aul Cardis, CEO of AVID Ratings Co., which conducts an annual survey of home-buyer preferences, said there are 10 “must” features in new homes. One could reasonably assume that if buyers of new homes are looking for these features, buyers and owners of older homes are as well. Since homeowners who are considering remodeling and concerned about the return on their investment, this is important information.

In Texas as well as nationally, the most desired feature, which also has the highest return on investment, is the kitchen. Buyers and owners want big kitchens, preferably with an island. Remodeling magazine’s annual Cost vs. Value report gives kitchen remodels in the Houston area an 82 percent - 84 percent immediate return on investment.

The kitchen is the heart of a home, the place where people always congregate. A kitchen that

is not only large enough, but also designed so that it allows flow, is important. It is no wonder that this is the single most desired feature of all homes.

Number two on the list deals with energy efficiency; appliances, insulation and windows are areas that can be addressed with older homes as well. Today, homeowners are growing increasingly aware of the impact of inefficiency in these areas to both the environment and their pocketbooks. There are still tax credits available for these types of upgrades.

Third place is a home office/study. This feature is replacing media rooms in desirability. More and more people are working full or part-time from their homes. To qualify for a home office tax deduction and to separate home life from work, a dedicated work space is essential.

Rounding out the top ten are:

•main-floor master suite.

•outdoor living spaces—including summer kitchens.

•ceiling fans—an easy project for do-it-yourselfers.

•master bath soaker tubs—whirlpools are still desirable for many home buyers, although they clearly went down a notch in the latest survey. Oversize showers with seating areas are moving up in popularity. Master bath remodels also provide a high return on investment.

•stone and brick exteriors

•two-car garages.

When considering any remodeling projects, it is important to consult skilled design and remodeling professionals to assure a project that meets your needs and gives you the highest return on your investment. l

By Rob D. Hellyer, CGR, GMB, CAPS

Premier Remodeling & Construction