Features We Include In EVERY NDI Spec

The majority of the homes we build each year are for our clients. It’s what we love to do, and we’re darn good at it! But 2-3 times each year, we will start construction on an NDI spec home (NDI buys the land, builds the house, then sells). Building spec homes isn’t our business model, but it does offer us the opportunity to build something to show prospective clients.

When planning a spec home, we make sure we are building for a wide market because our end goal is to sell it at completion. Over the years, we’ve come up with a formula of features we include in every spec home. Depending on the neighborhood, this list might get longer, but in general we incorporate these 5 features into the house.

Feature 1: Kitchen & Primary Bath Upgrades

Kitchens and baths sell homes, so we always include some upgrades in the kitchen and primary bath. Our standard kitchens come with KraftMaid cabinetry, quartz or granite countertops, and KitchenAid appliances, which is a great combination out of the gate. But we will typically add painted cabinets and a backsplash. They are both reasonably priced options, and the pack a big punch.

In the primary bathroom, I will at least upgrade the floor tile. The great thing about upgrading the ceramic in a bathroom is that it typically doesn’t cost a lot. Again, big punch.

Feature 2: Additional Trim 

In most of our spec homes, we’re adding additional crown molding to the entire first floor. It already comes standard in the foyer, living room, dining room and the 2nd floor hallway and adding it to the rest of the 1st floor really transforms the feel of the home. It is a small detail, and it is not expensive to do, but it makes a big impact.

I also like to add solid core interior doors and increase the door and cased opening heights to 8′. If you can only choose one of the two, go with the increase door height. It makes a HUGE difference in the space (most people ask if the ceilings are 10′ because it opens things up so dramatically).

Feature 3: Finished Basement Space

This is pretty much a no brainer for us when we are building a spec home. Mainly because there is so much value in the additional living space and it is much easier to do before the house is completed. Buyers really appreciate having it done so they can enjoy the extra space right away.

In most cases, we are also adding a wet bar. It doesn’t have to be big, but buyers really like the addition to what is likely going to be an entertainment space for them.

Feature 4: Outside Living Space

If the home design doesn’t already include outside living space, like a front porch, we will typically add a deck or a screen porch. If this isn’t in your budget, this is certainly easy to do at a later date. But buyers really love to plug and play when purchasing a new home. This ticks a big box for them.

Feature 5: Active Radon Vent

This isn’t glitzy by any means, but it can be important when we go to sell an NDI spec home. Most buyers will include a radon test contingency in the purchase contract. It is a good idea to have an active system that can mitigate any radon that naturally occurs in the soil. It will save time, and the effort & expense of mitigating after that fact.

What are your “must haves” in a new home?

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