The 7 Home Features Buyers Want the Most

home features buyers want house exterior
A home improvement project should upgrade your house with features that add convenience and extra functionality to your living space.

Too many homeowners, however, make the mistake of not adding home features buyers want the most when it comes time to sell their house.

It’s natural for anyone to look more to a home improvement project’s impact on their family’s life over the next 5, 10, or 15 years.

While you’ll get plenty of use out of the home upgrades over that period, casting an eye towards the future should also be a factor in your renovation decisions as well.

Choose home features buyers want and need

Certain renovation projects have a poor return on investment that can significantly affect the back-end value of your expenditure. Experts agree that for potential buyers, these renovations don’t add value to a home:

  • removing closets
  • converting the garage into a living space
  • adding a sunroom
  • turning a spare room into a home theatre
  • adding a pool

These remodeling projects are considered too niche or just not practical for the average homebuyer.

And the first two examples completely go against the second-most important factor that goes into a homebuyer’s decision – available storage space. Not surprisingly, a home’s location was the most important factor.

Do your research to find out which home improvement projects provide a good balance of fulfilling an everyday need and will also be desirable in the eyes of anyone home shopping years from now.

7 of the home features buyers want the most

Certain home features buyers want the most virtually never change.

At the top of that list is storage space. Garage parking space and updates to kitchens and bathrooms also consistently rank highly with buyers.

We’ve looked at numerous studies, surveys, polls, and expert opinions to come up with a list of seven of the home features buyers want the most when they’re searching for a house.

1. Walk-in closet

A recent extensive Canadian Home Builders Association study found that a walk-in closet was the most valued asset of the 3,000 homebuyers surveyed.

A Braun Research survey of 500 realtors found that 97% of them said their clients valued closet storage space more than attic and basement storage space. And a 2013 National Association of Realtors survey shows that a walk-in closet in the master bedroom was the second-most important feature to homebuyers.

For many buyers, a large walk-in closet (also known as a dressing room) is an absolute essential. The absence of one may very well prove to be a dealbreaker for them.

A spacious walk-in closet doesn’t just provide a lot more space to store your clothes (although that’s one of its best benefits). They also:

  • provide a private, relaxing space for getting prepared or unwinding after a long day
  • make it easier to manage your wardrobe and keep it organized (saving you time)
  • provide a stylish and elegant space to showcase your wardrobe and accessories
home features buyers want walk-in closet

A walk-in closet (also known as a dressing room) is considered one of the most essential features for homebuyers.

2. Energy efficiency

The 2017 Canadian Homebuyer Preference National Study shows that better energy efficiency is another of the top home features buyers want and will pay more for.

That Canadian Home Builders Association study also cited energy efficiency as one of the most desired home features for buyers.

This can include everything from a home having energy-efficient appliances, energy-efficient lighting, and modern windows and doors that will keep hydro bills lower. More energy-efficient heating and air conditioning systems are also valued by homebuyers.

Buyers also place a higher priority nowadays on how well insulated a home is. Are the attic, garage, and the rest of the home outfitted with high-efficiency insulation that’s actually been properly installed to deliver the best energy efficiency?

3. Master bathroom

Whether or not a home has a master bathroom is another important factor for many buyers. A master bathroom is defined as a bathroom with a sink, bathtub, and shower that is accessible from the largest bedroom (also known as a “master bedroom”).

The terminology for this room can vary. Some people may refer to it as an “ensuite master bathroom” or simply “ensuite”. It can also be written as “en-suite” (just to make things even more confusing).

When referring to bathrooms and bedrooms, you can expect to hear less usage of the word “master” in the coming years, however. Homebuilders and realtors are phasing it out due to the word’s negative gender and racial connotations.

Bathroom features buyers are looking for most are a custom bathroom vanity/makeup area, two sinks, and a separate shower enclosure. Forward-thinking buyers in their forties and fifties want the latter, in part because they’re considering its ease of use a couple of decades down the line.

Surprisingly, linen closets topped the list of the most desirable bathroom features for new home buyers surveyed in 2013 by the National Association of Home Builders.

4. Two-car garage

For both older homes and newly constructed homes, two-car garages are another feature buyers consider essential. 80% of buyers factor in the garage when making their decision, according to an Impulse Research survey.

And while that Braun Research survey found that 97% of buyers valued closet space more than attic and basement storage space, the garage ranked a close second. Realtors surveyed said that 96% of buyers valued the garage over the attic and basement as a home storage space.

