|
The Master Suite: A Place to Escape
Written by: Lankarge/Nahorney for HomeInsight
For those homeowners looking for an oasis, a master suite is one of the most highly valued additions. Today's master suite is large enough to not only help couples avoid doing the "sideways shuffle" (to navigate around large pieces of furniture), but to provide them with a place to unwind from a stressful day at the office. A master suite now often includes a sitting area - a perfect place to relax, read a book, or watch television - without getting into a wrestling match with the kids for the remote control.
Today's master suites feature more than just an extra bathroom. The most popular additions would put a five-star hotel to shame and include:
But the high-end accessories don't stop with the flat-panel TV. They may also include DVD players, a wine refrigerator for your favorite evening beverage, and even a microwave for that bowl of popcorn. However, before you embark on a major home improvement like adding a master suite, search for other homes in your desired location to make sure it doesn't make more sense to move to a home that already has the space and some of the other amenities you are seeking. You may want to consult with a real estate agent who can provide you with local market information. You may find that your home is already in the upper end of values in your neighborhood, so you'll likely have a lower return on your home improvement than if you owned the home worth the least in your neighborhood. Click here to see home values in your neighborhood. At the same time, you might learn that many homes like yours do include master suites, and that adding this room will likely provide a strong return for your improvement dollar. Location If you do plan to add a master suite, make sure it's located in a more private area of your home. Adding a master suite directly above a family room with a booming surround-system is a terrible idea. Find a location that makes the suite feel like a retreat - preferably with at least two walls exposed to the outside of the home. This adds to the privacy of your space. And don't forget to add insulation in the floor (if there is living space below) and even in the interior walls. First-floor master suites are even more valued in many parts of the country, as an aging population appreciates not having to climb stairs. And, they also have the advantage of possible outdoor access- perhaps to a secluded patio or deck. When planning your master suite, be sure to take all of the time necessary to properly plan your project. A project like this will take you four to eight weeks to complete and will cause major disruption to your life. Be sure you have planned long enough to ensure that it meets your current needs, as well as your needs going forward. For more information about planning a large project as this, see Adding On Instead of Moving Out. Most Popular Features So just what are the most popular features you may want to consider to ensure you will get the most value from your master suite addition? Here are the top six: |
![]() |
© 2019 Top Producer Systems. All rights reserved.
|