One of the best ways to add value to your new home is by creating a high perceived value at a low cost to yourself. If you are able to identify those things that cost much less than the perceived value they create, you can ask your builder to incorporate those features and voila! A stylish home, with your actual expenditure kept to the bare minimum.

As long as an item has a high perceived value, it always appeals to people, regardless of how much it costs. You can build kitchens, bathrooms and living spaces quite inexpensively but it ends up looking like you spent top dollar to get there.

Here are some ideas to get started:

Block Countertops

Wood is an evergreen countertop surface. It is original and heralds nostalgic memories for old timers and provides a natural, organic and fresh look to the younger homeowners. Butcher block countertops are traditionally available in maple, but cherry and birch are also available.

Heated Bathroom Floors

Simple mesh and wire mats are available in the market, which can be easily installed under the ceramic tiles on your bathroom floor. You don’t need the fancy heating tubes that are water filled and embedded in concrete anymore. The wire mats are quite inexpensive and they come with a variety of thermostat settings as well. A toasty bathroom floor need not burn a hole in your wallet anymore.

On Demand Water Heater

An on-demand or tank-less water heater is an excellent addition to your home. It is a little more expensive than ordinary heaters, but the on-demand variety, heats water only when there is a need rather than heating it all day long. This means a lot of saving for you on your power bill.

Water Re-Circulator

If tankless water heater is not your thing, you can get the same kind of instant hot water and energy efficiency using a conventional water heater and a water re-circulator. It circulates water from the line so that hot water is instant and there is no wastage down the drain.

Old Style Porches

Porches are typically associated with older homes, but many new homes design ideas integrate the front and rear porches into the original plan brilliantly. It is a great way to expand the living space but without having to go through the trouble of adding and maintaining another interior room.

Many families nowadays follow informal lifestyles and relax and entertain at home. Porches are multifunctional indoor and outdoor areas that allows for much versatility and flexibility in the usage of living space. Not to mention the curb appeal that it brings to your home.

Glass Tiles

Glass tiles bring a certain opulence element to your kitchen and bath. It’s a little pricey if you don’t shop carefully. Use it sparingly in the kitchen and bath backsplash for a convincing feel of luxury.

Folding Door to the Patio

Folding patio doors are a great option to provide access to outdoors. When closed, they look like any other door, but they fold up and open up to the outdoors.

Insulation

When it’s the peak of summer or freezing winter, insulation is the one thing in your home that you will be thankful for even though you may tend to initially downplay the importance of it among other things you look for in a new home. It is always better to go all out with the insulation, rather than limiting it to low cost options.