Garages provide valuable storage space not just for tools and items there’s no room for elsewhere in your home, they also allow you to park vehicles indoors. That protects your sizeable investment in your vehicles.

There’s also the convenience of parking indoors. That’s why 55% of homeowners use the garage as their house’s main entryway, according to a Chamberlain Group study.

Garage makeovers are also a hot home improvement trend. As Garage Living’s Linda Fiore Ceolin explains it, “There is so much potential in every garage space, large or small. More homeowners have realized the importance of upgrading their garage to make it a beautiful, functional extension of their living space.”

home features buyers want 2 cars

96% of homebuyers view the garage as a more valuable storage space in a house than the attic and basement.

5. Hardwood floors

The National Association of Realtors survey shows that just over half of homebuyers are willing to pay more for wood floors. The main reasons are its contemporary look, durability, and how much easier wood floors are to clean than carpeting. 

Hardwood is most preferred, especially original hardwood flooring found in older houses, which can be a real home seller. Authentic hardwood flooring is easier to refinish compared to engineered wood flooring. It should also theoretically last a lifetime. 

Engineered wood flooring is less expensive and not as durable as original wood flooring. However, it does nicely replicate the look of hardwood with a hardwood veneer over layered fibreboard and structural plywood.

A higher percentage of homebuyers under the age of 54 looks for a house with wood floors than older buyers. This is attributed to the fact that older generations tend to find carpeting a little cozier and warmer than wood floors.

6. Laundry room

Look at a variety of studies and surveys on the home features buyers want most and a dedicated laundry room will assuredly rank highly on most of them.

In fact, last year’s report from the National Association of Home Builders on the home features buyers desire most had “a separate laundry room” at number one.

92% of buyers surveyed considered a laundry room essential. An increasing number of homebuilders agree and are incorporating laundry rooms into their building designs.  

Those in the aged 35 to 54 demographic placed a high priority on having a laundry room. Millennials especially favour owning a laundry room, preferably upstairs close to a bedroom or on the main floor, off the kitchen. Space-saving stacked washers and dryers are also popular with younger generations.

Laundry rooms are considered a must-have feature for many buyers because of the convenience and high functionality they add to homes. A dedicated space to take care of all of the ironing, sorting, folding and other tasks that go along with laundry duty helps to simplify and speed up the process.

Second floor laundry room.

7. Modern/open concept kitchen

Concluding our list of the home features buyers want most is the open concept kitchen. Once again, younger buyers favour open concept kitchen designs more than baby boomers.

The Canadian Home Builders Association reports that 85-90% of consumers in Ontario and the Toronto area prefer this more modern type of kitchen design.

An open concept kitchen that includes a kitchen island and inclusive eating area is also considered an attractive selling feature, particularly to buyers with kids. 

Realtors and designers widely agree that modern kitchen updates yield better returns come resale time than a bathroom remodel.

Additional modern kitchen upgrades that appeal to homebuyers include:

  • double kitchen sinks
  • high-quality stainless steel appliances
  • walk-in pantry
  • granite, marble, or quartz countertops
  • stylish cabinetry with modern hardware

Do you have the home features buyers want most?

Is your home keeping up with the modern design trends that can make your life more comfortable and pay off when you sell your home?

Organized Interiors specializes in bespoke home organization and storage solutions for the entire home. We can improve your living space with many of the home features buyers want and need the most.

Sit down with us to discuss your aspirations for improving your home’s interior by scheduling a free in-home design consultation.

See also:

9 Small Laundry Room Ideas That Get Creative With Compact Spaces

A large laundry room loaded with all the amenities can make dreary laundry tasks easier to face.

But what if you don’t have the luxury of having ample room to accommodate this hardworking space in your home?

Doing a task that few people enjoy in a cramped, unappealing space that lacks functionality only makes you less anxious to tackle those laundry chores.

Get more out of your space with these small laundry room ideas

If you’re looking to makeover your small laundry room, you’ll need to get creative and implement some smart small laundry room ideas to get the most out of your compact space.

Size isn’t the be-all end-all when it comes to how efficient your laundry room is. A smaller laundry room that utilizes its space well and includes smart storage and organization systems can be surprisingly effective.

In fact, it can even function better than a much larger laundry room that wastes storage space and is poorly laid out. Use these nine small laundry room ideas to help you get more from your compact laundry space.

