Is it possible to build a quality house with inferior products? Can a house with boring products have any visual interest? The answer is both yes and no.
You could build a house using cheap products, but in a short time, your poor decisions will be become apparent. A cheap faucet, for example, will leak and soon show wear and tear. A cheap bath fan will not remove enough moisture from the bathroom, and mold could become a problem. Moreover, a house with only entry-level products will only look like a basic entry-level house—nothing more.
Of course, builers are in business to make money, so they can’t blow their margins on high-end products for every situation or on every house. But there are ways to balance value and the right product specifications to build a house that both looks good and performs well.
If this theme sounds familiar, you’re right. This article is the third installment of our annual series on the 10 products you should put in your house to increase its perceived value by buyers as well as its quality and durability. In previous years, we’ve recommended such items as dual-flush toilets (great water saving), glass tiles (looks are to die for), metals roofs (few materials last longer), and solid-core doors (great for stopping sound transmisison). For 2011, we are recommending 10 more products you should consider for your homes.
As always, our intention is to promote high performance and high value at a low cost. The way to accomplish this is to know when to select the low-budget item and when to spend a little money to create high drama. Here then, are 10 more products you should consider for 2011 and beyond.
