These are the 3 home features that add value, according to an architect

The architectural features that add value to your home are like the hardware that will amplify and enhance all the other positives in a house. While painting and decorating a house go a long way to make it appealing to buyers, good architectural choices never go out of fashion and will be appreciated even more.

We've asked an architect how to add value to your home.  Jim Rill of Rill Architects gives his top choices of architectural features that will increase your home value at resale. 

1. Connecting the inside and outside

Indoor-outdoor living spaces are consistently popular with buyers who want to make the most of spending time outside in the backyards. Jim's main tip is: 'Designing outside spaces to be functional rooms by connecting the interior with the exterior via front and back porches, terraces, garden seating, and more are architectural elements that add value to a home.' 

The idea is to extend the use of the home outwards as much as possible and to have multiple outdoor access points that are easily accessible from the inside: 'It’s a way to experience the outdoors both from inside the house and outside, and expands entertaining and gathering spaces.'

2. Making bathrooms more spacious and adding closets

It won't surprise anyone that additional closet space makes a difference to the resale value of a home, but the focus is typically on walk-in closet ideas for bedrooms. While these will definitely add value, you should also think about building closet space into a bathroom. Jim says: 'Updating primary bathrooms and closets, such as actually having a place to dress and store clothing besides in the bedroom, adds value.

It makes total sense to incorporate additional clothes storage ideas into bathrooms – this makes changing into your pjs after a bath so much easier. 

3. Adding detail to ceilings

Finally, Jim recommends paying attention to your ceiling design. While ceilings typically aren't at the top of priority lists for homeowners, it turns out that buyers really notice a ceiling that's a bit out of the ordinary. Think beaming or molding, depending on the home's style. Jim comments: 'Adding ceiling detailing, such as wood and trim, improves the aesthetic appearance of a room, making it warmer and more welcoming.'

If you're renovating a home with selling in mind, adding these architectural features is guaranteed to get you a good return on your investment.