10 Things Every Dream Home Has In Common

According to the Property Brothers, these features are a must.

BY JESSICA CUMBERBATCH ANDERSON

One man’s dream home is another man’s nightmare, and after years of renovating and selling homes, few know that more than Jonathan and Drew Scott. The Property Brothers and authors of “Dream Home” — a new tome described as “the ultimate guide to finding and fixing your perfect house” — say they have determined the 10 things home buyers want most.

1 – OPEN LIVING PLAN WITH CLEAR SIGHT LINES

David Tsay

According to Jonathan and Drew, compartmentalization is a thing of the past. “Ninety-nine percent of homeowners want open-concept living,” they say. “This is better for families keeping an eye on their kids, better when entertaining and even better for making rooms feel bigger.”

2 – AMPLE KITCHEN COUNTER SPACE

David Tsay

You can never have enough counter space in a kitchen. Whether it’s a breakfast bar for serving food or additional prep space for cooking, ample kitchen counters add huge value.

3 – SEPARATE PANTRY

David Tsay

Ask any cooks in the family and they’ll say a pantry is a kitchen must-have. Not only does it help you display all your dry foods without having to open multiple cabinets, but it’s also a hugely efficient use of space.

4 – KITCHEN ISLAND

David Tsay

You may feel a kitchen island is just for homeowners trying to look fancy, and you’re right, according to Jonathan and Drew. But it’s also a functional component of your kitchen. An island or peninsula can give you more cabinets (on both sides), breakfast bar seating and additional counter space. Not to mention it also offers the opportunity to showcase kitchen design like two-tone cabinets or a stone waterfall feature with your countertop.

5 – MEGA STORAGE EVERYWHERE

Austin-Morgan Closets

Families have a LOT of stuff. So you can never have enough storage. Think: organization systems in your closets, storage racks in the garage and even built-ins above and below your wall-mounted TV. Find creative ways to add storage without cramping your space.

6 – MASTER SUITE WITH MASTER BATH AND WALK-IN CLOSETS

Austin-Morgan Closets

After a long day’s work, the head of any household deserves the ability to come home to a relaxing master suite. A spa-like bathroom and spacious walk-in closet is music to most of our ears.

7 – DECK OR PATIO FOR OUTDOOR ENTERTAINING

David Tsay

A cost-effective way to add square footage to your home without doing an addition is by adding a deck or patio. Extend your indoor living outside. Many new brands of outdoor furniture and decor are so comfortable and stylish you would swear it was meant for indoor use.

8 – ENERGY EFFICIENT FIXTURES AND APPLIANCES

David Tsay

“We all love saving a little money, and it’s even better when it’s helping the planet,” Jonathan and Drew say. Energy-efficient fixtures and appliances are definitely the way to go. “We are in a technology age and energy-saving solutions for a home are more important to homeowners than ever before.”

9 – TWO-CAR (MINIMUM) GARAGE

A garage is not just for your car these days. Having the space to fit a car plus a bonus room is always a massive feature for buyers. Utilizing the extra square footage as a workshop, game room or even storage can add great value.

10 – LOW-MAINTENANCE LANDSCAPING

David Tsay

Most of us work long, hard days and the last thing we want to do on the weekend is yard maintenance. Make us of artificial grass, as well as minimal shedding trees and shrubs, to minimize your yard labor and maximize your time to relax.