key home features like kitchen upgrades, energy-efficient systems, and outdoor living spaces can significantly boost your home’s long-term value.

Whether you’re enhancing curb appeal or modernizing with smart home technology, these improvements offer strong returns on investment and appeal to today’s buyers.

Prioritize renovations that add both functionality and style to ensure your home remains marketable and valuable over time.

FAQs

1. What are the best renovations for increasing home value?

The best renovations for increasing home value include kitchen and bathroom upgrades, adding energy-efficient features, and improving curb appeal.

2. Does upgrading your kitchen increase home value?

Yes, upgrading your kitchen can increase home value significantly, with a return on investment often ranging between 60% and 80%.

3. How does a finished basement add value?

A finished basement adds valuable living space to your home, increasing its overall square footage and making it more attractive to potential buyers.

4. Is adding a deck a good investment?

Yes, adding or upgrading outdoor living spaces like patios or decks can yield a 66-70% return on investment and make your home more appealing to buyers.

5. What’s the importance of curb appeal?

Curb appeal improvements are essential because they create the first impression for potential buyers. Simple upgrades like landscaping and a new front door can provide a high ROI.

6. How does smart home technology affect resale value?

Smart home technology appeals to modern buyers and can increase your home’s marketability, although the specific ROI varies by system and technology.

7. What should I know about open floor plans?

Open floor plans are highly desirable and can make your home feel more spacious and modern. Removing non-structural walls to create an open layout is often a valuable renovation.

8. Are garage upgrades a good investment?

Yes, upgrading garage storage or replacing a garage door can provide a solid return on investment and make your home more appealing to buyers.