The most valuable features to add when building your home.

Building a home is a personal experience. You want a space that reflects your family's lifestyle, tastes and needs. However, thinking ahead can be a smart move.

The home features you choose will be with you for years to come. If you decide to sell or let out your property at a later stage, invest in features that will also stand out for future buyers or tenants. Here are top features worth considering when building your new home.

Open-floor plan
Open-floor plans or open-plan designs feature on home wishlists for good reason. These are living spaces set up with open spaces and few separations between rooms. Open-floor plans make it easy to socialise and entertain family and guests. With fewer barriers such as walls and doors, open-plan rooms enjoy more light and better ventilation. They also make your space feel larger; a definite plus if you’re building a smaller home. 

Modern fixtures
Pay careful attention to the fixtures (items attached to your property) that you select for your home. Opting for a modern touch is sure to impress both guests and future home investors. Appliances, countertops, and taps with clean lines and made from modern materials will also give your home mass appeal. 

Built-in cupboards
Having built-in cupboards added to your home can dramatically increase its appearance, functionality, and value. Whether in the kitchen, bathroom, or bedroom, built-in cupboards allow items to be stored away safely and neatly. Your friends and neighbours with wardrobes and bins will tell you how frustrating it can be to clean around these items compared to built-in storage. The trick is to build with the right cupboard material from the get-go. 

Security features
In South Africa, safety is an important factor to consider when creating the perfect haven for you and your family. For a secure home, add windows with reinforced hinges and burglar guards. Internal and external doors should be made from sturdy materials. Your perimeter fencing should prevent intruders from cutting through or jumping over to enter your home. Also, place lights at entrances, along pathways, and near your garage and outdoor structures. 

Smart technology
Although a potentially pricey investment, smart technology can truly enhance your time at home. With more tech-savvy millennials entering the property market, smart features also make your home all the more desirable. For security, consider modern alarm systems, video door alarms, and surveillance cameras. Self-programmable thermostats and smart heating and cooling systems can keep your environment pleasant. Smart lighting that adapts to your needs can also save on energy costs and boost your health. 

Green features
Green homes aren’t just good for the environment. Some thoughtful eco-friendly choices can save you costs in the long run and make your home more appealing to future investors. You can build with sustainable materials, set up rainwater harvesting systems, install energy-efficient appliances and solar panels, and ensure doors, windows, and your roof are well insulated.

Garden
Depending on your needs, gardens are delightful spaces for connecting with nature, giving your fur baby a place to live, or where your kids can play safely. If you plan on selling your home at a later stage, consider your market. A working professional or retiree would appreciate a compact, fuss-free garden. A family, on the other hand, would want a large space with lots of trees and flowers. 

Entertainment areas
Another important feature is an entertainment space for fun and relaxation. Plus, it will also up the appeal of your home. Consider indoor and outdoor bar areas to watch and celebrate rugby games. Pools provide endless joy to people of all ages. Outdoor fire pits have become trendy places for loved ones to gather, share stories, and heat marshmallows over flicking flames. Nothing quite beats a patio where you can braai, play table tennis, or recline on a sun lounger with a good book.

Bonus rooms
A bonus room or spare room has no clearly defined purpose and can be whatever you want it to be. These rooms give you the opportunity to create a home that enriches your life. A bonus room can include a laundry room that isolates noisy washing machines. Gyms are another popular bonus room option, helping you meet your fitness goals. With remote working rising during the COVID-19 lockdown, your bonus room can also function as a home office.

Pet-friendly features
At least 60% of South Africans own pets, and you may be one of the lucky ones to have a four-legged friend as part of your family. When building your home, don’t forget to consider their needs. Leave space for a backyard for them to run around. You should use pet-friendly flooring that can endure paws and claws. Pet flaps can help both cats and dogs enter and leave as they please. Plus, a well-fenced property will ensure they remain in a safe space. Because pet-friendly properties are sought-after by buyers and tenants, it will be worth your while to add these features in to attract them. 

For more information, contact Seeff Walker Bay / Gansbaai directly.