1. Be smart with your laundry room design

Any small room needs to utilize all of its available space and a small laundry room is no different. You’ll want to carefully consider how every square inch of the space can be useful to you.

Be mindful not to overload your laundry room with too many small laundry room ideas and additions, however. You still need it to be functional and not to detract from your home’s décor if possible.

Floor-to-ceiling custom cabinetry maximizes storage space in a small laundry room.

2. Utilize vertical space and reconsider your appliances

Be sure to utilize as much vertical space in your small laundry room as possible. Go as high as you can with shelving and cabinetry, but not so high that it’s too difficult or unsafe to reach.

A small step stool can give you a few more inches of reaching height for those upper storage areas.

Switching to a washer and dryer that stack also helps to optimize the vertical space in your laundry room. Another one of the small laundry room ideas you can use that saves space is to get an all-in-one laundry appliance that washes and dries.

3. Use washer and dryer pedestals

Another way to gain a little extra storage space is to use pedestals underneath your washer and dryer. Pedestals have a handy drawer that can give you extra room for keeping laundry supplies that are easy to access.

Their primary purpose of pedestals is actually to boost the height of your appliances by about 10-15″. This can make it easier to load and unload machines.

Not every laundry appliance can use a pedestal, so make sure any models you’re looking at can accommodate them.

4. Add a countertop

Adding counter space in your small laundry room gives you a valuable surface that can be used for tasks like folding and sorting laundry or for extra storage.

The countertop can be added above your appliances so no space is wasted and be customized to complement the rest of the laundry room’s décor.

Keep in mind that it is less practical to add a laundry room countertop above your appliances if you’re using pedestals. Also consider that adding a countertop above your machines will only work for front-loading appliances.

5. Include laundry room custom cabinetry

A custom design for your laundry room’s cabinetry will ensure that it’s made to precisely fit within your small space. This ensures that the storage space and functionality in your small laundry room is maximized. All your laundry supplies can stay well-hidden, yet easily accessible and organized.

Enjoy the storage versatility that comes when you have your laundry room customized to include floor-to-ceiling cupboards, shelves, and drawers. Our laundry room cabinetry designs can also incorporate useful features like:

  • pullout drying racks
  • built-in laundry hampers
  • a space-saving built-in ironing board
  • pullout storage racks
  • laundry room accessories

Along with the built-to-fit benefits of custom laundry room cabinetry, the ability to customize also gives you the freedom to have your laundry room’s décor look the way you want.

6. Add a laundry room island

Even though your laundry room may be compact, perhaps you have enough space to add a small multi-purpose island.

A laundry room island can also add extra functionality to the space as a folding area and storage space.

Hidden built-in laundry hamper pullouts and a built-in ironing board could also be included in the island’s design.

7. Utilize dead space for storage

Some of the dead space your small laundry room may have can be utilized for storage. If you have open space on top of your cabinetry, store laundry baskets that can hold loose items and supplies.

Tight corners and awkward spaces can have shelving added and shallow floating shelves can be installed above your appliances if they’re not stacked.

When space is at a premium, having small shelves that can store even just a couple of detergent containers can be quite useful.

8. Use laundry room accessories

Using your room’s underutilized storage space includes adding laundry room accessories and decorative hardware for extra functionality.

Hooks, a retractable valet rod, and an adjustable four position hanger provide extra hanging space for laundry or supplies. And they all take up very little space, which gives you lots of flexibility when deciding where to use them.

If space allows, add an extra hanging rod (even a short one).

small laundry room ideas hanger

Accessories like an adjustable four position hanger can be added almost anywhere in a small laundry room.

9. Incorporate a folding folding station (that’s not a typo)

The last of our small laundry room ideas involves adding a folding station that folds up. Being able to fold your laundry when it’s toasty warm right out of the dryer (instead of having to move it somewhere else to fold) will minimize wrinkling and save time.

This space-saving idea provides a useful workspace and folds up and out of the way when it’s not needed. It’s a clever solution for laundry rooms that can’t incorporate an island or any counter space (or enough counter space) into the room’s design because of space limitations.

Discover how our small laundry room ideas can work in your home

Hopefully these small laundry room ideas have shown you that a compact laundry room space can still provide you with a high level of functionality.

Organized Interiors can work wonders with laundry room spaces both big and small.

Schedule your free in-home design consultation with us to discover what clever laundry room ideas our designers can come up with for your home.

