Adding value to small homes
We all know that good things come in small packages so why should homes under 2,000 square feet be an exception? Buyers in this market want the same things that all new home buyers want: security, convenience, charm, and quality. Basically, they want it all-but in less square footage.
Small homes aren't automatically considered starter houses for young families. These homes also appeal largely to single women with or without children, a new buyer profile that has emerged from changing demographics.
Some design trends are just too "big" for their own good. But that doesn't mean you can't treat your buyers to some eye candy that will turn a small home into a small wonder.
- Smarten up the front-As the property's exterior is the first and last thing people see, it makes sense to neaten up the front yard and give the door a fresh lick of paint - door accessories can also make a real differnece to that lasting impression
- Share space between differnt uses. A home office and a guest bedroom is a common combination. Also, using a hall or stairway as a library or gallery, a landing can be a reading nook, the laundry can be a mudroom.
- Build furniture into rooms. Cabnets, bookcases, benches and eating nooks use less space when they become part of the structure. Recess bookcases into interior walls. Large storage drawers can be installed under the stairs right down to floor level.
- Provide ample storage. When people want a 'biggeer house' they may actually need more storage. Even if a house is small, careful planning and good organization can provide densely packed, three-dimensional storage.
- Enhance trim and detail. High-quality details can be a key benefit of a small house. High-quality hardware, moulding and other aesthetic touches can draw attention away from the larger space and to the details.
- Add a focal point. Each room sould have one attractive feature. This can be a building element, built-in furmiture, a work of art or a dazzling light fixture.
- Invite natural light. Careful selection, sizing and location of windows and small skylights can flood a small space with natural light without increasing energy use. Artificial light woorks, too, if it's carefully designed.
- Bring in the outdoors. Locate windows and glazed doors next to decks, patios, courtyards and porches. this extends the living space past the outer wals during fair weather Even during bad weather the visual extension continues.
- Tie space together. Similar materials, such as flooring, wall coverings and trim, tie spaces together visually, giving the overall impression of greater space.
Through creative use of space, interiors can reflect mood, philosophy, or marketing strategy, that suggest comfort, success, elegance, purposefulness and trust. The key to the success of any interior is to clearly define its purpose and reflect its ownership or market, always interpreting and communicating the personality of the potential buyer.