The old saying “you get what you pay for” is generally true. The quality of materials and craftsmanship tend to decrease and increase with cost. With home prices and interest rates still historically low, new homeowners are finding themselves with extra to money to spend on improving their homes. But which improvements are worth going the high-end route and which are better done at a savings?  

Let’s take a look at five purchases that are worth splurging for:

Kitchen counter tops.

 Your kitchen counters take a lot of abuse. Acidic foods eat at them, knives chop away at them, and it seems even everyday cleaners are trying to leave a dark stain on them. Going cheap will mean you’ll have to replace them much sooner. When it comes to your countertops, spend the extra money for stone. Granite, soapstone and slate are outstanding options. Coat them with impregnating sealer and keep them clean, and you’ll have a beautiful kitchen for years that also enhances your home’s resale value.

Living room sofa and loveseat.

Families used to bond over the dinner table, but now families spend less time sharing a meal and more time sharing episodes of their favorite television shows. According to the US Department of Labor, American families spend nearly 3 hours a day watching television. Add in video games, browsing the web on laptops and the amount of time spent on our mobile phones, and the couch becomes the hub of the whole household. If possible, spring for a high-end sofa made of durable, stain-resistant material that will stand up to the constant use your family will place on it. 

Bed mattress.

You spend 25 years of your life sleeping. If you are fortunate enough to live to be 75, that’s a third of your life. Your bed, more than any other piece of furniture is a huge part of your well-being. The right mattress and solid bed frame can help induce longer more productive sleep, which in turn reduces stress. Constant, unchecked stress can lead to chronic headaches, stomach issues, high blood pressure and even chest pain. When it comes to your bedroom, don’t skimp on the furniture, and go for the high-end bed with the proper balance of support and comfort. Trust us, your body and mind will be the better for it.

Siding.

Almost nothing instantly changes the look of your entire home like exterior siding. And nothing can make it look as drab as quickly as cheap siding, which is why it is important to pay more for a high-end option. Choose siding that will stand up to whatever Mother Nature throws at it. Find low-gloss, fade-resistant siding made of high-quality materials that won’t easily warp under extreme weather conditions. Good siding will not only give your home a clean, attractive look, but most high-end siding is energy-efficient as well, saving you money on monthly energy bills.

Outdoor decks.

 Improving your outdoor space with a deck is a great way to get the most use out of your backyard. Going with high-end materials and an experienced contractor can be the difference between creating a fun, active living space buyers covet and an eyesore buyers may see as a costly removal. Whether you choose wood or composite decking, go with the high-quality option. For wood decks, use treated lumber from a quality species like cedar. For composite, pay a little more for the option that will closely emulate wood and has a proven record of durability and fade-resistance.

Find Your Luxury Home Today

If you’re ready to find the perfect home with these features and more, contact the Maryland luxury home buying experts at Creig Northrop team today!