See also:

7 Smart Laundry Room Features Every Home Should Have

How long has it been since your laundry room had any sort of meaningful update to its appearance? And replacing a washer and dryer don’t count!

There’s a good chance it’s been quite some time. But why is that? Laundry rooms are used at least once a week by nearly all families and oftentimes much more than that.

For a room that’s used so frequently, the laundry room has traditionally been considerably overlooked in terms of attention to its appearance and functionality.

If it’s been more than 10-15 years since your last laundry room (or mudroom) remodel, it’s time to modernize it. And if your laundry room has never even been properly finished, there’s even more reason to give it some much-needed attention.

Use these seven smart laundry room ideas to transform this underappreciated space in your home.

1. Custom cabinetry

Maximizing storage space in your laundry room without sacrificing aesthetic standards calls for high quality custom cabinetry. Organized Interiors specializes in finely crafted custom cabinetry that’s manufactured in-house, to the exact specifications your home requires.

Keep your laundry supplies and other belongings stored out-of-sight and organized in our beautiful laundry room cabinetry systems. Open shelving storage solutions are also available for items you want even more easily accessible.

Customize your cabinetry with a wide variety of options for decorative hardware, configurations, accessories, and wood finishes.

laundry room ideas cabinetry

2. Adequate counter space

Laundry tasking generally becomes a little easier with an adequate amount of counter space at your disposal. Whether it’s having a surface to set down the laundry supplies you’re using or for sorting and folding clothes right out of the dryer, extra counter space can come in very handy.

Our design experts can work with you to include countertops within your laundry room’s custom cabinetry design.

Decorated laundry room

3. Convenient, space-saving pull-outs and accessories

Good laundry room ideas should make your laundry experience more efficient and helpful. You’ll enjoy the practicality and space-saving benefits provided by pull-outs and other laundry room accessories.

Pull-out racks and drawers in a laundry room save space and have many uses. You can use them to make supplies easier to find. A pull-out drying rack, for example, provides an extra storage option for drying clothes, as do adjustable valet rods and hanging rods.

Pull-out ironing boards conveniently only take up laundry room space when they’re needed.

Deep drawers can hold spray bottles and other cleaning supplies

Deep drawers can hold spray bottles and other cleaning supplies that take up more vertical space.

4. Built-in laundry hampers

One of the smarter laundry room ideas to consider is built-in laundry hampers. These hampers are incorporated into your custom cabinetry to maximize space and keep dirty clothes organized.

Add extra hampers to make sorting easier. You can also add built-in laundry hampers to your bedroom. The removable hamper insert features handles for easily transporting your dirty clothes to the laundry room.

laundry room ideas hampers

5. Good lighting

Improving the lighting in your laundry room doesn’t cost much and can make a world of difference.

Laundry rooms commonly lack decent lighting, which can make a joyless task like doing laundry feel even more arduous. Basement laundry rooms lacking much natural light are particularly uninviting.

Change the atmosphere by adding ambient or accent lighting. Task and under-cabinet lighting in more frequently used areas of the laundry room also make work easier and improve the atmosphere.

6. Modern laundry room flooring

If you’re updating your laundry room’s decor, you can’t ignore the flooring. Since laundry room floors are prone to moisture, ceramic tile or vinyl flooring are good options.

You may also want to consider using interlocking PVC floor tiles from Garage Living. They’re easy to install, durable, and are available in a number of colour combinations to fit your room’s decor.

7. A nice laundry sink

You could add an inexpensive white plastic laundry tub to your laundry room, but think a little bigger if your budget allows. A deep stainless steel sink complemented with a stylish faucet looks much nicer!

Give your laundry room’s look a thorough refreshing by addressing the areas in which its lacking.

Schedule your free in-home consultation to discuss these laundry room ideas and more with one of our design experts.

See also:

Organized Interiors Laundry Room Featured on the Marilyn Denis Show

Interior designer Jane Lockhart explained the benefits of a custom-fit laundry room from Organized Interiors on The Marilyn Denis Show.

Custom cabinetry from Organized Interiors can make your laundry room a place you actually want to spend time in. Our unique cabinetry can be customized to your needs and maximize your storage space.

Clever features like built-in laundry hamper and pull out drying racks keep everything organized and tidy. Deep drawers and closet space can be configured to the way you like to work and save you time.

Below are some of the show highlights.

Built-in laundry hamper

Marilyn loved the built-in laundry hamper.

