Are you trying to decide which items on your list of desired new home features and amenities are non-negotiable and which ones you can live without? Consider these features popular with Central New Jersey home buyers.

Three-Car Garage

A three-car garage offers several important advantages, including:

• Protection from the Elements for All Cars: Three-car garages are ideal if you have frequent visitors or own more than two cars. Thanks to your over-size garage, you’ll be able to park all the cars indoors, away from the rain, hail, snow and sun.
• Room for Hobbies: Buying a home with a large garage is a good choice even if you never plan to own more than two cars. Why not use the extra space to complete do-it-yourself projects or store your bikes, surfboards, hockey equipment or other hobby supplies?
• Better Resale Value: A three-car garage will make your home more attractive to potential buyers one day when you’re ready to move.

Hardwood Floors

Hardwood floors are attractive and durable flooring option. Unlike carpeting, which can quickly become stained and worn, hardwood flooring may remain in good condition for 30 years or longer. The flooring is also a good choice if anyone in your family has allergies. It’s much easier to remove dust, allergens and pet hair from hardwood than it is from carpeting.

Gas Fireplaces

There’s nothing more relaxing than sitting around a crackling fire, a glass of your favorite beverage in your hand – unless you’re the one who has to go out in the snow to fetch more logs. Gas fireplaces offer a cleaner, more convenient alternative to wood-burning fireplaces, require less upkeep and generate more heat, thanks to blowers and fans. Many of today’s models are activated with the touch of a button, can be controlled with your smartphone and can be programmed to turn on and off at specific times.

Convenient Laundry Rooms

Do the communities you’re considering offer the possibility to place the laundry room where it’s most convenient for you? Although first-floor laundry rooms are standard in many new homes, some communities provide the option to move the rooms to the second floor. If you don’t relish the idea of walking up and down the stairs to do laundry, moving the laundry room to the second floor may be one of the best choices you’ll make.

Soaking Tub

You may not use a soaking tub every day, but it’s a nice feature to have when your muscles ache or you need a little help decompressing from a hectic day. Soaking tubs are extra deep and often include a few added features, such as jets or chromatherapy lights. The tubs are available in all shapes, sizes and finishes and are the ideal addition to your master bathroom.

Two-Story Foyers

Foyers set the tone for the rest of your home but they’re overlooked too often. Although the entryways may be relatively small, they’re the perfect place to add a few dramatic touches to your home. Two-story foyers visually enlarge the space, particularly when they’re adorned with chandeliers, bold paint colors or eye-catching artwork.

Large Kitchens

Are you unwilling to settle for a small, ordinary kitchen? You’re not alone. When the National Kitchen and Bath Association examined the average size of kitchens, they discovered Middle Atlantic kitchens were the largest in the country at 170 square feet. Large kitchens give you plenty of room to create tasty meals and socialize with family and friends. When space isn’t an issue, there’s plenty of room to add an island or install high-end appliances.

Expansion Options

The best new home communities offer plenty of options that help you personalize your home. If you’re planning on aging in place one day, it may make sense to move your master bedroom to the first floor. Adding just a few feet to your family room or study may make the rooms feel much larger without significantly increasing your budget. Does your lot feature an outstanding view? It’s much easier to enjoy the vista outside your windows when you add an optional sunroom or morning room.

Do you know which features you would like to include in your new home? The team at Country Classics can help you turn your dream into a reality!

 Sources:

This Old House: All About Gas Fireplaces

https://www.thisoldhouse.com/ideas/all-about-gas-fireplaces

National Kitchen and Bath Association: Kitchen Size Report

https://www.slideshare.net/NationalKitchenBathA/nkba-us-kitchen-size-report