Future proofing your homes can help you bolster your bottom line and satisfy your buyers. With technology advancing at breakneck speeds, which technological investments should you focus on most? Let’s look at three areas where future proofing, bottom-line enhancing, and buyer satisfaction all meet.
Electronics chargers and internet access throughout the house (and beyond)
Virtual learning, working from home, and good old-fashioned entertainment and time wasting have made electronics essential. That means that buyers won’t just want places to recharge their devices—they’ll expect them in even some of the more unexpected places.
One technological investment to consider is outfitting all electrical outlets with USB ports. This can be especially attractive in the kitchen, where people use their phones and tablets to look up recipes and take pictures to post on social media.
You might also consider going above and beyond the code-minimum amount of outlets in the home. More people are likely to permanently work from home at least some of the time. So, more outlets may be necessary to keep everything plugged in and running.
Finally, think about how you can include wireless internet access at even the bounds of the property. Wireless access points can be a solution for people who want high-quality wireless access in their front or backyard. Buyers are placing a premium on outdoor amenities, and giving them Wi-Fi access outdoors is an in-demand amenity.
Healthy air quality at all times
Good air quality goes beyond COVID-19 (though it undeniably made it a top-of-mind issue for buyers). Allergens and the increasing commonness of major wildfires can make any home feel like a respiratory prison. It’s important to install high-quality HVAC and ventilation systems, and keep building envelopes as tight as possible to combat these issues.
Additionally, consider using materials that produce fewer volatile organic compounds (VOCs). In addition to helping builders cut down on VOCs in their materials, Energy Star and LEED certification are things homeowners want in their homes.
Energy-use monitors and green tech that saves money
Energy use has become a popular consideration for home buyers. On the one hand, all buyers want to save money. On the other, more buyers have become concerned about how they can reduce their carbon footprint. For many buyers, these two wants often clash.
As a builder, you can help buyers reduce their energy use and their carbon footprint by giving them easy-to-use monitoring tools. For example, smart thermostats can help buyers reduce their energy bills and carbon footprint.
A bigger technological investment for new construction in this area is solar paneling. While it may not be appropriate for all areas, installing solar panels is a proven way to reduce greenhouse emissions and electricity bills.
Another wise investment: A structural warranty from 2-10 HBW
Technology may always change and evolve, but one thing always holds true: Buyers want to know that their home is safe and well-constructed. When you cover your homes with a structural warranty from 2-10 Home Buyers Warranty (2-10 HBW), you’re giving your buyers that peace of mind.
Providing the industry’s leading structural warranty speaks to an overwhelming majority of buyers. According to a joint survey from the NAHB and 2-10 HBW, 94% of prospective buyers said they’d be more likely to buy a new home from a builder that provided a structural warranty.
And it does even more than that. With coverage from 2-10 HBW, you’re actively protecting your bottom line. With materials and labor costs so volatile, insulating yourself from unexpected structural defects is a smart financial move.
Plus, a structural warranty provides you with coveted third-party validation. When the industry leader in structural coverage validates your work, it adds value to your propositions.
Finally, a structural warranty from 2-10 HBW lets you move forward with confidence. 2-10 HBW takes structural liabilities off your plate and gives you the tools to provide unmatched customer experiences. Our Warranty Administration team, Front-Line Service team, and Dispute Avoidance and Mitigation team can provide your clients with the answers and solutions they need while letting you do what you do best—build quality homes.
Whether you’re a small builder, a large builder with COVE-approval requirements, or something in between, 2-10 HBW can help protect your profits on every home you build.
Learn how you can protect your business and add valuable selling points to your new builds with a 2-10 HBW structural warranty.
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