Pull out drying rack

A pull out drying rack is a great use of space.

Deep drawers can hold spray bottles and other cleaning supplies

Deep drawers can hold spray bottles and other cleaning supplies that take up more vertical space.

Under sink storage

Under sink storage can contain shelves and drawers that are tailored to your needs.

Laundry room closet space with storage for brooms, vacuums, and cleaning supplies.

Closet space for a broom, vacuum, and mop. A pull out rack can be installed at eye level, making it easier to find cleaning products.

Premium wooden hangers from Organized Interiors

Everyone in the studio audience was given a box of premium wooden hangers from Organized Interiors.

Visit our laundry room page to learn more about the unique custom cabinetry options that can save you time and make your laundry room a place you’ll want to spend time.

The Marilyn Denis Show airs live weekdays at 10 a.m. ET on CTV, CTV.ca, and CTV GO.

Laundry Room Upgrades for a More Functional and Enjoyable Space

The laundry room may well be the one room in your home you enjoy visiting least.

Like it or not, however, doing the laundry is an essential part of maintaining a clean and functional household.

According to General Electric, the average American family does 8-10 loads of laundry every week.

The average laundry cycle is 87 minutes, from the time your clothes go in the washer to when they come out of the dryer. That works out to somewhere between 600-750 hours per year most families spend doing laundry.

Yes, we’ll spend a good deal of that time multitasking while the washing machine and dryer are running. Regardless, that’s still a lot of time we spend in the laundry room every week.

Using these laundry room ideas to upgrade your space, you can make your time spent doing one of the home’s most time-consuming tasks more enjoyable.

modern laundry room

Create a comfortable and functional laundry space

Laundry rooms don’t have to be drab environments that lack charm. With the right design ideas, a renovated laundry room can become a comfortable and attractive space that’s also highly functional.

This will ease the aggravation you undoubtedly feel each week carrying out your laundry duties.

Consider centralizing your laundry room’s location

The current location of your laundry room isn’t necessarily where your renovated laundry room also has to reside.

The default basement location for laundry rooms is a thing of the past. More and more homeowners choose to have them on the main and upper floors of their residence.

Three main factors will determine whether or not a laundry room can be centralized in your home:

  • available space
  • whether or not your plumbing and ventilation can accommodate a laundry room relocation
  • noise levels of your washing machine and dryer if they’ll be located close to sleeping and living areas (appliances are sold with added suspension and extra insulation features to reduce noise)

A centralized laundry room location helps facilitate a more efficient workflow. It’s easier to access and closer to the bedrooms where most of your dirty clothes are coming from. That saves you time in the long run.

Improving the lighting improves the atmosphere

Good lighting plays an important role when it comes to improving your laundry room’s atmosphere. Who wants to spend any more time than they have to in a dreary, dimly lit room?

Accent or ambient lighting on your ceiling can make a world of difference. Under-cabinet lighting and task lighting can also really transform your room’s appearance.

Laundry room must-haves

Obvious laundry room essentials include a sink and a durable flat surface for sorting, ironing, and folding clothes. Think about adding any of these helpful features:

  • built-in laundry hampers with removable bags take up less space with their pull-out design and allows you to sort according to colour
  • pull-out ironing boards are another practical space-saver
  • hanging rods and adjustable valet rods allow you to air-dry clothes in your laundry room
  • pull-out drying racks are another option for hanging clothes that you don’t want to put in the dryer

laundry room drying rack and pull-out hamper

Stylize your laundry workspace

Make your laundry room more than a cold, impersonal workspace. A storage solution like custom laundry cabinetry can do wonders for modernizing your room’s look.

It can also keep unsightly laundry and cleaning supplies behind beautifully designed doors and properly organized. You can also add locks to keep your children safe from harmful chemicals.

Add personalized touches to your laundry room to encourage your presence. You can add plants, framed artwork and photos or other artistic wall hangings, a rug, curtains or blinds, wallpaper, and a device for playing music.

Why not a multi-purpose space?

If the size of your house allows it, a renovated laundry room can become an even more functional space.

Reap the benefits of a multi-purpose space by also turning your laundry room into an exercise room, crafting area, storage space, or mudroom.

A renovated laundry room with modern touches can go a long way towards making laundry duties less burdensome.

To create a laundry room whose door you’ll actually want to keep open and spend time in, set up a free in-home design consultation with us.

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