Home Build/ Reno Ideas to consider to get that Wow factor

So, you've made the decision to finally undergo that large renovation or decided it was time to build your own custom home! The money has been saved and the contractors have been scheduled but before you start swinging your hammer there are some factors that are worth considering to really make the most of your space, get a little wow factor, and achieve the highest value in your home.

First things First. Give me that height! 9 foot ceilings have a huge impact on a room's overall feel and can make a space feel more refined. Want to achieve that look without raising the roof, literally, a tray ceiling can be added to give the impression of a higher ceiling for less. Both of these options are a game changer if you have room in the budget at all.

It’s like that expression “It’s the little things that make all the difference” and that could not be more true when we are talking about trim and mouldings. You wouldn’t think that the baseboard would be much different from one to the next but when you throw the 5” baseboard on you’ll feel like Meagan Trainor is in your home all the time because you’ll be singing “I’m all about that BASEboard”. On a serious note, it really will give your home a much more solid overall feel though. You can also consider forgoing the window mouldings all together. Drywall returns have this seamless, sophisticated, clean look about them, as do custom window ledges when they're done right.

Moving into the place where the magic happens. No, no, no, get your mind out of the gutter I am talking about the kitchen. It is so important to make sure you make the most of the Kitchen. Quartz counters are so nice but also consider wood. If real butcher block isn't in the budget, consider a similar look by choosing one of the many options for acacia wood out there. It's a special order so make sure you choose the right style and thickness that best fits your overall design and the feel you're going for.

Closets are King!... Ok, nobody says that, but maybe they should! Have four bedrooms on one level? Consider turning that 4th into a walk-in closet if it happens to share a wall with your primary bedroom. Including a washer and dryer in that closet is also a top notch idea that will give a high end impression and with two laundry areaas in your home now, you'll turn laundry day into laundry hour. Speaking about an upscale primary suite, did you know you can achieve having a walk in shower with just a 5'x3.5' space? If you have a larger space that's even better. Point is, cleaning hard water stains off glass or squeegeeing the shower glass is a not so enjoyable end to every shower and is for suckers!

Moving to the outside of your home, and this is for reno only of course, but did you know you can easily paint the exterior of your home by having it sprayed (or brushed in some cases) with the correct type of paint? Give your home the type of curb appeal that has you smiling every time you pull into the driveway. When it comes to building decks and railing please, please forget the standard 4x4 posts, up those bad boys to 6x6 corner posts for a grander, solid and higher end impression, and for pete sakes do not skip out on stair risers! There isn’t a person I know who would prefer to look through the steps to the storage or weeds that take over the space under your deck. Really finish off the look with clean stair risers and I promise you will be happy you did.

Many of these ideas might cost a little more, but not a lot more. Don't spend more on every part of your build or reno, but do pick a few items to splurge a little on. A few noticeable higher end features will give a high end impression of your home which will give it a much higher value for minimal extra cost.